Llanbedr

[No comment]

I know its not technically your domain but does anyone know about the future of Llanbedr? Did they take delivery of the Alpha Jets last year?

[glider insider]

I thought LLanbedr was purely reserve for Valley and DERA un manned aircraft research place... didnt realise they had aircraft based there..

[Gainesy]

They use(d) Hawks as chase a/c for the Jindiviks and also for a quick visual check that the range is clear of boats etc. Sorry, don't know about the Alfs.

[Tiger_mate]

There is an "RAF" Alpha jet operating from Boscombe Down, and I believe that the ones destined for Llanbedr were delivered. They were required because the Sea Vixen was sold and the RAF was having a mare with the Hawk fleet falling to bits, causing the Llanbedr Hawks to be returned to the RAF.

T_M

[No comment]

Thanks guys. I'm not a military man but I have a bit of an interest in that sometimes bleak outpost of a place. I have "wannabe" memories of about five years ago getting glimpses of such rarities as the Meteor, Sea Vixen, Canberra, Jindivik, Andover, Hawks etc. whilst holidaying nearby. Seems up until recently that place was a treasure trove! Cheers

[blind pue]

Did a couple of months at Llanbedr last year flying a Blimp around, and I can confirm that the place is still busy,
it looks after visiting helicopters for mountain flying,
flies it's own Alpha's (has at least 2 on site)and takes on numerous Hawks after bird strikes, seems they prefer to land at Llanbedr than Valley,

Everyone there is helpful and worth a visit for long Navs (helos) Short Navs (FJ's) <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[Suit]

LLanbedr is operated by Qinetiq who own and fly the Alpha Jets and Canberra.
They are the proud owners and operators of the Alpha Bets at Boscombe as well.

Suit.....

[Gainesy]

LLanbedr,
QinetiQ
AlphaBet
No wonder Danny didn't put a spollchucker on here, it'd melt.

[recceguy]

And what's a spollchucker ? I tried to find a meaning in your post

[Zlin526]

No Comment,
Check out this month's 'Aircraft Illustrated'(F15 on the cover). Shame they couldnt paint the AJ's red/white/blue, instead of the drab luftwaffe scheme......

[Rattus]

Oh no Zlin - the PdF Alphas are red white & blue (or is that blue white & red?) and they don't look at all sexy, though I agree the olive drab is a bit drab (res ipsa loquitur).
Fast & pointy should be black & shiny, with a white outline round the cockades like the FRADU Hawks - did it for 111 in the fifties (now where can I get me mitts on 22 AJs and a spray gun?)
Rattus

Edited to correct Latin spelling (Love us Yxeliads alone, you winker!)

[ 12 January 2002: Message edited by: Rattus ]</p>

[Man-on-the-fence]

There is , so I am led to believe, and Alpha suspended from the ceiling of a shopping mall in Belgium painted as a Red Arrow <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

Absolutely no idea why though

[Gainesy]

MOTF,
Sure it's not in the Belgian AF aero team(Diable Rouge) colours?

[No comment]

Zlin, thanks for that. Shame the article isn't that long...nice piccies though...
In fact nice pics alround in that issue...F-15s over Lake District and that landing Hunter...not a bad show!

[Man-on-the-fence]

Gainsey

Positive, it even has a Union jack on the tail.

[Gainesy]

MOTF
Well er....that'd be the Reds' Alpha Jet then. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Busta]

Ask Sepp, he'll tell all.

Be carefull out there