RAF Lyneham to Close?

[Garry Russell]

Certainly looks like it

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wilt ... 034880.stm

Garry

[Nigel H-J]

The MoD said the decision had been taken following a review into how many RAF aircraft would be based around the UK.

Very few by the looks of things!! :-(

Nigel.

[DaveB]

This has been in the offing for a long time.. so much so that it's been a case of when not if. Always sad to see a military base close as they rarely open again. It's another sign of the times I'm afraid :-(

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Garry Russell]

About five years Dave....but it seemed there was hope it could be saved with the helicopters.

Now it seems it's fate is sealed :-(

Garry

[Chris558]

It is sad indeed...but good for me as it means the future of my local, Benson is now much brighter! And Brize will be nice and busy!

But in reality, I think this is a bad decision. Although Brize is undergoing expansion work in prep for the Hercs, I just don't think it's big enough - it's the wrong shape, whereas Lyneham has a much more squarer ramp and seems to look bigger.

Making Lyneham the Helo superbase would probably have made more sence, although Benson is quite well equipped with the Flight sims.

It's just another cost cutting operation, of course, but what if the coldwar starts up again some day, will we have enough Airbases to cope?

[Filonian]

Shame. :-(

I have heard the same of Leeming. Been told all the aircraft have gone and it will be a communications base.

Don't know how true it is though.

Graham

[Hot_Charlie]

But in reality, I think this is a bad decision. Although Brize is undergoing expansion work in prep for the Hercs, I just don't think it's big enough - it's the wrong shape, whereas Lyneham has a much more squarer ramp and seems to look bigger.

Maybe in the light of current operational theatres and available ramp space, we could base a Sqn of Herc Js at Akrotiri.

Ok, it'll never happen, but be nice though.

[Hot_Charlie]

Shame. :-(

I have heard the same of Leeming. Been told all the aircraft have gone and it will be a communications base.

Don't know how true it is though.

Graham

100Sqn and Northumbrian UAS still there for the time being.

[Prop Jockey]

But in reality, I think this is a bad decision. Although Brize is undergoing expansion work in prep for the Hercs, I just don't think it's big enough - it's the wrong shape, whereas Lyneham has a much more squarer ramp and seems to look bigger.

Chatting to Herc jockey the other week it seems they're particulary looking forward to crosswind ops from Brize's single runway too

Cheers

Rich

[DaveB]

I don't think they're too fussed about that Rich. Last time I went, a Herk (J) landed against the flow of all else that had landed before it and calmly turned off on the first turn off! Watched him takeoff (in the same direction) not too long after that

I know that Benson is a 'helo' base but the Herc's would fit there easy-peasy. They have enough unused parking to fit a small African nation and still have space for the President's private Lear It'd certainly make a change from me hearing Merlins and Pumas all day too ;-)

ATB

DaveB :tab: