benbecula missile range

I hope that the hon. Gentleman knows, is sitting on this matter at present. Maximum range of operational missiles in the U.S. 2021. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) site in the Western Isles is operated by contractor QinetiQ, which has posted the advert on its internal website. SSGT Served from 1966 - 1981 Served in Royal Artillery Ranges Benbecula. Benbecula. June 17, 2009, Rockets move 'threatens' St Kilda. Will my right hon. Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Can the right hon. QinetiQ, a leading science and engineering company, the contractors operating the Hebrides Range on behalf of its owners the MoD, will invest approximately 60 million in modern tracking equipment, instrumentation and range infrastructure at the range which has facilities spread across three locations - Benbecula, South Uist and St Kilda. This is a very apt name for the island and it's solitary hill, Rueval, which is in fact a stepping stone between North and South Uist. The Ministry of the Defence (MoD) has had a tracking station on the isle since 1957. General views of site conditions at at the early stages of the construction of the Royal Artillery Range, Radar Installations at Benbecula Airport. Storas Uibhist owns large parts of Benbecula, Eriskay and South Uist. Mr Davis said the marketing campaign would attempt to attract both domestic and foreign investors to help develop new ideas for diversifying the economy of the islands. An army base was established in the 1950s and remains one of the main island employers as it is the headquarters for those who service the South Uist missile testing range. White Sands Missile Range. Harriett Baldwin, MP, minister for procurement, said: This new deal will ensure our Armed Forces get world-class training and testing facilities and services while making substantial efficiencies, ensuring excellent value for money for the taxpayer. "It is a positive message we are trying to get over, and we are encouraged that Mr Davies has honoured his promise to come here," he said. "They would have irreparably damaged the UK's defence capability and the economy of a fragile community as well as putting St Kilda, the UK's only dual world heritage site, at risk. Some welcomed the military, while others worried they were now targets. This developing industry requires space where such drones - usually quadrotors (quadrotor helicopter or quadrocopter) - can be safely tested. It would be contrary to practice to publish precise estimates of the cost of such projects, but it was of the order of 20 million. When the Royal Artillery pulled out, defence technology company QinetiQ took over the management of the site and there was a local campaign to keep the facilities open. This refers back to the 6th century when there was a monastery here and the ruins of Columba's Church can be found just south of the village. Money that would put in the projected savings into the shade.". Campaigners have warned that a loss of defence jobs in the Western Isles will have an impact equivalent to the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of Scotland both closing their doors in Edinburgh, or 300,000 jobs being axed in London. Benbecula and Uists MP asks Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy to intervene to save 125 missile range jobs Angus Macleod Monday September 14 2009, 1.00am BST, The Times Jim Murphy, the Scottish. "Its going to affect Uist in a big way. HIE chairman William Roe: "The action being proposed by the MoD is a devastating blow to the economy of the Uists and HIE is fully committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with its partner agencies and the community to challenge this decision. Rather than optimal and falloff range, missile range is determined by velocity and flight time, while missile damage is determined by the velocity and signature radius of the target and the explosion radius, explosion velocity, and damage . The leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, welcomed his support for a longer consultation period. About 125 jobs are set to be lost at a missile test firing range on the Western Isles are to go, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced. Chairman William Roe said: "This decision is testimony to the speed and determination shown by the community and its public agencies in putting together a number of compelling arguments which challenged the narrow perspective offered on current and future use of the range.". The species became restricted to the Hebridean islands on the west coast of Scotland. google_ad_type = 'text'; Military Equal Opportunity 24/7 Hotline. As part of the testing carried out during April 2002, the 16 billion aircraft successfully test fired an AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) on the South Uist range, which was reported to be the first firing of such a missile from a Eurofighter. Another part of the plan is to withdraw the military's permanent presence from St Kilda, the base for the tracking station for missiles fired, Angus Campbell, leader of Western Isles Council, was elected as chair of the Hebrides Range Task Force (HRTF) yesterday. A group of youngsters aged between ten and 21, mostly children of staff who could lose their jobs, plans to hold a protest when the minister arrives in Benbecula this morning. I think that the hon. Does he think that that is a genuine saving? Abandoned by its islanders in 1930, the only year-round inhabitants now are 12 QinetiQ workers staffing the missile monitoring station on Hirta, the main island of St Kilda. During the tests in April 2002, the 16 billion aircraft fired an Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile on the Hebrides test range, the first of this type of missile to be fired from a Eurofighter. Has the Minister no progress to report? Chief executive Kate Mavor said: "Without the support of the MoD and the infrastructure that they have in place there, there is no doubt that we would find it very difficult to give St Kilda the level of care and attention that it requires.". . Would the right hon. United States Air Force at White Sands Missile Range; United States Navy at White Sands Missile Range; Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Center for Countermeasures (CCM) Department of Defense Frequency Coordinator; The MoD said it would work closely with NTS and Scottish Natural Heritage on its plans for the St Kilda station. British forces have used UAV spy drones in Afghanistan. The Minister of Defence (Mr. Duncan Sandys): Sites on South Uist, Benbecula and Hirta on the St Kilda archipelago test and track guided weapons. Concerns are mounting about the future of 250 jobs linked to the testing of missiles on the Western Isles. The. This disastrous proposal from the MoD and QinetiQ will be fought strenuously by this community.". I think that the hon. Cape Verde Accommodation An official announcement yesterday confirmed that the MoD will reduce its work at South Uist missile range and remove all staff from a radar tracking station on St Kilda. [[!World War II]] HC Deb 04 December 1957 vol 579 cc385-90 385. - Hansard, March 19, 1957. [^Civil Defence (Hansard, 19 March 1957)^]. The preparatory works which have been carried out, or are in hand, amount to something under 500,000. The launch area is can be accessed with few restrictions when the missile range is not in operation, however, when the range is in use, access to most of the northwestern side of South Uist is restricted, and notices are posted by QinetiQ in a number of surrounding settlements giving details of the operating times. The lone policeman who tried to stem the Seoul crush, Aboriginal boy's killing puts spotlight on racism, Billions being spent in metaverse land grab. , p = document.createElement('script'); Gentleman also say whether the Ministry of Supply bears any responsibility for this scheme? Mr. MacMillan: Fruits. The command and control centre on South Uist has been earmarked for closure by 2014. Mr Boyle said: "If you look at the wildlife on the islands, up to 50% of it is reliant upon active crofting. Well. Balivanich is also known by it's Gaelic name, Baile a' Mhanaich which means 'town of the monks'. Clyde - two jobs to go with changes to control of underwater sonar and magnetic ranges The Missile Testing Range was built by the Royal Air Force between 1957 and 1958 to launch the Corporal Missile, Britain and America's first guided Nuclear Weapon and today consists of a Deep Range for complex weapons trials and in-service firings and an Inner Range for ground-based air defence campaigns. This project is an extremely important part of the arrangements which we are making for the defence of these islands, and I am quite sure that the people of South Uist are just as interested in that as anyone else. Nine contractors at the UK's largest missile range have been made redundant. Meanwhile, a spokesman for QinetiQ said that the MoD had previously "agreed in principle for the command and control centre on South Uist to close by 2013-2014, and for missile trials on the Hebrides to be controlled from Aberporth instead using new technology". Gentleman assure us that he has not purchased for South Uist the type of rocket that exploded last week in the United States of America? In 1993, the British population was estimated at just 480 males heard calling for mates. The missile testing range was built by the RAF between 1957 and 1958 to launch the Corporal missile, Britain and America's first guided nuclear weapon. Mr Davies and Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy previously met with campaigners in London. Mr. Bellenger: Speaking from the Hebrides Range base in Balivanich, Alan Dukes, MoD test team leader, said they would welcome a wide range of views during the consultation period. 'Missile trials' At present 215 people work at the Benbecula range, but acceptance of the modernisation proposals would see 125 jobs cut. - Hansard, November 20, 1957. [^Guided Weapons Range, The Hebrides (Hansard, 20 November 1957)^], HANSARD 18032005 1950s 1957 December 1957 4 December 1957 Commons Sitting 15 June 09 10:26 GMT. Guided Missiles Site, South Uist 1/10/1981: Batch Level: Photographs and Off-line Digital Images: PSA G/6496/1-20: Property Services Agency: General and detail views of progress and construction of the Royal Artillery Range, Radar . We are at present considering the possibility of restricting the scope of the scheme and I will make a further statement as soon as possible. About 20 posts to be cut The proposals, which the MoD claim will result in cost savings of 50 million over a 20-year period, centre on upgrading their existing air range base in Aberporth, Wales. Gentleman has wasted the livelihood of many of these people, and he has not even said one word in mitigation of the offence. A few days later, the same speaker was snubbed when he inferred that the presence of the range made huge areas of Scotland unsafe, and that evacuation procedures were needed: HANSARD 18032005 1950s 1957 March 1957 19 March 1957 Commons Sitting SCOTLAND Gentleman think that these are advantages for the Scottish population? The MoD said it would try to minimise the impact of recalling staff. "The promised cost savings would simply have moved costs from one government department to another. Peter Peacock, Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: "This is a very disappointing development and represents a real blow to the economy of the islands. The Western Isles site is the the UK's largest missile range. The R-36M (SS-18 Satan) is the world's longest-range ICBM with a range of 16,000km. However, he added: "Its fair to say that in terms of the consultation it would be unrealistic that we would tear it all up and start again, simply because we are confident that the depth of the analysis has covered all the avenues.". Mr. Sandys: A 30-working-day consultation period inviting views on the proposals began on 17 June. Can I now assure my constituents that there will be no further radical revisions; that this is the final decision of the Government on this scheme, which has had such a record of muddle and confusion all through? "People are apprehensive, fearful. West Freugh - no change in near future at the Wigtonshire site The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. ", He added: "An entire community has shaped itself to fulfil its needs of the range, a service and sacrifice which entailed forgoing many opportunities. The Hebridean range is described as the largest air and sea range in the UK. The Outer Hebrides Guide is published each year, and comes out at Easter, in time for the season. Will he now approach his colleagues in the Government Departments and ask them to be less niggardly in promoting major and very necessary schemes of economic developmentprojects of a permanently useful character and employing local people? These saw an increase in interest during the past year (2010) as the price fell for autonomous, or semi-autonomous types that did not require a skilled operator, and were both lighter and more robust than earlier radio-controlled helicopter variants. France is one of the world's major missile powers, with an array of sophisticated ballistic and cruise missile programs. Angus Campbell, leader of Western Isles council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and taskforce chairman, said the announcement was good news for the islands. - Hansard, March 13, 1957. [^Hansard, March 13, 1957. It will be operated remotely with staff only visiting for maintenance and servicing. Mr. Emrys Hughes: MEMBERS: "Saved?"] Proposals to cut defence jobs linked to testing submarine torpedoes in the Sound of Raasay have been dropped by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). John Swinney welcomed a three-week extension to the consulation period, but said it should last 90 days. He said: "All we're asking for is the time to prepare proposals. The MoD is seeking to make 50m of saving by 2028. People have been rendered homeless and landless and unemployed. The announcement was welcomed by Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, and Angus MacNeil, MP. Mr. MacMillan: June 18, 2009, Range job cuts may affect birds. })(); South Uist missile range lies on the northwest part of the island of South Uist, together with its local radar tracking station, immediately to the south of the island of Benbecula, where the airfield at Balivanich, RAF Benbecula, serves as the overall range headquarters and provides additional support facilities; the final part of the range is the remote radar tracking station installed on St Kilda, about 40 niles to the west. The taskforce set up to fight the cuts - part of plans aimed at saving about 50m - has already met Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy. - Hansard, April 3, 1957. [^Guided Missiles Site, South Uist (Hansard, 3 April 1957)^]. The minister is due to meet a taskforce opposed to the plans on Thursday. During the Persian Gulf War, I had a safe haven to escape the missiles. The taskforce's efforts were applauded by Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Peter Peacock. Colin Chance. It is in the far northeast of Scotland. 4480 9059, 4498 1849. Without the assistance of the MoD and QinetiQ the trust said the islands could lose their status as the UK's only dual Unesco World Heritage site. St Kilda is still a challenging site to manage due to its remote location, but this is very good news for us indeed.". [CDATA[ A spokesman for QinetiQ said the West Camp remained "open and operational". How the announcement affects UK air and sea weapons ranges: "St Kilda will allow him to see for himself just what a unique facility this is and the potential it has for expansion. I would remind the hon. The United States is the world's dominant military power. BBC News, June 17, 2009, Verbal volleys in rocket jobs row. On Tuesday, Mr Davies visited Hirta, St Kilda, where the range radar tracking station is located. Arriving At The Base. During these past weeks, I spent 11 days under missile attack and an unprecedented conflict on the ground. I will, with permission, Mr. Speaker, answer Question No. No automated processing by advertising systems is permitted. The radar station is staffed all year, mostly by civilian staff, while trust wardens stay on Hirta from April to September. The facilities are expected to be closed by 2014. A rocket test range on the Western Isles could be turned around to make a profit, the chairman of community landowner Storas Uibhist has argued. Group of buildings constructed between early 1970s and 1980s. He said if the crofting stopped, the grasslands would be lost. Highlands and Islands Enterprise chairman William Roe said: "Given the magnitude of the social and economic impact the proposed job losses would have, we are calling for an extension to the consultation period. At the height of the summer testing season, several hundred British Army personnel were stationed on the island. In a statement, he said he had been impressed by the arguments for saving the sites. The US is the world's biggest user and developer of unmanned aircraft - including the 38m MQ-9 Reaper. Mr. Emrys Hughes: I recognise the need to clarify the position as quickly as possible. Mr Murphy's announcement was met by cheers from staff. List of Indian Missiles with Range (Cruise Type) : Brahmos. All other areas on Benbecula range between 74% (Lionacleit) and 62% (Gramsdale and Uachdar ). Mr. Hughes: 54. In the period 2001/2002, the Benbecula Airport was reported to have benefited from a 500,000 upgrade, completed in readiness for its participation in the Eurofighter Typhoon test project. Allen Woodrow. Will the Minister's consideration take into account the fact that the lowest estimate for this scheme was 15 million, and that one was 20 million? ", Angus Brendan MacNeil, the SNP MP for the Western Isles, put an emergency motion to the Commons yesterday, calling for a debate. Mr MacNeil said: "This is really a warning shot to the defence minister that if he does axe the jobs, the defence select committee will still maintain an interest in what is going on and there are a number of questions around the haste with which the decision has been made.". The range head lies near West Geirinish, to the west of Loch Bee and Rueval on South Uist, where the ground launch areas are sited and provide missile launching, preparation and maintenance facilities. "We believe it could earn considerable amounts, not just for QinetiQ, but also the government. Mr. Emrys Hughes: There are a number of sites throughout the island, including the rangehead, complete with missile launch areas, at West Geirinis. South Uist Rocket Range I note that the MoD say they will consider workable alternatives and that is a task everyone must look at closely. Member wants, namely, seeing how far we can reduce to the absolute minimum the demands that we shall have to make upon land and the expenditure that we shall have to incur out of the taxpayers' money.

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