[QUOTE=Shaft109;10318448]Hello - I'm sure someone could explain what I'm missing here.
Fairford which is effectively a FOB with runways and pans but not a 'base' in that sense. This will also require a massive spend.
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Totally incorrect.
Fairford had all the following upgrades built in the 2000 to 2008 timeframe to fully equip it as the European FOB for up to 50 x B-2 / B-1 / B-52 and associated tankers.
- $12M Bomber Operations Block (adjacent to ATC).
- Environmentally controlled B-2 Hangar and associated attached offices.
- Totally remodeled / upgraded 1950s hangar and associated attached offices for U-2 / KC-135.
- Deployable shelter hangar for B-2 within armed aircraft parking area.
- 50+ bomber size parking slots - many with hydrant refueling.
- Multiple Jet Supply Fuel Installations (Hardened BFIs in RAF parlance) - sufficient to sustain 50 x large aircraft ops when NATO pipeline daily capacity exceeded.
- New fuel spillage intercepted aircraft refueling bowser parking areas.
- New Fuels Control Building.
- New Security Forces Building.
- New Forward Explosives Storage Area (most stocks at RAF Welford).
- Detachment operations blocks x 2 in SW dispersal area refurbished in 2005.
It also has multiple other hangars and deployable shelters accommodating much pre-stocked equipment for all relevant types.
It is in fact one of the best equipped and maintained bases in the UK for its role and will not require a massive spend (by USAF standards) to equip it for RC-135 operations.
Last edited by RAFEngO74to09; 23rd Nov 2018 at 18:40.