Engines
I could not see (and knew the layouts and facilities) why 4 squadrons needed 2 air stations
I agree - and I asked that very question of a senior (RAF) Harrier operator (who may or may not have had an agenda!). I was led to believe that Wittering was too small for 3 front line sqns plus the OCU (also bear in mind as well how much the MOD had paid in damages to the owner of the hall on the approach to Wittering - any substantial increase in noise may have led to a return to the High Court!) As for Cottesmore there would have been the potential expense of installing the hover pads at Cottesmore for the OCU to use (as a side note I was also led to believe that the height above sea level at Cottesmore (400+ ft) made it problematic for the initial hovering sorties on the OCU - would love to know if that really was the case or whether I was well and truly duped!
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