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Tactical Supply Wing RAF

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The Tactical Supply Wing (TSW), a/k/a "Tiswas" was formed at RAF Stafford in late 1970 and became operational in January 1971.[1] Tiswas was sent on its first operational deployment to Northern Ireland in 1971. Elements of TSW have deployed around the world to support British and NATO helicopter units in most major exercises and conflicts since it was formed.

Tiswas' primary role is supporting the deployment of helicopter operations, specialising in providing rotors-turning refuelling to helicopters and field refuelling of fixed-wing aircraft; this can done from the back of a transport aircraft, or deploy-able storage facilities, such as bowsers or pillow tanks, often in the field or at austere temporary sites.[2][3]

The unit is still at Stafford, but the base is now called Beacon Barracks which houses 16 Signal Regiment and No. 1 Armoured Division.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ "Tactical Supply Wing | RAF Heraldry Trust". www.rafht.co.uk. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  2. ^ "RAF flies into action for training exercise at Shawbury". www.shropshirestar.com. 31 January 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  3. ^ "RAF team keeps rotors turning over Afghanistan - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  4. ^ "Soldiers march through Stafford as part of Battle of Britain commemorations". ITV News. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  5. ^ "Homes plan for returning soldiers". BBC News. 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2018.