Aircraft
Change to NERC aircraft management
In response to the findings of a review of NERC aircraft capability, the NERC executive has decided to create an integrated fleet of aircraft for NERC research, survey and polar logistics, combining the airborne capabilities of ARSF (Airborne Research & Survey Facility) and BAS (British Antarctic Survey).
The integrated fleet will build on the internationally recognised skills of ARSF and BAS to provide a worldwide capability and to give the environmental science community access to a range of aircraft platforms and instrumentation. Discussions will start early in 2013 on how the combined capability, which will be managed by BAS, will be operated. An airborne-science planning system, similar to that currently used for research ship cruises will be introduced.
Subject to resolution of remaining issues of certification and instrument fit, the integrated fleet will comprise the five aircraft (Dash 7 and four Twin Otters) currently operated by BAS. NERC will maintain the current volume and capability through much better use of the BAS operated planes (which are currently fully utilised only during the southern hemisphere summer). This will enable NERC to reduce the number of its aircraft, and the Dornier 228 currently operated by ARSF will no longer be deployed.
The BAe 146 aircraft used by FAAM is managed and operated separately as a NERC/Met Office partnership.
We provide comprehensive airborne research capability for the benefit of the environmental science community. We currently have two aircraft available to our scientists:
- Dornier 228 - operated by the Airborne Research & Survey Facility (ARSF) based at Gloucester Airport
- BAe 146 - operated by Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) based at Cranfield
These aircraft operate around the globe on major international projects, providing vital support to our science programmes.
Contact details
Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements
Dr Guy Gratton
Tel: 01234 754411
Airborne Research & Survey Facility
Captain Carl Joseph
Tel: 01452 859945
Recognised Facility
Airborne GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh