“ASOs never die… they just move to a higher spectrum!”
This tongue-in-cheek motto was alive and well at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, as ASOG stood proudly among an impressive lineup of aircraft, connecting the past, present, and future of the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) profession.
Held annually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, RIAT is more than just a charity event and airshow — it’s the world’s largest military aviation showcase, bringing together aircraft, aircrews and ISR capabilities from across the globe. It isn’t just about speed, noise and precision aerial aerobatics; it's about capability, collaboration, and career inspiration. For those interested in the future of airborne operations, it’s a front-row seat to innovation in action, proven by this year’s 180,000+ visitors – including thousands of young aviation students who will forever cherish their guided tour from cockpit to ISR operator console: ASOGs first mass outreach to future ASOs!
And this year, ASOG had boots on the ground — and systems on display.
ASOG Ambassador Georg, our first and long-time ASOG member, took the opportunity to engage directly with both current and aspiring ASOG members. Against the backdrop of modern ISR platforms and systems, Georg offered one-on-one demonstrations of airborne sensor operator systems and shared insights about the evolving ASO mission set. Whether he was fielding questions from young cadets or chatting with fellow professionals, our presence underscored ASOG’s commitment to outreach and professional growth.
One standout moment came as ASOG member Phil Linning posed with his F406 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), diving into a spirited comparison of ISR sensor suites — a perfect example of the collaborative spirit that defines ASOG. Richard Glyn, UK ASOG member, networked the event with the latest Hyper Spectral Optical Radar for airborne applications. ASOG member Marcus Gurtner, CSO at ABT, met with several international delegations showing SCARpod integrated ISR capabilities, strengthening the European presence and camaraderie that helps our community thrive. As a world-first, our sponsor Airborne Technologies made a direct marketing appeal to ASOG members, inviting them for a special ISR introduction in the aircraft – an example to be followed by our other sponsors…?!
From the ramp to the ready room, RIAT 2025 showed us that the ASO profession continues to capture imagination and evolve with technology. Thanks to all ASOG members in attendance, we’re reminded once again: this is a community built by professionals, for professionals — and it's only getting stronger.
Next events to watch for ASOG to spread its wings:
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