JADTEU development, trials and training
Updated 8 December 2022
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We are an Air and Space Warfare Centre Unit, part of No. 1 group, located at RAF Brize Norton. The unit comprises 108 military and civilian personnel, commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel.
1. Our responsibilities
Our primary role is to conduct operational trials and evaluation to develop the delivery by air of personnel, machines and materiel on behalf of sponsors.
In addition we provide advice and recommendations to MOD sponsors, other government departments, civilian industry and foreign governments on all air transport matters.
The unit, comprising of 5 lead sections and technical support staff, undertakes a wide variety of tasks as follows:
1.1 Air Portability section
The Air Portability (AP) Section develops techniques and procedures for the loading and restraint of vehicles and equipment inside fixed and rotary winged aircraft. They provide advice on all air portability issues and regularly provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to MOD agencies and the wider aviation community. At the design and build stage of equipment projects, the section also provide advice to ensure optimal air transport solutions. Recent activity includes the clearance of Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket aboard a C17, as seen below. JADTEU support ensured the item could travel safely from the USA to Spaceport Newquay, ahead of the first space launch from UK soil.
1.2 Aerial Delivery section
The Aerial Delivery Section enables the deployment by air of vehicles, boats, equipment and materiel through development, trials and training. The section supports developmental, and delivers operational, test and evaluation of parachute and free drop delivery systems from rotary and fixed wing aircraft. REME and RLC expertise is utilised through engineering and logistical excellence, to support operations and humanitarian relief.
1.3 Helicopter and Training section
The Helicopter & Training section clear equipment and materiels for flight, as helicopter underslung loads for subsequent routine use in UK military worldwide commitments and undertakes the preparation of uncleared equipment. The section is also responsible for the training of all military, police and overseas allies’ instructors in abseiling and fast roping from helicopters. These skills can be used to board ships during United Nations embargo inspections, troop insertion into confined areas, or during hostage rescues.
1.4 The Parachuting Test Team (PTT)
The Parachuting Test Team are responsible for the continued developmental, operational test and evaluation of Military Parachute Systems and ancillaries from multiple aircraft. They also ensure that the specific drills and procedures are in place for the delivery of Airborne and Special Forces personnel by parachute systems, both Static Line (SL) and Free Fall (FF) into the battlefield. This includes High Altitude Low Opening (HALO), High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) and Low-Level Parachute (LLP) methods of insertion.
1.5 Engineering section
The Engineering section utilise a SQEP team of trade specialists to provide engineering airworthiness advice for all JADTEU’s outputs. The section design and manufacture Prototype Equipment to support trials and are proud to be one of 3 defence organisations to have DAOS accreditation for the design of mechanical installation fittings on military aircraft. Engineering designers create and maintain drawings and can undertake Finite Element Analysis of components. A well equipped workshop is at the forefront of in service capability.
1.6 Technical Support
A wide array of specialist staff including SQEP technical illustrators, digital printer, designers, technical authors and IT, are key enablers in JADTEU’s enviable position as a self-contained ‘one-stop-shop’. Graphics personnel create technical illustrations for schemes and clearances. The Media Centre is pivotal to the online publishing and authoring of the Unit’s digital output. Photographers provide comprehensive digital stills and video capability for safety assurance and data capture.
2. JADTEU Association
If you are a former member of JATE, JATEU or JADTEU and any of its ancestors we do hope that you will decide to join the JATE/JATEU/JADTEU Association as we are confident that you will enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that will be rekindled at our biennial reunions.
A membership form can be obtained by contacting the membership secretary.
Meanwhile, if you should have any questions regarding association membership, please do not hesitate to contact the Association Secretary:
Telephone: +44(0)300 152 8558 or the
Membership Secretary on +44(0)1993 897843
3. Related information
- JADTEU training courses and application form: troop Insertion and Extraction Systems (TIES) manager and instructor training only accessible via the MOD internal network
- Air and Space Warfare Centre task initiation form only accessible via the MOD internal network
- JADTEU Lloyd’s Register Certificate of Approval
- JADTEU on Facebook