Royal Air Force

Norwichpaul. By "Exocet" is assume you mean French made Exocets launched at British targets (from French made Super Etendards)?

And my my didn't those Exocets look good on HMS Antrim, HMS Broadsword, HMS Brilliant.....?

And how many refurbished Canberras did the Argentine AF have?

Weapon sales have a habit of colliding with perceived threats.

As do widespread defence cuts.

T

A simple step by step guide to the closure of a site:

www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/9B7FA7D4-D57B-4A...9FCB93/0/leaf_16.pdf

Also this maybe worth a read:

www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B128153D-FB42-47...DD0B9CA/0/DEDP09.pdf

With the Farnborough Air Show starting next week, Jane's is reporting that the RAF has offered the Nimrod MRA4 and Tornado GR4 to the Stretegic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). Over five years this will realise billions in savings and as well as closure of three main operating bases (MOB) there will be additional savings from the reductions in the training requirement.

OK, as far as MOBs go, what will it be? The death knell has already sounded for for Lyneham, Cottesmore and probably Wittering. So the favourites have got to be Kinloss, Leeming and either Leuchars or Marham - my money would be on Leuchars for the chop. Perhaps Odiham might be chopped in favour of Benson?

What about savings in the training estate? Linton has got to be a cert for closure, with the possible advent of the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) PFI. That could spur some closures of minor units, such as Barkston Heath? As well as reductions in the flying training requirement, they could take a bite out of the Cadet forces, allowing the closure of other minor units such as Church Fenton, Syerston, Kirknewton, Kenley, Woodvale etc.

Anyone care to wield the hatchet any deeper?

Heard a rumour that Shawbury could close too within the next 5 to 10 years.

I think only Lossie will remain in Scotland. If the MR.4 comes into service I can see a home for that at Waddington.

Don't forget places like Scampton and Kirton in Lindsey, both also closing.

If we are not careful our airforce could end up the same size as it was in the early 30's - that would not be a good thing.

WJT;49414 wrote:

With the Farnborough Air Show starting next week, Jane's is reporting that the RAF has offered the Nimrod MRA4 and Tornado GR4 to the Stretegic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). Over five years this will realise billions in savings and as well as closure of three main operating bases (MOB) there will be additional savings from the reductions in the training requirement.

OK, as far as MOBs go, what will it be? The death knell has already sounded for for Lyneham, Cottesmore and probably Wittering. So the favourites have got to be Kinloss, Leeming and either Leuchars or Marham - my money would be on Leuchars for the chop. Perhaps Odiham might be chopped in favour of Benson?

What about savings in the training estate? Linton has got to be a cert for closure, with the possible advent of the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) PFI. That could spur some closures of minor units, such as Barkston Heath? As well as reductions in the flying training requirement, they could take a bite out of the Cadet forces, allowing the closure of other minor units such as Church Fenton, Syerston, Kirknewton, Kenley, Woodvale etc.

Anyone care to wield the hatchet any deeper?

A northern QRA will have to be retained, so Lossie or Leuchars will be needed. Having seen many reviews since I joined in 64 it is no good us chaps trying to apply logic or common sense; just a few weeks ago a Herc on an SF low level mission made an emergency wheels up on BZN's only runway. incoming flights were diverted to Manchester as for some reason Lyneham couldn't take them; once Lyneham closes will we see Manchester as the routine diversion for BZN may be we will built a military terminal there, and an OPs plus a cargo shed an RAF & army moverments detachment;
If a tanker has to be scrambled to support QRA ac and BZN is either fog bound or shut for other reasons ???????
Leeming could regain its fast jet status and mount northern QRA ( previously it did months about with Leuchars). Somewhere would have to be found for TSW 5001 sqn and 2 MT if Wittering goes ?? that could be leeming; or it could be Scampton, it seems even when the Reds go to Waddo, Scampton will remaim thier day to day practise base. a buggars muddle I suggest.
TED

As long as the sport of golf exists then Leuchars will stay open Ted. I personally think Kinloss will close, Marham will stay open as will Lossiemouth. A lot of the talk is just that talk. Mind you does the government have plans for what happens if Scotland votes for independence? Also as regards Leuchars, why not move 45 Commando to Leuchars?

Oh and as for Lyneham not taking Brizes aircraft the other month, I think thats all down to crash cat.

re golf I have said that on many occasions, but this CO & the previous have not bowed to the golf the way others have, In 2007 when the runway was shut there was a public row between the CO and the R&A because the golf jets had to land either at Dundee or Edinburgh. The CO put a stern stastement in the Courier that Leuchars was here to provide part of the nation's defence and not as a servant to golf !!! have you noticed flying has continued right through the Open this time ?/ I am in the poo with the locals I think golf is a disease and hate the inconvenience it causes I did a rain dance sunday night but somehow got a monsoon !! Did you know 58 Sqn RAF Regt are currently forming here. There would have to be some major building of single accom both for SNCOs & junior ranks to accomadate 45 Cmd. They could certainly save money moving SAR Boulmer to Newcastle, Lossie to Aberdeen, my mate is WO GEF/MTSS at Kinloss he says they have never been busier since the demise of Nimrod- even if it comes into service my money is on a severely reduced fleet going to Waddo.

TED

Glad to see that COs are starting to hit the golf lobby, but it does bring in money. In 2000 it was over 300k in landing fees. Moving SAR to a civil airfield, no problem apart from landing fees. And yes the civvies will bill them. What youve also forgotten with a Leuchars closure is that there would be no military airfield between Leeming and Lossiemouth. Thats a big area with no RAF "prescence" thats one reason for the airshow.

As for 45 Cdo, it has been suggested before. Yes lots of upheaval, but how much would MOD get for the land at Arbroath?

As for flying during the golf, they did fly during my last one as well.

Perhaps Odiham might be chopped in favour of Benson?

I would hope not , Odiham is the last RAF field in Hampshire, with that gone the only military fields would be the Army at Middle Wallop and - (stretching it a bit to call it an airfield ) the DARA at Fleetlands.