In April members of the first and second cohorts along with two members of staff travelled to RAF base Spadeadam, not far from Carlisle. The bus to the base was filled with an air of anticipation and excitement as this was the first time the SPADS CDT had the opportunity to visit a site like this. RAF Spadeadam is the largest RAF Station, covering 9600 acres, and is used as a practise site for members of the Armed Forces and NATO. It is of significant historical importance as it was the test establishment for 'Blue Streak', Britain's intended Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM). It is also the only Electronic Warfare Tactics facility in Europe where aircrews can practise manoeuvres and tactics against a variety of threats and targets that they face in contemporary warfare. On arrival we were welcomed by Wing Cdr Matt Lawrence who talked us through the history of the site and gave us an overview of the work currently carried out at the base. This was very interesting and gave us a good insight into how some of our students’ current research could be implemented in real life. Wing Cdr Lawrence then took us on a tour of the base where we saw a number of manufacturing areas, Blue Streak itself and some of the equipment used in practice manoeuvres. We were able to see how the technicians build equipment to specific requirements for different clients to enable them to test their equipment. After an excellent lunch in the Mess, we were hosted by Plt Off Charlie Cass who showed us round the rest of the site. This included a visit to the Armoury, visiting the original Blue Streak test site platforms and the opportunity to see the complexity of the logistics and operations of the base. Our last activity for the day was the chance to climb inside a couple of tanks! Sitting in the tanks brought a new sense of perspective of what the Armed forces experience in these vehicles. It also emphasised how the CDT’s research can actively contribute to improved equipment and therefore operating conditions for those involved. This trip was a fantastic day and gave us all the chance to interact with equipment that many of our students are working with in their research. It was a great opportunity to see the potential impact of their research for end users and find out more about real life operations in the Armed Forces. Publication date 08 May, 2026
