Emlyn included in planned new test zone for unmanned warplanes

2 July 2008

The Tivyside Advertiser reports this week that:

“Permission is being sought to set up a permanent segregated airspace around Parc Aberporth so that frequent testing of unmanned aircraft can take place over land.

“The first announcement of the move was made at the annual unmanned systems show at the parc this week.

“A full public consultation is promised on the proposal this autumn, involving organisations and local councils over a wide area - from Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn and Llandysul, possibly as far as Lampeter.”

Research into UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) is mainly funded by the military. They are already used by the US and Israel to carry out reconnaissance and attacks. It is widely believed that the current generation of warplanes will be the last to actually carry human pilots.

Boeing Advert

Aerospace company Boeing in a high profile advertising campaign in 2006 exploited its close connections with the Welsh Assemby Government for public relations purposes. (click on advert on left for larger version). The advert only refers to developing “environmental and agricultural applications for unmanned aerial vehicles”. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is the second-largest defence contractor in the world with a $30.5 billion turnover. It is responsible for 56% of Boeing’s total income. The Aberporth base has been a military weapons test establishment since 1948. The idea that Boeing’s UAV research at Aberporth has no military component is laughable.

The quote below from the WAG Cabinet Sub Committee on Jobs and Skills - JS(05-06)06 in November 2005 lists other companies invoved with UAV’s at Aberporth. Although it includes IGER - The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in Aberystwyth, arms-related companies predominate. ASTRAEA stands for “Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation and Assessment”. QinetiQ is a leading British “defence technology” company. The British Ministry of Defence’s “Watchkeeper Programme” is the biggest UAV programme in Europe.

“Unmanned Systems - Welsh Assembly Government is now clearly regarded as a global lead authority and player in the UAV sector, following its leadership and support of UK industry’s R&D programme ASTRAEA, its development of a collaborative UAV market development programme with Boeing, QinetiQ and IGER, and the highly successful ParcAberporth Unmanned Systems 2005 event which demonstrated the first ever UK flight of a large UAV, the Israeli Hermes 450, part of the MoD’s major Watchkeeper programme.”
Andrew Davies AM
Economic Development and Transport Minister”

Here is a promo film made by Boeing to sell its X-45 UCAV.

West Wales is already used by manned warplanes and Aberporth has been used for decades to test missiles and ordinance offshore. Most residents of the area and most elected representatives seem content with that. Will the the extension of the testing zone for UAV’s inland and above our heads be a cause for concern or protest? Will the “consultation” being promised over the proposals be anything more than a sham?

Whatever your feelings, please contact your elected representatives and let them know.