Helicopters to Leeming

[onion]

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Mod close RAF Leeming as a fighter base and bring in the RAF's helicopters (chinooks and Merlins)?

[whowhenwhy]

Didn't someone mention this before but in East Anglia?

[Amateur Aviator]

Don't know, but if anyone does, please post a reply so I know to buy a house up north instead of a rabbit hutch down south!

[PPRuNeUser0172]

I have heard that this is correct, apparently with the continued scale down of the front line blah, blah, one of the F3 Sqns at Leeming (XI F) is due for the chop and the Chinooks are going north.

Anyone shed any light

[arfur-sixpence]

I have heard from a number of sources that some or all of the Jaguar fleet is destined for Leeming.

That said, basing the heli fleet there would make alot of sense given it's proximity to the customer - so we can rest assured that THAT won't happen then!

[6foottanker]

From several horses' mouths, Colt is closing, leaving 1 jag recce squadron, which is going to Marham (where they're going to put them, i don't know). At least 1 F3 Squadron from Leeming will go earlier than planned, as soon as Coningsby is ready to rock, taking Typhoon. Leeming is going to lose its FJs completely, to be replaced by much of the SH force, so what about Odiham......rumours of closing that to, me thinks.
Hope that clears things up?!?!?:{

[Grimweasel]

Given the close proximity of Odiham to london, one would assume that its a likley scrapping target as they would make millions selling the land off to developers. Annington will make a killing too what with all those surplus MQ's!!

[Ramp Monkey]

Ok from various sources, high and low level, Wokka's into Leeming , Plastic persuit ship and the Freaks into Yeovilton( POuma guys already down there looking .That should be nice with the Navy.
I've already started getting the details on hooses up north , mmm can't wait a palace at last.

Oh and by the way any Fast jet mate want a job!!!!!!

Chinook The Helicopter Of Choice. !!!

and the best display this year at Waddo ....
SH does exactly what is say's on the tin and just keeps on growing

[Av18tor]

So if all this is going on at Leeming, Odhiam and Colt, what will be going into Scampton? Or was that just a red herring?

Any time scale for Scampton to re-open? Have a nice big house close by, nice surroundings, modern facilities.......:E :E

[airborne_artist]

Given the close proximity of Odiham to london, one would assume that its a likley scrapping target as they would make millions selling the land off to developers.

On another thread it was suggested that the MoD do not have outright ownership of Odiham, and in fact may have to clean it up before handing it back, so rather than making squillions it'd cost a few bob.

[onion]

Scampton isn't closed Av18or. Red Arrows are based there. Plan is to move the air defence radar facility (not the radar itself) from RAF Boulmer into Scampton, plus other bits and bobs. Local community up at Boulmer are very upset and are trying to block this though. In total the plan to have something like 2000 personnel at Scampton in the coming years.

[Av18tor]

Onion,

Maybe my use of the phrase re open was taken to literally.

Thanks but I know the Reds are still opperaing from there (get a regular display in my garden, such thoughtful chaps!) but I seem to remember seeing a thread on here somewhere suggesting that there might be a few Alberts or maybe wokka's seen in the circuit on a regular basis.

Is there any chance of the station receiving a few more flying squadrons of what ever make or type? Would be nice to see a few more propper a/c in the sky!

Oh for the smell of avtur!:O

[jacob's ladder]

Nimrod MRA4 gets my vote - Scampton and Waddo are meant to be the new 'ISTAR hub'

[animo et fide]

Don't get suckered in again guys as happened a few years ago when it was announced that Odiham would go to Yeovilton. How many guys still at Odious regret buying houses down there I wonder?:{

[6foottanker]

Tac Comms Wing are moving from Brize to Scampton , I believe starting this year. Also 1 ACC are moving in from Boulmer. Anyone want to be OC Nigger's grave ? (hope i'm allowed to type that still, it wasn't racist in the war)

[Descend to What Height?!?]

Moving the ACSSUs to Scampton/Wittering was one of several options put forward.
The minister announced that he was "minded" to approve this plan back at the end of May. The Unions however exercised their right for 30 days consultation.

Rumor control was the final announcement was to be made this morning, but...............

Nothing heard, say again!:* :oh: :suspect:

[NURSE]

if the news items in AFM is correct the puma is being retired without replacement and the seaking is being withdrawn is that the HAR3/3a and HAS or all of them leaving chinook as the support helecopter force(Merlin to go SAR) with the HC3's being repaired for service at an exorbitant rate i'd say about the Chinook HC3 mag to Grid it and get proper MH47E's.
The capibility gap being accepted to save money to pay for the Nimrod and Astute programmes.

Under the shake-up, almost the entire RAF Regiment, which is responsible for security at bases, will be disbanded. The two remaining Jaguar squadrons will also go as will all of the RAF's 39 Puma transport helicopters and 79 GR7 Harrier jump jets. Up to five air bases will close. The Army Air Corps will also suffer the prospect of losing its entire fleet of 118 two-seat Gazelle reconnaissance helicopters.

[SIKWIZZO]

There may be some truth in this - I heard AAC Apaches to be moved to Leeming from Dishforth along with Chinooks so the RAF can sell a rather lucrative base in Hampshire....

[airborne_artist]

Sikwizzo

read my post about Odiham on Page 1 - MoD might not be able to sell it....