Weybridge Branch: 51 Squadron and Airborne Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

Air Commodore Bill Tyack CBE FRAeS FRIN presents an in-depth examination of No. 51 Squadron and the history of airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations. This lecture draws back the curtain on a squadron and area of operations that were cloaked in secrecy for many years.

Bill Tyack, who commanded No. 51 Squadron during the 1980s, begins with an explanation of airborne SIGINT capabilities before tracing their development from "The Battle of the Beams" in 1940 through the Second World War. He then covers the Cold War history of 192 and 51 Squadrons, describing the capability and operations of the Nimrod R signals intelligence aircraft.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of the squadron's current operations with the Rivet Joint aircraft, drawing on open-source information. This is an exceptional opportunity to hear from a senior RAF officer with direct command experience of this specialised and historically secretive capability.

The event is held at Brooklands Museum Clubhouse in Weybridge, Surrey. RAeS membership is not required, and all are welcome. An entry donation of £5.00 is requested (card payment at the door), though this is waived for those under 21 or holders of a current Student Union card. The Brooklands Club Members bar opens from 17:45, with pre-order food facilities available. Certificates of Attendance for C.Eng or CPD purposes are available on request.