Callsigns

[mjf22p]

Newbie here asking for info:
Is there are relevance behind the callsigns used for flights from Brize.
Noticed that the A400M's use COMET a lot as well as ASCOT, Voyagers use TARTN etc.

Do these callsigns mean they are doing a certain type of flight? (AAR for example?)

Just curious. If there are other callsigns as well, please inform me.

[sonicbenj]

Good question. Voyagers use MADRAS as well.

[POL]

At a very basic level, no they don't mean a certain type of mission. However...

TARTAN is used by 10 and 101 Squadrons, whose primary mission is aerial refuelling.
COMET is used by 206 Squadron, who test and evaluate tactics and features on all RAF heavy types, so you'll see it used on Hercules, C-17, Voyager, Atlas, and Poseidon.
The Hercules fleet use a mix of callsigns, STRIKER has been used today for example.

ASCOT is used for passenger and cargo transport, overseas aerial refuelling, training in the UK and overseas, and just about every other mission Brize Norton based aircraft have.

There are lots of other nuances to it, but that it at a high level.

[mjf22p]

Thank you for the info. Yes, MADRAS is another one I've seen a lot.

[Mike]

This list is quite useful :- viewtopic.php?f=180&t=188533