Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit

The Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit (SAOEU) has its origins in the RAF's Tornado Operational Evaluation Unit (TOEU) which was formed on 1 September 1983 after the earlier introduction of the Panavia Tornado GR1 to the RAF during 1981.[1] Boscombe Down in Wiltshire was chosen as the home of the TOEU, to benefit from working alongside the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) which already carried out various aircraft and weapons trials. Equipped with two Tornado GR1s, the TOEU's role was to test and evaluate the Tornado's weapons aiming systems, terrain following radar and conduct other trials as required. Although only anticipated to be in existence for two years, it became clear there was further requirements for development and trials work which justified the retention of the unit.[2][3]

The Tornados were joined by the BAE Harrier GR.5 in 1988, a Harrier T.4A also joined at some point[4] and to reflect the wider range of aircraft operated, the unit was officially retitled as the Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit (SAOEU) on 5 October 1987.[5] The majority of work involving the Harrier focussed on developing tactics and operating procedures for the new Harrier GR7.[3]

During the mid 1990s the RAF upgraded the SEPECAT Jaguar fleet and therefore in 1996 the Jaguar was added to the SAOEU's fleet.[2]

By 2001, the unit operated three Tornados, three Harriers and one Jaguar.[6]

On 1 April 2004, after sixteen years of operations, the SAOEU was merged with the Tornado F3 OEU (based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire) and the Air Guided Weapons OEU (based at RAF Valley in Anglesey), to form the Fast Jet Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit (FJWOEU) which established its home at RAF Coningsby. The FJWOEU later merged with the Fast Jet Test Squadron on 1 April 2006 and took on the No. 41 Squadron numberplate, to become No. 41 (Test and Evaluation) Squadron.[7]

The Special Projects Team (SPT) flight was led by a Flight Lieutenant and was tasked with fitting experimental modifications for trial or urgent requirements to all three of the SAOEU's aircraft types. The team was responsible for drafting the engineering procedures to allow others to implement the modifications once they have been approved.[9]

The unit deployed to the United States on an annual basis for a series of trials codenamed Exercise Highrider. Based at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake in California, the unit took advantage of the favourable climate and extensive range facilities at China Lake and the Nellis Test and Training Range in Nevada. Highrider exercises allowed the unit to drop live weaponry on a more reliable basis than in the UK, where the only range where live weapons can be used is at Cape Wrath in the Scottish Highlands.[6][11]

The SAOEU also regularly took part in Combined Qualified Weapons Instructor (CQW) course and NITEX exercises at RAF Leuchars in Fife, where the operated alongside other RAF and NATO units.[6]