A new use for an R3 Bunker
ORAC, the Bawdsey bunker is in a very sorry state now. Yes, the R4 were the bigguns, having three levels. The one on Bawburgh Road Norwich is still intact and was extended with an additional level. I think the Easingwold one was to that design also and was extended by adding another level on top, but it leaked like a sieve. Kelvedon hatch can be visited in essex and is signposted 'Secret bunker' from the A12.
The bigger ones were intended as Sector Ops Rooms, but were soon redundant thanks to the kelvin Hughes projector, which made it possible to read the radar imagery and control the fighters from one site. Combined with much improved radar performance and effectiveness over greater ranges, the majority of Rotor installations were obsolete as quickly as they were built. Quite handy really, as there was never the manpower to operate the full Rotor system 24/7.
The bigger ones were intended as Sector Ops Rooms, but were soon redundant thanks to the kelvin Hughes projector, which made it possible to read the radar imagery and control the fighters from one site. Combined with much improved radar performance and effectiveness over greater ranges, the majority of Rotor installations were obsolete as quickly as they were built. Quite handy really, as there was never the manpower to operate the full Rotor system 24/7.
Ideal for a met office, no windows and bombproof
The AlterMets were thus handicapped/ advantaged on the hardened RAF airfields. Often in the AlterCOC as I recall.
The joke was that, as and when we occupied AlterMet, the airfield soft office was abandoned so certain senior RAF officers began asking "so, all your eggs are in one basket, what about an alter-alter as backup?".
I think it was SMetO Brueggen who brightly suggested using the soft office, sir.
The AlterMets were thus handicapped/ advantaged on the hardened RAF airfields. Often in the AlterCOC as I recall.
The joke was that, as and when we occupied AlterMet, the airfield soft office was abandoned so certain senior RAF officers began asking "so, all your eggs are in one basket, what about an alter-alter as backup?".
I think it was SMetO Brueggen who brightly suggested using the soft office, sir.
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I employed reverse tactics at Waddington, by operating Local from the Alternate at Startex, and leaving the highly visible and exposed main Local tower to act as the 'Alternate'. I may have upset a TACEVAL Umpire who 'cleverly' tried to put Local out of action, only to be told he was dealing with the Alternate facility. He couldn't even see/find our half-buied caravan out on the infield until it was pointed out to him 
After all, if the Alternate is going to be any use, it should be capable of handling 'nomal' operations.
After all, if the Alternate is going to be any use, it should be capable of handling 'nomal' operations.
