JSF to Lossie, MR4A to Kinloss
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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JSF to Lossie, MR4A to Kinloss
BBC: RAF bases set for aircraft boost
The Ministry of Defence is set to announce plans to safeguard hundreds of jobs and the long-term future of three RAF bases in Scotland. Ministers are expected to say new aircraft are to be deployed at the RAF bases at Lossiemouth and Kinloss in the north east, and Leuchars in Fife.....
The future of RAF Lossiemouth is set to be guaranteed as a home for the new fighter Joint Combat aircraft, which will replace Harriers used by the RAF and Royal Navy..... It is believed the UK Government is planning to order 64 of the new aircraft.
Supporters say Lossiemouth is ideally situated, as an existing Tornado base, and is well placed for flight training in the Highlands.
RAF Kinloss already has Nimrod early-warning aircraft and has a commitment until 2013. Its long-term future will be guaranteed by the confirmation that a new version of the plane will be based there.
RAF Leuchars in Fife is expected to be the location for the new Typhoon combat aircraft....
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Remark about numbers of JCA is interesting. Much less than the original figure of 150, but realistic as a straight replacement for the present JFH fleet.
Not enough for 2 full CVF wings, plus an OCU plus attrition spares however.......
The Ministry of Defence is set to announce plans to safeguard hundreds of jobs and the long-term future of three RAF bases in Scotland. Ministers are expected to say new aircraft are to be deployed at the RAF bases at Lossiemouth and Kinloss in the north east, and Leuchars in Fife.....
The future of RAF Lossiemouth is set to be guaranteed as a home for the new fighter Joint Combat aircraft, which will replace Harriers used by the RAF and Royal Navy..... It is believed the UK Government is planning to order 64 of the new aircraft.
Supporters say Lossiemouth is ideally situated, as an existing Tornado base, and is well placed for flight training in the Highlands.
RAF Kinloss already has Nimrod early-warning aircraft and has a commitment until 2013. Its long-term future will be guaranteed by the confirmation that a new version of the plane will be based there.
RAF Leuchars in Fife is expected to be the location for the new Typhoon combat aircraft....
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Remark about numbers of JCA is interesting. Much less than the original figure of 150, but realistic as a straight replacement for the present JFH fleet.
Not enough for 2 full CVF wings, plus an OCU plus attrition spares however.......
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RAF Kinloss already has Nimrod early-warning aircraft and has a commitment until 2013. Its long-term future will be guaranteed by the confirmation that a new version of the plane will be based there.
The MOD have already announced that MRA4 will come into service and be based at Kinloss until at least 2013. Given that the in-service date is now around 2012, that really is one hell of a commitment to Kinloss!!!
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Perhaps they mean early warning of submarines approaching?
Surly the BBC would never make a mistake of its reporting of the military, after all the special way that it is funded makes it impartial and high quality...
Surly the BBC would never make a mistake of its reporting of the military, after all the special way that it is funded makes it impartial and high quality...
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I was never able to comprehend the long-standing policy for RAF Stations to be located as far from the civilized world as possible.
The STOVL chaps were delighted, no doubt, to hear that they will be leaving the armpit of England (and I include the entire East Anglian region- bloody cabbage-farming inbreds) only to find that they will be packed off to the two most isolated flying stations on the UK mainland, which will continue to be occupied ad nauseum. If that's not bad enough, they'll be stuck up there surrounded by drunken Porridge Wogs. The singlies will be crying for the fleshpots of Peterborough within a month, mark my words. Meanwhile, the married chaps can expect all manner of grief from Sunray Domestic about how far away from the in-law's/ friends/ decent shopping etc. they are.
In Wales- the Head Shed decides to all but shut down St Athan, just 15 mins by car from the M4 and Cardiff, but for God's sake, they have to hang on to Valley! It seems to me that the only people who get to live anywhere decent these days are the truckies and blunties.
When, exactly, did the primary purpose of HM Forces become being a subsidy and de facto jobs programme for rural backwaters whose only notable assets are lots of big rocks and thousands of sheep?
The STOVL chaps were delighted, no doubt, to hear that they will be leaving the armpit of England (and I include the entire East Anglian region- bloody cabbage-farming inbreds) only to find that they will be packed off to the two most isolated flying stations on the UK mainland, which will continue to be occupied ad nauseum. If that's not bad enough, they'll be stuck up there surrounded by drunken Porridge Wogs. The singlies will be crying for the fleshpots of Peterborough within a month, mark my words. Meanwhile, the married chaps can expect all manner of grief from Sunray Domestic about how far away from the in-law's/ friends/ decent shopping etc. they are.
In Wales- the Head Shed decides to all but shut down St Athan, just 15 mins by car from the M4 and Cardiff, but for God's sake, they have to hang on to Valley! It seems to me that the only people who get to live anywhere decent these days are the truckies and blunties.
When, exactly, did the primary purpose of HM Forces become being a subsidy and de facto jobs programme for rural backwaters whose only notable assets are lots of big rocks and thousands of sheep?
Last edited by Washington_Irving; 17th Nov 2005 at 09:18.
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Its because your big wooshy speed machines are just too noisy for all the people who brought those 'surplus' quarters outside the back gates.
Although that doesn't account for the continued presence of the Vickers fun bus at BZN.
And who the hell would want to buy a surplus quarter in Scotland or 'the damp isle' if those bases closed down? "For sale, ex-service accommodation, often damp, miles from anywhere decent".
Although that doesn't account for the continued presence of the Vickers fun bus at BZN.
And who the hell would want to buy a surplus quarter in Scotland or 'the damp isle' if those bases closed down? "For sale, ex-service accommodation, often damp, miles from anywhere decent".
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When, exactly, did the primary purpose of HM Forces become being a subsidy and de facto jobs programme for rural backwaters whose only notable assets are lots of big rocks and thousands of sheep?
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Maybe if we take the twin policies of HMG of downsizing and putting what's left in the middle of B.F. Nowhere to their logical conclusions, then perhaps the sum total of RAF peacetime operations will soon be staged out of Mt Pleasant.
OK, chaps- best/worst place you've been posted for a tour (dets and deployments excluded). Not talking about the flying or other shop-related issues here, but rather the general quality of life- Mess, Quarters, facilities, local area, etc. Go!
OK, chaps- best/worst place you've been posted for a tour (dets and deployments excluded). Not talking about the flying or other shop-related issues here, but rather the general quality of life- Mess, Quarters, facilities, local area, etc. Go!
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A very good point Washington, When are they going to realise that selling off the family silver means everyone is left with the tupper-ware.
Most of the people in my shoes are, when offered their next tour of either RAF Armpit or RAF Ar*shole, really thrilled to have to move there do to the same job, on the same shoestring, with a less then happy other half. Not to mention the 14hr bus ride to go to any of the sandy places because Brize is so far away.
Also, I wonder whether the people of Lossiemouth realise just how noisey the JSF is?
Most of the people in my shoes are, when offered their next tour of either RAF Armpit or RAF Ar*shole, really thrilled to have to move there do to the same job, on the same shoestring, with a less then happy other half. Not to mention the 14hr bus ride to go to any of the sandy places because Brize is so far away.
Also, I wonder whether the people of Lossiemouth realise just how noisey the JSF is?
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Well 'Washington' I rather enjoyed RAF Locking.
Cracking social life, a great rugby club and the chance for a youngster like me (I was 18 at the time) to chat up impressionable trainee TCO's or if I fancied a challenge, a local with the normal standard compliment of fingers.
Ahem.
Cracking social life, a great rugby club and the chance for a youngster like me (I was 18 at the time) to chat up impressionable trainee TCO's or if I fancied a challenge, a local with the normal standard compliment of fingers.
dets and deployments excluded
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Why is it, in todays changing environment, essential to keep the Nimrod at ISK and fighters at Leuchars? Apparently the threat from round the corner has gone! So for once, apply common sense and base the new aircraft at locations that suit the tasking.
That way, when it comes to posting, you get sent somewhere half descent and Zero Alpha is constantly on transmit about how far away they are.
That way, when it comes to posting, you get sent somewhere half descent and Zero Alpha is constantly on transmit about how far away they are.
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I tell ya {tin foil hat on} it a conspiracy by the sweaty sock mafia, those in government who want jobs for their mates back in Scotland and by those skirt wearers in the RAF who join up to see the world but then realise that you can't get 'Take The High Road' on proper telly.
Mark my words, the truth will out.....
Mark my words, the truth will out.....
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MOD statement on Scots bases
From: M O D Press Office Scotland
FUTURE SECURE FOR ALL THREE RAF BASES IN SCOTLAND
Defence in Scotland received a boost today when Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram, announced that both the Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) and the new Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss.
RAF Lossiemouth will be home for the new JCA, which will progressively replace the Harrier from around the middle of the next decade. The RAF's new fleet of Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Kinloss when they enter service towards the end of this decade. It was also announced earlier this year that RAF Leuchars will be home to three squadrons of the new Typhoon, replacing the Tornado F3 around the end of this decade.
Lossiemouth was one of eight stations considered as a possible home for JCA, and was identified as the best option after a thorough year-long review. It provides excellent access to training areas, modern facilities and is most cost effective.
RAF Kinloss has a proven track record as a base for the current Nimrod MR2 fleet. A comprehensive study has shown that whilst RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss would both be suitable operational bases, the substantial financial investment required at Waddington was not justifiable.
Adam Ingram said: "This is great news for RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss. It means both bases have an exciting and challenging future ahead. But this is also the right strategic decision for UK Defence. The Joint Combat Aircraft and new Nimrod are excellent examples of the more capable, flexible, expeditionary equipment that our Armed Forces need to meet modern defence challenges.
"It is important to get such a critical decision right, and I know the review has caused some uncertainty in Moray over the past year. So I would like to pay tribute to our staff, their families, and members of the local community for their patience and valuable help in the consultation process, and thank them for their support to the air bases year on year. As I've said before, Scotland is of great importance to defence, but defence is important to Scotland too - the decision announced today reinforces the future of Defence in Scotland and its local communities."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The review into JCA basing was announced on 11 October 2004. In all, eight options were considered: RAF Kinloss, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham, RAF St Mawgan, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Wittering, RNAS Yeovilton, and RAF Leeming which was added to the list in March.
2. Outcome of the study is that RAF Lossiemouth will be the initial base for JCA.
Stations discounted:
RAF Leeming - Adverse noise profile
RAF St Mawgan - An expensive option
RNAS Yeovilton - Potential severe noise impact/short runway/too far from training areas.
RAF Kinloss - High birdstrike rate/short runway.
RAF Wittering Limited space available
RAF Marham/RAF Cottesmore - Not ruled out completely, should a second base be required these stations will be considered. It is too early to say whether the second base will be necessary.
3. The study into Nimrod MRA4 basing considered RAF Kinloss and RAF Waddington. Waddington was considered in order to evaluate the advantages of co-locating Intelligence Surveillance Targeting and Reconnaissance with Nimrod on one base. The study found that whilst RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss would both be suitable operational bases, the substantial financial investment required at RAF Waddington was prohibitive.
4. Trades Unions and local authorities have been consulted/informed as appropriate
5. The decision to discount RAF St Mawgan as an option for JCA means there is no long term Strike Command use for the airfield. This decision will allow Cornwall County Council to continue to plan for the long term future of Newquay Cornwall Airport (NCA). Discussions between MoD and DfT continue to ensure a smooth hand over of NCA to civilian authorities.
6. For more information please contact Sara Reed in the MoD Scotland press office on 0131 310 2004 or Matthew Willey in the MoD Press Office on 0207 218 7925 or Michael Mulford on 01309 672161 ext 7597.
7. The MoD web-site can be found at http://www.mod.uk . You can find current information and pictures of the Nimrod MRA4 at: www.mod.uk/dpa/projects/nimrod.htm ; and the JCA at: www.mod.uk/dpa/projects/jca.htm and www.mod.uk/dpa/news/pn2002/sept02/jump jets.htm
ENDS 17 November 2005
FUTURE SECURE FOR ALL THREE RAF BASES IN SCOTLAND
Defence in Scotland received a boost today when Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram, announced that both the Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) and the new Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss.
RAF Lossiemouth will be home for the new JCA, which will progressively replace the Harrier from around the middle of the next decade. The RAF's new fleet of Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Kinloss when they enter service towards the end of this decade. It was also announced earlier this year that RAF Leuchars will be home to three squadrons of the new Typhoon, replacing the Tornado F3 around the end of this decade.
Lossiemouth was one of eight stations considered as a possible home for JCA, and was identified as the best option after a thorough year-long review. It provides excellent access to training areas, modern facilities and is most cost effective.
RAF Kinloss has a proven track record as a base for the current Nimrod MR2 fleet. A comprehensive study has shown that whilst RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss would both be suitable operational bases, the substantial financial investment required at Waddington was not justifiable.
Adam Ingram said: "This is great news for RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss. It means both bases have an exciting and challenging future ahead. But this is also the right strategic decision for UK Defence. The Joint Combat Aircraft and new Nimrod are excellent examples of the more capable, flexible, expeditionary equipment that our Armed Forces need to meet modern defence challenges.
"It is important to get such a critical decision right, and I know the review has caused some uncertainty in Moray over the past year. So I would like to pay tribute to our staff, their families, and members of the local community for their patience and valuable help in the consultation process, and thank them for their support to the air bases year on year. As I've said before, Scotland is of great importance to defence, but defence is important to Scotland too - the decision announced today reinforces the future of Defence in Scotland and its local communities."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The review into JCA basing was announced on 11 October 2004. In all, eight options were considered: RAF Kinloss, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham, RAF St Mawgan, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Wittering, RNAS Yeovilton, and RAF Leeming which was added to the list in March.
2. Outcome of the study is that RAF Lossiemouth will be the initial base for JCA.
Stations discounted:
RAF Leeming - Adverse noise profile
RAF St Mawgan - An expensive option
RNAS Yeovilton - Potential severe noise impact/short runway/too far from training areas.
RAF Kinloss - High birdstrike rate/short runway.
RAF Wittering Limited space available
RAF Marham/RAF Cottesmore - Not ruled out completely, should a second base be required these stations will be considered. It is too early to say whether the second base will be necessary.
3. The study into Nimrod MRA4 basing considered RAF Kinloss and RAF Waddington. Waddington was considered in order to evaluate the advantages of co-locating Intelligence Surveillance Targeting and Reconnaissance with Nimrod on one base. The study found that whilst RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss would both be suitable operational bases, the substantial financial investment required at RAF Waddington was prohibitive.
4. Trades Unions and local authorities have been consulted/informed as appropriate
5. The decision to discount RAF St Mawgan as an option for JCA means there is no long term Strike Command use for the airfield. This decision will allow Cornwall County Council to continue to plan for the long term future of Newquay Cornwall Airport (NCA). Discussions between MoD and DfT continue to ensure a smooth hand over of NCA to civilian authorities.
6. For more information please contact Sara Reed in the MoD Scotland press office on 0131 310 2004 or Matthew Willey in the MoD Press Office on 0207 218 7925 or Michael Mulford on 01309 672161 ext 7597.
7. The MoD web-site can be found at http://www.mod.uk . You can find current information and pictures of the Nimrod MRA4 at: www.mod.uk/dpa/projects/nimrod.htm ; and the JCA at: www.mod.uk/dpa/projects/jca.htm and www.mod.uk/dpa/news/pn2002/sept02/jump jets.htm
ENDS 17 November 2005
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Doesn't this report contradict this which was posted on another thread this week that unfortunately I can't find at the moment??
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I thought the jockistanis wanted 'independance' from the mainland - so why are we intent on basing all of our military air north of the border?
Bring 'em home and rebuild the wall!!
Bring 'em home and rebuild the wall!!
"2. Outcome of the study is that RAF Lossiemouth will be the initial base for JCA.
Stations discounted:
RAF Leeming - Adverse noise profile
RAF St Mawgan - An expensive option
RNAS Yeovilton - Potential severe noise impact/short runway/too far from training areas.
RAF Kinloss - High birdstrike rate/short runway.
RAF Wittering Limited space available
RAF Marham/RAF Cottesmore - Not ruled out completely, should a second base be required these stations will be considered. It is too early to say whether the second base will be necessary."
Or
Stations discounted:
RAF Leeming - Yorkshire's on the up - selling it means £££
RAF St Mawgan - We only put it on the list as a sop.
RNAS Yeovilton - Far too retention positive for matelots, and far too close to Portsmouth for when you need to deploy on one of these new carriers....!
RAF Kinloss - going to be full of Nimrods as part of the Jockistanisation of the RAF
RAF Wittering - will generate more cash when we sell it off for housing
RAF Marham/RAF Cottesmore - As for Wittering
I'm puzzled as to why Leeming and Yeovilton are suitable for noisy Tornado, SHar and Typhoon (they didn't drop Leeming cos of noise) but not JSF.
I'm puzzled as to why no consideration was given to establishing an ISTAR 'clutch' at Waddington/Scampton.
I'm puzzled as to why a JSF 'clutch' at Cottesmore/Wittering wouldn't make sense.
Stations discounted:
RAF Leeming - Adverse noise profile
RAF St Mawgan - An expensive option
RNAS Yeovilton - Potential severe noise impact/short runway/too far from training areas.
RAF Kinloss - High birdstrike rate/short runway.
RAF Wittering Limited space available
RAF Marham/RAF Cottesmore - Not ruled out completely, should a second base be required these stations will be considered. It is too early to say whether the second base will be necessary."
Or
Stations discounted:
RAF Leeming - Yorkshire's on the up - selling it means £££
RAF St Mawgan - We only put it on the list as a sop.
RNAS Yeovilton - Far too retention positive for matelots, and far too close to Portsmouth for when you need to deploy on one of these new carriers....!
RAF Kinloss - going to be full of Nimrods as part of the Jockistanisation of the RAF
RAF Wittering - will generate more cash when we sell it off for housing
RAF Marham/RAF Cottesmore - As for Wittering
I'm puzzled as to why Leeming and Yeovilton are suitable for noisy Tornado, SHar and Typhoon (they didn't drop Leeming cos of noise) but not JSF.
I'm puzzled as to why no consideration was given to establishing an ISTAR 'clutch' at Waddington/Scampton.
I'm puzzled as to why a JSF 'clutch' at Cottesmore/Wittering wouldn't make sense.
Once upon a time there were fighters based at any number of nice places in the UK; West Malling, Tangmere, Odiham, Waterbeach, Wattisham - the list is endless.
Now it's just the outflung parts of empire largely inhabited by DFMB-eating peasants. 'Porridge wogs' - that's a new one on me!
Marham was once considered to be 'El Adem with grass' (as in the stuff sheep eat). Now people are keen to stay there, it seems, rather than sample the delights of Jockistan.
Nice postings: 35 Sqn, Scampton. 58 Sqn, Wittering (briefly!). 56 Sqn, Wattisham. ULAS at White Waltham, Abingdon and Benson with summer camps at Thorney Island, Marham, Newton and St. Mawgan. 101, 241 OCU and 55(R) at Brize Norton. Also Brawdy in the glorious summer of '76.
Sooo lucky was I to be based in the English speaking part of Britain for 35 years!
If reincarnation was possible, I'd like to fly night fighters from West Malling, please! Or back to Vulcans at Sunny Scampton.
Now it's just the outflung parts of empire largely inhabited by DFMB-eating peasants. 'Porridge wogs' - that's a new one on me!
Marham was once considered to be 'El Adem with grass' (as in the stuff sheep eat). Now people are keen to stay there, it seems, rather than sample the delights of Jockistan.
Nice postings: 35 Sqn, Scampton. 58 Sqn, Wittering (briefly!). 56 Sqn, Wattisham. ULAS at White Waltham, Abingdon and Benson with summer camps at Thorney Island, Marham, Newton and St. Mawgan. 101, 241 OCU and 55(R) at Brize Norton. Also Brawdy in the glorious summer of '76.
Sooo lucky was I to be based in the English speaking part of Britain for 35 years!
If reincarnation was possible, I'd like to fly night fighters from West Malling, please! Or back to Vulcans at Sunny Scampton.
