Ex INVICTA SHOT

‘The Final Hebs’

In September 2020, the Fitter Section of 30 Battery (Roger’s Company) had the opportunity to witness Rapier firing live in the UK. LCpl Terry reports back on their deployment to the Hebrides.

Fitter Section Artificer: SSgt Terrill

30 Battery (Roger’s Company) from 16 Regiment Royal Artillery deployed on Exercise INVICTA SHOT 20/2 between 4 - 25 September 2020. The significance of this exercise is that it was the last time that Rapier was fired live in the UK (under current planning). The deployment involved a road move to the Isle of South Uist in the Hebrides Archipelago, a total distance of approximately 840 miles, with 15 days technical firing. This exercise was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Rapier firing live within the UK. This exercise has provided brilliant training to both Technicians and Vehicle Mechanics of the Regiment in the past, and all agreed that the Hebridean experience is definitely something else and to not be missed. The long-term effect of this exercise is that it allows 30 Bty to deploy to the Falkland Islands to operate the Rapier FSC in 2021.

The journey spanned across the UK, travelling between ATR Grantham, Barry Budden Training Camp and its ‘5-star accommodation’, and finally Benbecula. The formation of the convoy consisted of the Royal Artillery leading the way with the Royal Logistics Corps suppliers and REME at the back of each travel packet. This was to ensure there was always at least one Vehicle Mechanic (VM) with each packet to provide intimate ES.

Once all packets of the convoy made their way to the Qinetic site on South Uist, REME set up in the Workshop that was provided, which turned out to be an ideal environment for working in. The VMs could get working on the vehicles straight away and the Technicians were ready to assist the RA with any and all Rapier faults. REME personnel were available to provide a niche capability of support in response to any and all issues that arose.

Over the course of the exercise, both the RA and REME gained a tremendous amount of experience with the Rapier Air Defence system. For the RA, the exercise provided practical training with the system, including live firing at a Banshee drone target. For some members of the RA, this was their first time firing live missiles, whereas others had previous live-firing The epic route from experience in the Hebrides. There was also a great Thorney Island to Benbecula opportunity to relax during our time up there. There was a great opportunity to cycle around the Island or undertake physical training in what could be said is a beautiful location; but not when it is raining.

For REME personnel, and especially the Electronics Technicians, the exercise provided a non-stop stream of faults to investigate and repair, in order to maintain the RA’s ability. This provided a great learning experience and an in-depth look into some of the equipment. Some of the repair tasks completed included, stripping down an Active Surveillance (AS) trailer to replace a core component, chasing faults through a launcher’s thermal imaging system and replacing the transmitter in an AS. The Vehicle Mechanics were a great help maintaining the MAN SVs, which towed the Rapier trailers, crucial for the journey there and back. They also assisted in power supply faults on the Rapier.

For a couple of us, it was our first exercise at Regimental level and, while we were away from home, it did feel like another day at work once we completed the drive and had set up the Workshop. It was a great learning experience for the whole Fitter Section in preparations for the Battery deployment to the Falkland Islands in 2021. We also look forward to working on the Sky Sabre air defence system in the future, once Rapier is out of service. 30 Bty, including the Fitter Section, will be the final Resident Rapier Battery in the Falklands in 2021.