AAC Islander and Defender to be transfered to the RAF?
Thread Starter
AAC Islander and Defender to be transfered to the RAF?
Any idea if there is any truth in this?
https://twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/...69312023150592
Harriett Baldwin MP - Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire
https://twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/...69312023150592
Harriett Baldwin MP - Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire
Any idea if there is any truth in this?
https://twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/...69312023150592
Harriett Baldwin MP - Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire
https://twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/...69312023150592
Harriett Baldwin MP - Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire
It has been agreed that the governance of the Fixed Wing Manned Aerial Surveillance Capability will be transferred from the Army to the RAF. Detailed implementation plans, including timescales and the implications for 5 Regiment Army Air Corps, or other Units have yet to be finalised.
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More importantly, what Squadron Numberplate will be regenerated?
There must be a suitable (AC) or (Recce) numberplate just begging to be chosen.
There must be a suitable (AC) or (Recce) numberplate just begging to be chosen.
What future for permanent Military flying operations at Aldergrove? Or back to RAF Aldergrove?
And the inevitable 'Which (historic) squadron will be reformed' to operate them?
Edit: MPN11 posted while I was typing!
And the inevitable 'Which (historic) squadron will be reformed' to operate them?
Edit: MPN11 posted while I was typing!
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That, curiously, was my first thought 
A lot of AC and AAC* history in the past, for sure.
* Anti-Aircraft Co-operation, not the other lot!
A lot of AC and AAC* history in the past, for sure.
* Anti-Aircraft Co-operation, not the other lot!
Last edited by MPN11; 11th Oct 2016 at 11:35.
Can see the Islanders/Defenders relocating to Odiham with other Special Forces units and a Chinook squadron or further build up of the OCU moving to Benson
A controversial suggestion might be to decide whether there is a continuing requirement for 657 at Odiham; if not, move them in with the rest of the Lynx community and move the Defenders in. However I'd go with dragartist's suggestion and make them part of 14 Sqn. If push comes to shove, once Waddington is fully back up and running and 5 have stopped squatting at Cranwell, you could move 14 into that hangar and have a central location for King Airs and similar types.
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Would they not want to relocate closer to SPTA as Odiham already has regular detachments of Defenders/Islanders? Take your point with 657 and thought there had been discussions previous about moving them out to Yeovilton to join the Wildcat/Lynx population
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How about merging with the Northolt Station Flight and upgrading to squadron status?
Gentleman Aviator
There must be a suitable (AC) or (Recce) numberplate just begging to be chosen.
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Melchett01,
Really don't see how Benson can be as overcrowded aircraft wise as you claim. It has 23 Pumas and 6 Chinooks, surely spread around the 4 huge C Type hangars and the tin T2 hangar that Benson has that leaves oodles of room?
Before the OCU moved in it was home to two bigger Puma Squadrons and the two squadrons of the entire RAF Merlin force, with attached Operational Conversion Flights.
It has swapped the whole Merlin force for 6 OCU Chinooks.
Must be plenty of room.
Really don't see how Benson can be as overcrowded aircraft wise as you claim. It has 23 Pumas and 6 Chinooks, surely spread around the 4 huge C Type hangars and the tin T2 hangar that Benson has that leaves oodles of room?
Before the OCU moved in it was home to two bigger Puma Squadrons and the two squadrons of the entire RAF Merlin force, with attached Operational Conversion Flights.
It has swapped the whole Merlin force for 6 OCU Chinooks.
Must be plenty of room.