Raptors deploy to Lakenheath

[Spitfire88]

USAF F-22 Raptors have returned to Europe

The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-22 Raptors, Airmen and associated equipment to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 11, to conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft.

The F-22s are deployed from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and will continue training in Europe until May.

The 5th generation, multi-role fighter aircraft will also forward deploy from the U.K. to NATO bases to maximize training opportunities, affirm enduring commitments to NATO allies, and deter any actions that destabilize regional security.

The training marks the second time the U.S. European Command has hosted a deployment of F-22 aircraft in the EUCOM and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa area of responsibility.

[welshandy]

Hope they train with RAF while they are here & get to see them over Wales(Loop).

[MRTT]

Hope they train with RAF while they are here & get to see them over Wales(Loop).

Seen a few posts suggesting they could be heading for LFA7 on Wednesday but don't know whether that is true or not.

[luke28]

Hope they train with RAF while they are here & get to see them over Wales(Loop).

Seen a few posts suggesting they could be heading for LFA7 on Wednesday but don't know whether that is true or not.

[welshandy]

Hope they train with RAF while they are here & get to see them over Wales(Loop).

Seen a few posts suggesting they could be heading for LFA7 on Wednesday but don't know whether that is true or not.

Home all day so will have the Camera ready just in case

[MRTT]

Hope they train with RAF while they are here & get to see them over Wales(Loop).

Seen a few posts suggesting they could be heading for LFA7 on Wednesday but don't know whether that is true or not.

Exactly what I thought.

[luke28]

People on the facebook group automatically think that any aircraft here for airshows, excercises, training purposes etc will go through the Loop.

Does the F-22 need low level training? What with it being stealth, I've never seen any pictures or videos of them low level in the states.

[tonkatom]

With LNs finest showing them the ropes and LNs finest also enjoy the loop themselves I don't think that it's seems ridiculous that they will plan a sortie or two through LFA7,I'm sure they have seen the 48th FWs photos across the pond and have thought I fancy some of that! Keep your eyes and ears open people!

[rh226]

What with it being stealth, I've never seen any pictures or videos of them low level in the states.

That's what stealth is all about.

[luke28]

What with it being stealth, I've never seen any pictures or videos of them low level in the states.

That's what stealth is all about.

Boom!

[A380_sully]

All I'm going to say is, go and sit on a hill in LFA7, LFA14, LFA20 etc and see what turns up. It's what its all about. Speculation is fine, rumours are a waste of time and subject posts. Setups = upsets, get out in the fresh air and enjoy the wx, whatever it does, you never know.... you might see a hawk!

[thommg]

Whenever my extended Welsh American family come to visit I insist that they 'do' The Loop within 48 hours of arriving....



(Actually they may get dragged up Cadair Idris..or maybe Arenig..or thereabouts...)

[Fighterfoto]

The Raptors are not playing in Giffin Strike.

[Blackcat1]

Just Typhoons and Rafales for Griffin Strike

[Bluetail]

I think they should ignore Wales and come up to Tain and then do some circuits at Lossiemouth, after all most of the English based spotting fraternity is up here already, I wouldn't want them to miss them would I.

[Blackcat1]

Aww that's not very fair they have enough to see up there lol

[welshandy]

All I'm going to say is, go and sit on a hill in LFA7, LFA14, LFA20 etc and see what turns up. It's what its all about. Speculation is fine, rumours are a waste of time and subject posts. Setups = upsets, get out in the fresh air and enjoy the wx, whatever it does, you never know.... you might see a hawk!

I'm lucky enough to live on the route used by Lakenheath's & Mildenhall's a/c to/from LFA7. So I can just sit in my back garden & hope they come over(no hill climbing for me )

[iainpeden]

I am working in the Bury St Edmunds area for the next few months. I hope to be able to get up to Lakenheath one evening and, while I may not be able to see them fly, wonder if they are visible from anywhere around the base. Thanks

[mirage41]

If they're off to the 323 complex with F15s, they may well level off initially at FL170 right above me, and then come down through 5,000 on rtb.

They whine a bit more than an F15 during throttle back, so English cloud not a problem for ident.

[Dan423]

I am working in the Bury St Edmunds area for the next few months. I hope to be able to get up to Lakenheath one evening and, while I may not be able to see them fly, wonder if they are visible from anywhere around the base. Thanks

They're parked up on C ramp which I imagine is hard to see from the outside. They looked fantastic as I drove along aforementioned ramp this morning!