CONFIDENTIAL
3RD DRAFT
The Royal Air Force, with one of the largest real-time computer
systems in Europe, will be the first Service to have a totally
centralised network, controlling supply on a world-wide basis.
There will be over 600 visual display units and associated printers
distributed among all self-accounting units in the United Kingdom
and West Germany. Many routine clerical tasks will be eliminated.
36. A new Controllerate of Engineering and Supply was set up on
1 November 1973 and Royal Air Force Engineering and Supply staffs
at the Ministry of Defence have been integrated under one Controller
to provide for the co-ordinated management and development of
support in the Royal Air Force.
Further studies are examining the
extent to which management can be improved by integrating Engineering
and Supply staffs at Command Headquarters and Royal Air Force
staticns,
Logistic Support
37. The Royal Air Force is using the international collaborative
aircraft programme as
a further means of cutting RAF support
coste. The principle of inter-dependent logistics is being followed
in developing the support arrangements for the Multi-Role Combat
Aircraft.
INTER-SERVICE CO-ORDINATION OF SUPPORT
38. There has been further rationalisation of supply and engineering
support. Since March 1973 the Royal Air Force has been responsible
for supplying aircraft spares to all three Services. The scheme
for rationalising the support of new equipments to be used by more
than one Service has gone well.
VI-13
CONFIDENTIAL