A RAF Tornado GR4 crew recently identified a deadly roadside bomb on a sortie overflying Farah Province, western
Afghanistan.Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Rick Redgwell and his Weapon Systems Officer were on a routine mission when they identified suspicious activity on the ground.The crew had been in the air for around 3 hours providing armed overwatch and road route clearance for ground forces. Using the Tornado GR4’s Litening III targeting and reconnaissance pod, the crew observed five individuals acting suspiciously by the roadside. “It was clear from the very start that this was unusual and suspicious activity,” Flight Lieutenant Redgwell said.
A radio message was immediately sent by
the aircrew to US Marine Corps troops operating in the area, warning of a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED), the deadliest threat against troops in Afghanistan.
Flight Lieutenant Redgwell added: “Dusk was approaching and the sun was just about to set, but thanks to the Tornado’s all weather, night and day capability, we could send excellent live video footage from the cockpit down to commanders on the ground.”
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, from the US Army’s 807 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron was directed to the location with information provided by the Tornado crew.
The Tornado remained in the air with the crew providing further armed overwatch and route clearance for the EOD team’s approach to the device. Flight Lieutenant Redgwell said: “Surveying the ground, metre by metre, ensures safe passage and flank protection for the guys on the ground.”
On arrival, the EOD team confirmed that an IED had been placed on the roadside. The device was quickly rendered safe by using a remote controlled bomb disposal robot.
The Tornado remained in the air with the crew providing further armed overwatch and route clearance for the EOD team’s approach to the device. Flight Lieutenant Redgwell said: “Surveying the ground, metre by metre, ensures safe passage and flank protection for the guys on the ground.”
On arrival, the EOD team confirmed that an IED had been placed on the roadside. The device was quickly rendered safe by using a remote controlled bomb disposal robot.
Litening III Imagery
Wing Commander Jim Frampton.
A Kandahar-Based Tornado GR4
RAF Tornado crew
prevent roadside bombing
prevent roadside bombing
13 May 2011