Norwegian Bells at Brize

[Kevin Brewer]

From a separate thread I believe two Norwegian AF Bell 412s have been flown into Brize via NATO C-17. Can anyone confirm if they are still there, and if so, where best to see them from please?

MTIA

Kevin

[norm3392]

Kevin,
These are 'behind the wire' at Rollestone Camp just west of Larkhill.
Road is narrow & heavily used by mil vehicles & the fence is not good for shooting through. Small steps are ideal. Beware of the razor wire topping!
There's a gravel car park of sorts opposite main gate and it's a short walk back down to view them.
HTH, Norm

[Kevin Brewer]

Norm

That's brilliant, thanks very much!

[timb]

Any idea if the Swiss will be coming as well, as both forces were at Knook Camp this time last year.

[norm3392]

No idea. Not a great deal of support kit in situ and nothing Swiss or marked Swiss. Norm

[gulfstream650]

These around Monday or Tuesday next week?

[timb]

Thanks for the info and reply Norm.

[Freeman Lowell]

Ex Virgo runs from 18-25 January, so there's a chance they'll be there or recovered back to Brize.
Freeman

[rh226]

Both at Rollestone Camp at 11.30Z today (Saturday 21st). One is quite near to the fence and the other is further away.

Directions for those who don't know:-
From the "Longbarrow" roundabout on the A303, take the A360 Northbound up to the roundabout at Airman's Corner (by the Stonehenge visitor centre) and go straight over up the B3086 (signed Rollestone). At the cross-roads (with the Larkhill - Shrewton road), go straight over and the camp is about half a mile on the left.

The helicopters are easily visible on the left as you approach the Camp.

[mudhen15]

Just been up and serials are 145 and 163.

[MRTT]

Heading over now

[Supra]

If you go to Rollestone you will need the patience of a Saint ('s fan ) if you're hoping to see them fly.
The exhibits at Duxford move more often & further!

[bizfreeq]

I wouldn't expect them to be flying on a Sunday anyway! Most of their flying last year was done at night.

[Sean Mac]

Night ops only, And don't get caught shooting into the camp as there are SF troops there and you could get your camera confiscate and photos deleted.

Sean

[norm3392]

To follow on from Sean's previous. I asked to take pictures through the fence and the offer was politely declined.
The MOD on site are now sending the gate guards out to 'discourage' anyone stopping and taking pictures. I'm told it's the Norwegian pilots that have caused this to happen as they are not happy with their helicopters being photographed.
As it stands at the moment they are not encouraging parking in the 'FARP car park' opposite either.
Yes, I know it's a public road and they have no powers etc etc, but just passing on what's currently happening especially if you're thinking of travelling from afar.
It is definitely less relaxed than Knook last year!
Norm

[Supra]

According to the English-speaking ground-crew the whole Norwegian Detachment are just not familiar with the level of interest, concept & raison d'être of the British spotter/photographer?
Whilst the experience-vs-expense of the whole Exercise seems questionable to some of us, the 'twitchiness' of the Norwegians relates mainly to flight-safety issues due to proximity of civilians, be that enthusiasts or mainly grockles that park-up on the public highway & watch from just 70 metres from the Helo' landing-spot!
No part of this seems to have reduced their planned 'missions', but I think you can guarantee no access to their location if this exercise is repeated next year?

[Kevin Brewer]

Both still parked up as of 11.20 this morning (Tuesday).
Many thanks to all previous posters for the info.

[Kevin Brewer]

Noted flying just north of Boscombe Down at 14.00 local, heading towards Andover.

[Neil D]

Have arrived at Brize.

Neil

[bizfreeq]

Their lift home is currently over Germany 03 BRK55