What are those towers on RAF airfields for
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What are those towers on RAF airfields for
I've noticed at many ex RAF airfields there is a tower (not the air traffic one )about 20-30 ft square and about 100ft high but apparently empty.
Cranfield has one, Kemble has one just through the gatehouse and I know I've seen them elsewhere.
Anyone know what they are for?
Cranfield has one, Kemble has one just through the gatehouse and I know I've seen them elsewhere.
Anyone know what they are for?
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TOWERS on RAF AIRFIELDS
I suspect the towers your refer to are those for hanging parachutes for airing. Most flying stations had these when they were active flying units - not inferring the Kemble isn't still active of course!
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Judging by the description, it is the station water tower. All RAF airfields (wartime vintage) had their own self contained water supply and system. It was encased in a concrete shell.
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I think Tharper may be the closest so far.
They are definately not watertowers. Watertowers are more robust than these. The ones I'm talking about are more gracious. They are made of brick and have an almost cathederal tower presence. They also have windows running the full height of them which you can see through but they are empty.
You'll notice one the next time you see one.
Anyone else.....
They are definately not watertowers. Watertowers are more robust than these. The ones I'm talking about are more gracious. They are made of brick and have an almost cathederal tower presence. They also have windows running the full height of them which you can see through but they are empty.
You'll notice one the next time you see one.
Anyone else.....
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18greens - they are water towers, from your description.
Some examples which may clear this up for you:
West Raynham: http://www.argweb.f9.co.uk/west-rayn...and%20jets.jpg
Llandow: http://www.soffa.dabsol.co.uk/sub/ww...ages/tower.jpg
Some examples which may clear this up for you:
West Raynham: http://www.argweb.f9.co.uk/west-rayn...and%20jets.jpg
Llandow: http://www.soffa.dabsol.co.uk/sub/ww...ages/tower.jpg
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(RVR) TOWERS
The Towers you are referring to - most RAF airfield have RVR (Runway Visual Range) Towers. These are made of wood and are usually near the touchdown point. In poor vis a member of ATC climbs into the tower, counts the number of lights which can be seen. A chart is referred to which gives a Runway Visual Range.
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if you want to see a really smart water tower (just like the photo's above) have a look at the one at the RAF base in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset ......
cheers .....
ps. I mean "RAF Locking" of course ...... just been told its been sold to a development company???
cheers .....
ps. I mean "RAF Locking" of course ...... just been told its been sold to a development company???
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Very interesting tread indeed, last week I´ve been to Cranfield and was wondering about the towers and what they are made for. Our first idea was also, they are for drying water hoses, but this week I find the answer at pprune without even asking the question.
Excellent forum !
Excellent forum !
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You'll also find (on aerodromes which were in wartime use) that they have EWS (Emergency Water Supply) tanks, they look like small swimming pools. In case the main tank got taken out but also for fire fighting.
HTH
HTH
....one thinks thou dost not get my Mil banter 
(and you an
ex "Oggy" aswell - which unit, PM me if you like?)
Give you a clue, the majority of the aeroplanes that are based there should be in a museum!!
(and you anex "Oggy" aswell - which unit, PM me if you like?)
Give you a clue, the majority of the aeroplanes that are based there should be in a museum!!
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How about 'Duxfordshire'........? (I know, RAF, etc).
....but it vos RAF ven I visited............
G-NY: Duxford G-NY on finals, alright for a run and break?
Duxford: G-NY full display please, but mind ze vater tower near ze Sergeant's mess
tongue in cheek, of course!
....but it vos RAF ven I visited............
G-NY: Duxford G-NY on finals, alright for a run and break?
Duxford: G-NY full display please, but mind ze vater tower near ze Sergeant's mess
tongue in cheek, of course!
