AIR CADETS PLATFORM UNVEILED
A HIGH-TECH platform aimed at promoting the Air Cadet organisation nationwide has been officially unveiled at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.
The Air Cadet Community (ACE) Engagement platform, funded by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, was officially handed over by Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire who also unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. The trailer was received by Air Cdre Ian Stewart (Commandant Air Cadets) in the presence of Chief of Air Staff Sir Glenn Torpy , who also cut a ribbon to officially open the facility.
The platform has been designed as a mobile facility, containing computer suites and flight simulators, which is able to travel around the country to engage a wide audience, particularly in remote locations throughout the UK. The aim is to allow the Air Cadet organisation to show that it's a dynamic high-tech modern organisation which mirrors the sophisticated technology of the RAF itself.
At the unveiling, Air Cdre Ian Stewart said: "The idea of an interactive Air Cadet Engagement Platform is exciting and innovative, and I'm delighted that our concept has been generously sponsored by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. The Air Cadet Organisation offers more activities to young people than any other youth organisation in the United Kingdom and this ACE platform adds another dimension to it. On behalf of the 44,000 Air Cadets, I offer my gratitude to the Trust for supporting us and helping us remain the best youth organisation in the world."
Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire said: "The Trust is delighted to have made such a large contribution towards the ACE Platform. It is an ideal vehicle for promoting air-mindedness amongst the youth of today; it can be deployed to the heart of deprived areas, giving underprivileged youngsters a chance to see and experience high-tech aviation close to their own backyards; it is equipped with the very latest technology which certainly has a 'wow factor'; but, more importantly, it demonstrates the world in which the contemporary RAF and its Air Cadets now routinely operate.
"Every year, we rely on around 700 Air Cadets who volunteer to come and help run the Air Tattoo here at Fairford. RIAT 2009 is therefore the perfect time and place to hand over a facility of this sort to the Air Cadets at large."
The platform looks set to go down well, judging by the enthusiasm with which Air Cadets were trying it out. Cadet Cpl Andrew Evans, 16, from 2353 Sqn, Caerphilly, said: "I've never seen anything like it. I tried the main flight simulator which was touch-sensitive, almost like flying the real thing. It's very excellent!"
The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £895,000 to a wide range of projects and initiatives.
