View Full Version : RAF's second RC-135
Gents
The second RAF RC-135 ZZZ665 touched down at Mildenhall early today.
Out Of Trim
3rd Sep 2015, 11:53
Hmm, Strange; why not Waddington I wonder?:ooh:
bluetail
3rd Sep 2015, 12:04
Waddington's runway is currently being relaid/repaired/levelled and is shut, and will be for some time yet as its allegedly months behind schedule. Interesting that it was delivered to Mildenhall in the first instance though, it being a USAF base and all (yes I know its RAF Mildenhall) I thought the protocol on deliveries was always to deliver to active British operated bases, unless its all changed.
Out Of Trim
3rd Sep 2015, 12:06
OK, thanks for the info, was unaware..
Valiantone
3rd Sep 2015, 14:38
It ain't just the runway at Waddington that is being rebuilt
Biggus
3rd Sep 2015, 15:51
Valiantone,
What else is being rebuilt.... morale?
Valiantone
4th Sep 2015, 09:37
The no 5 hangar is being extended for the new kids on the block.
As for morale, pass.
V1
airsound
4th Sep 2015, 12:12
The MoD says: As part of its Airseeker Programme, the second signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to the RAF, seven months early, the MOD has announced.
https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/43362/s300_Wad-Official-20150903-0561-0150_-2.jpg
The specialist surveillance aircraft was handed over today at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and will be deployable on operations within a matter of weeks.
Since delivery of the first aircraft last year, over 60 improvements have been incorporated into the second aeroplane ranging from upgrades to the aircraft’s mission systems to engine improvements providing increased fuel efficiency and durability.
The first Airseeker commenced operations in July 2014 and is currently employed alongside other RAF units in the fight against ISIL supporting operations in Iraq and Syria.
In due course, it will undergo an upgrade programme to bring the aircraft in line with the improvements made on the second aircraft.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-raf-intelligence-aircraft-arrives-in-uk-seven-months-early
Interesting that there have had to be so many mods in such a short time...
airsound
Sandy Parts
4th Sep 2015, 13:30
airsound - I wouldn't read too much into the mod program. Nature of the beast given the role they fill. Don't think any 2 of the R1s were ever at the same mod state at any time ;)
Maybe Mildenhall makes it easier from an ITAR perspective?
airsound
4th Sep 2015, 13:49
Good point, Sandy. Can't say I ever went near an R1 until Waddo air show last year.
airsound
salad-dodger
4th Sep 2015, 23:17
Interesting that there have had to be so many mods in such a short time...
Not really. Although the final line:
In due course, it will undergo an upgrade programme to bring the aircraft in line with the improvements made on the second aircraft.
is a good indication of the ignorance of the MoD spokesman!
S-D
TaranisAttack
5th Sep 2015, 07:36
Seems strange that they would need to upgrade it so often for the role it's performing. Civilian and military communications don't change that fast.
Heathrow Harry
5th Sep 2015, 09:03
most of it will be to enable it to drive on the left
tea-maker rather than coffee machine, radio 5 Live reception capability
gold throne for SO's
punkah-wallers etc etc
dragartist
5th Sep 2015, 09:52
Re your #10 Sandy, There was one year back in the 90s when we developed over 30 temporary back end installations on top of several significant back end and self protection engineering mods. Some got rolled up into permanent fits.
I don't think there was ever a time when the three aircraft were anywhere near the same build standard.
Taranis, We were able to adapt to changes and developments very quickly. occasionally over a weekend.
I don't know how responsive L3 are going to be in this respect.
camelspyyder
5th Sep 2015, 10:00
The plan is for 2 RJ to be in service and the 3rd to be in refit to latest spec, so clearly it's a platform that evolves. When #3 arrives, #1 will be back to the builder for upgrades.
Why Mildenhall? It's the home of the 95th RS - equipped with (surprise) RC-135 aircraft.
the second signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to the RAF, seven months early, Hell of a tailwind.
I wonder how they are assuring the airworthiness of this platform given that it sounds like its older and more heavily modified than the R1 Nimrod it is supposed to replace, which was withdrawn for airworthiness concerns...
camelspyyder
6th Sep 2015, 08:02
If its more modified than XV249 I'd be amazed (Mk1 > Mk2 >Mk1) Although that one clearly did catch fire at some point in '07 (without catastrophic results praise God).
Having said that, it would have been good if someone had informed the MR2 crews on ops that there'd been another fire. There was uproar in the sandpit when Sir Clive Loader referred to the fire in front of a large audience of Nimrod people - clearly assuming we knew all about it.
Brian W May
6th Sep 2015, 12:45
Hell of a tailwind.
Droll . . . . very droll :ok: