THE SHARP END [Main Title]

The vital rôle of the armourer in the RAF.

Armourers are responsible for all RAF weaponry and are thus "at the sharp end". Training at RAF Technical School, Halton: classroom and practical exercises paralleled with civilian apprenticeship. (Gliding for recreation.) Junior technician works on "ready to use" Sparrow air-air missile; Harrier armed. Armourers servicing ejector seats (stress on meticulous care). Phantoms on runway, seats checked. Two basic armourer types: second line servicing (in hangar, testing etc) and first line servicing (direct contact with aircraft as part of ground crew). Phantom during "turnaround" at airfield. Harrier serviced "in the field" by mobile team of armourers; she takes off, fires missiles and hits targets, watched by satisfied armourers.

16mm