Further Information on Air Observer Teams Supporting the Olympic

Further Information on
Air Observer Teams
Supporting the
Olympic Air Security Plan
During the Olympic and Paralympic Games
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phone:
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phone:
07879 603506
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phone:
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Information that you may want to know about the Armed Forces contribution
to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in your area
Safety and Security
To support the delivery of a safe and secure Olympic
Games, the Secretary of State for Defence announced last
year that the Armed Forces would support the Police and
the Olympic Organisers (LOCOG). These include Typhoon
aircraft, helicopters, HMS Ocean and Ground Based Air
Defence systems.
The Olympic Security Plan includes an air security plan
to protect the restricted airspace that will be in place
over London. As well as talking with the general aviation
community, the plan includes Royal Air Force Typhoon
aircraft to intercept suspect aircraft, helicopters and the
use of Ground Based Air Defence systems in conjunction
with Air Observers to monitor and provide early warning of
unauthorised aircraft in the air space over London.
British Army and Royal Air Force Air Observers will be based
at 16 locations which offer an excellent view of the airspace
around London.
Air Observers will be equipped with thermal imaging
binoculars and the Air Detection Alerting Device (ADAD)
which will assist the teams in detecting and identifying
any suspicious activity in the sky. The improved detection
capability, as part of an overall air security capability for the
London Games, will also help to deter hostile acts.
It is not unusual for the civil authorities to seek assistance
from the Armed Forces when there is a significant and large
public event in the UK and the Olympics is no different.
Similar capabilities to those described here have been used
at every recent Olympic Games.
During the Games
The Air Observers will be deployed for the period of the
Games from mid July.
Profile of the Equipment
Air Detection Alerting Device (ADAD). This is a thermal
imaging system that detects the heat given off by aircraft.
It does not emit any signal itself and will work in all kinds of
weather and during both day and night-time. It can detect
hostile aircraft and helicopter targets flying at low levels
and at high speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long will the Armed Forces Air Observers be in their
current position?
The Armed Forces will be present throughout the Olympic
and Paralympic Games, for a period of approximately
2 months.
Why did the Armed Forces chose this location?
This location was selected because it offers an excellent
view across the local area and approaches to London from
the air. It is part of a wider Air Defence deployment and
supports our other Air Defence locations. The site offers a
flat and uncluttered area from which to operate safely.
Are there no other suitable buildings nearby?
This site has proved to be the best available site in this area
for the ADAD system.
Is the equipment noisy?
The equipment is not noisy. It is operated from mains
electricity or operated by a silent generator which the
Ministry of Defence has procured for the Games.
Will the Armed Forces be there 24/7?
During the deployment, there will be a presence of up to 8
Service personnel on site 24/7. They may be supported by
the Ministry of Defence Police.
Will the soldiers be armed whilst they are on site?
No. Armed Forces personnel will not be armed whilst on
site. However, if police are deployed to the site, they
will be armed.
Is there a threat of a terrorist attack against the London or
the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
There is currently no evidence of a specific threat against
the site, London or the Olympic Games.
Will having air detection systems on our building
make us a target?
The presence of Air Observers does not make the site
a target
Further Enquiries
Further information on the deployment of Armed Forces
personnel and equipment can be obtained by calling:
07879 603506.
Please leave a message and a representative of the Ministry
of Defence will call you back promptly.
Alternatively, please send your enquiry by e-mail to:
[email protected].
If you would like further information, please visit our
website at:
http://www.mod.uk.DefenceInternet/
DefenceNews/InDepth/
OperationOlympicsDefenceSupportToLondon2012.htm.