Runway upgrade, RAF Brize Norton

RAF Brize Norton required an upgrade of the existing runway, taxiways and lighting to meet project CATARA requirements and maintain functional use of airfield.

In March 2005 Interserve was appointed by Defence Estates to deliver the work under the South East Regional Prime Contect (SE RPC), being one of the first projects to commence. The project was divided into three phases and Interserve delivered a fully operational runway with associated CAT II Airfield; Ground Lighting (AGL); and Control Management System (CMS) meeting relevant defence standards.

The first comprised the Bolthole period with RAF Fairford when the main runway and AGL works were completed by the end of the agreed Bolthole period. Once flying operations had resumed at Brize Norton the delivery of the taxiway perimeter road, BAK 14 Arrestor and Rotary Hydraulic Arrestor Gear (RHAG) installation commenced. The project team managed a significant change caused by failure of the client specified slurry sealing on taxiways to be fit for purpose. A subsequent customer change to remove the RHAG Hardware and edge sheave protection together with the prolonged installation of a new AGL control system saw a further phase with full handover occurring in July 2007.

Achievements

• Innovation – Use of Bolthole period with RAF Fairford to maintain Programme. Interserve also was the first to introduce a Digital Control Management System, on a military establishment and Instrument Runway Visual Range system (IRVR)
• Added value – Quick procurement maintained operational use of airfield. We also accommodated the existing and future needs of the RAF CATARA project by enhancing use and extending the operational life of the runway by at least 15 years
• Industry standard – Installed in accordance with MoD JSP 554, meeting relevant CAA standards and with due cognisance of all statutory building regulations
• Runway and taxi way installation – Meeting defence standards and integrated with existing establishment infrastructure
• Omni directional light fittings installed – Increasing the flexibility of runway use
• Capital cost management – Use of stone mastic asphalt where possible – readily available and more economical than Marshall asphalt. Also, reduced labour cost and enabling works associated with night time working
• Sustainable development – Reduced traffic movement through surrounding villages and effectively discharged road sweepings by installing sediment tanks on disused runway