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Old 18th Jan 2017, 14:57
  #3171 (permalink)  
Arclite01
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I would assume that all the remaining Vigilant Squadrons will be re-equipped with the Viking when the Motorgliders are finally retired. Unless there is another major rethink of motorglider policy within the ACO (don't rule it out).

Bearing in mind that currently 3 years is a long time in politics (and a lifetime in terms of Unit basing policy), The real question is about the suitability of the various sites that currently house the Motorglider Squadrons for Winch Launch use, and the future of the sites..........

614 - Wethersfield (until 2020) after that who knows. I wouldn't rule out Honington, I would have said Marham but the arrival of JSF precludes that, and Wattisham (which rumours suggest is closing). Possibly closed altogether - although Debden may be a possible as an interim (it doesn't close until 2031)
615 - Kenley (No Change)
621 - Merryfield moved in from Hullavington (No Change in Glider type)
622 - Upavon (No Change unless the Army leave which means it will be part of a sell off IMHO)
626 - Predannack (No Change)
632 - Ternhill linked to whatever happens at Shawbury, not sure that choppers like the remains of winch launch wire distributed around the field. Used to be a winch launch site EONS ago so maybe........ if not why not Cosford ?
637 - Little Rissington - Could be suitable as a Winch launch site but prime asset for sell-off IMHO
644 - Syerston (No Change)
645 - Topcliffe - linked to whatever happens at Linton with Flying Training and MFTS. If that closes then the future of Topcliffe will almost certainly se the airfield sold off (a la Hullavington) but the Barracks retained (again IMHO). Certainly big enough to be a Winch Launch site.
661 - Kirknewton (No Change)

Just my two pennyworth

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