Ok, this subject raises its head again! Just been sent a little snippet from the Cambrian News (at least I think thats where it was cut from!). Its not all quite over yet!
..................Surrey-based Thales UK plc are the preferred bidders for the Watchkeeper programme and their chief executive Alex Dorrian is supportive of using the Cardigan bay area for test flying.
He stated in a letter to Lisa Francis AM: "The UAVs used within the more advanced Watchkeeper programme are far more advanced than the Jindivik drones currently flown and do not require the extensive ground facilities, long runway or supporting chase aircraft currently based there.
"Test flying no the Watchkeeper programme must take place, and the system will be certified eventually only for in service use, in military controlled airspace.
"There are a limited number of UK sites suitable for this and the final decision about where to undertake this testing has not yet been taken.
"However, we have actively promoted the use of the Cardigan bay area, working closely with the WDA and the DDA. This would have a twofold benefit.
"Firstly there would be a direct benefit of test flying within the Bay - based either at Llanbedr, if available, or at the commercially owned Parc Aberporth site.
"The work would be expected to start towards the end of 2005 and involve a team of perhaps 20 to 30 people working on trials activities in the early phases of the programme.
"The continuing uncertainty over the future of Llanbedr Airfield means that we have been unable to confirm Llanbedr as our preferred site, even though we see it has specific advantages.
"Ultimately the decision on the closure of Llanbedr or indeed plans for the site following its closure, rests with the MoD, it is therefore not guaranteed as available for operation of flight trials".
Later in the article Ms Francis said:
"I will still be pressing for Llanbedr to be used in some way in the Watchkeeper programme because of the facilities available and the fully trained workforce. We have until the end of the year to get the MoD to take the same view".