U2 deployment news

[skyking_comms]

Hopefully another OL-UK patch will be created like the last time they were here - www.raf-fairford.co.uk/ol-uk

[TAFFEVANS]

Might resurrect the title `Operating Location - United Kingdom` last used when U-2's were based at Fairford Mar'95 -Jan'96. Although they had 3 (differently configured) U-2R's based, a total of 10 U-2's used Fairford during that period with the maximum present at one time being 5 a/c. This was a combination of tail swaps from the US, transits to and from downrange and those downrange sent to Fairford for `Phase` maintenance. A bonus regarding those which came out of `Phase` was that their first flight was an air test or Functional Check Flight (FCF) in US speak. This normally involved overshoots and a bit of circuit bashing which made things a bit more interesting. Could history repeat itself?

Spent a few hours at Osan & the giveaway for ‘local’ sorties apart from the sensitive gear being absent was to see which helmet the Pilot was wearing! For local air tests etc they would normally just wear a standard one as opposed to the pressure suit Helmet.

[Stroudy]

Might resurrect the title `Operating Location - United Kingdom` last used when U-2's were based at Fairford Mar'95 -Jan'96. Although they had 3 (differently configured) U-2R's based, a total of 10 U-2's used Fairford during that period with the maximum present at one time being 5 a/c. This was a combination of tail swaps from the US, transits to and from downrange and those downrange sent to Fairford for `Phase` maintenance. A bonus regarding those which came out of `Phase` was that their first flight was an air test or Functional Check Flight (FCF) in US speak. This normally involved overshoots and a bit of circuit bashing which made things a bit more interesting. Could history repeat itself?

One was doing this very thing Graham on 27 August, I had the pleasure of standing underneath it in a bailed grass field whilst it did circuits, so maybe it seems it's already started

[Spitfire88]

It has started the USAF issued a press release last week saying the U2’s had deployed to fairford.

[Tonka2010]

Might resurrect the title `Operating Location - United Kingdom` last used when U-2's were based at Fairford Mar'95 -Jan'96. Although they had 3 (differently configured) U-2R's based, a total of 10 U-2's used Fairford during that period with the maximum present at one time being 5 a/c. This was a combination of tail swaps from the US, transits to and from downrange and those downrange sent to Fairford for `Phase` maintenance. A bonus regarding those which came out of `Phase` was that their first flight was an air test or Functional Check Flight (FCF) in US speak. This normally involved overshoots and a bit of circuit bashing which made things a bit more interesting. Could history repeat itself?

Was this not the deployment when one crashed? pretty sure my cousin was moved there temporarily as Security Police from Lakenheath at that point. I would have been 15 then so my memory may be merging deployments.

Marc

[graham luxton]

Might resurrect the title `Operating Location - United Kingdom` last used when U-2's were based at Fairford Mar'95 -Jan'96. Although they had 3 (differently configured) U-2R's based, a total of 10 U-2's used Fairford during that period with the maximum present at one time being 5 a/c. This was a combination of tail swaps from the US, transits to and from downrange and those downrange sent to Fairford for `Phase` maintenance. A bonus regarding those which came out of `Phase` was that their first flight was an air test or Functional Check Flight (FCF) in US speak. This normally involved overshoots and a bit of circuit bashing which made things a bit more interesting. Could history repeat itself?

Was this not the deployment when one crashed? pretty sure my cousin was moved there temporarily as Security Police from Lakenheath at that point. I would have been 15 then so my memory may be merging deployments.

Marc

Yes, Senior Span/Ruby U-2R 68-10338 crashed on the 29th Aug'95. Wreckage was guarded until it was removed from the field by the Dunfield crash gate so that's probably why you're cousin was moved there to help out with the extra policing required.

[Tonka2010]

Yes, Senior Span/Ruby U-2R 68-10338 crashed on the 29th Aug'95. Wreckage was guarded until it was removed from the field by the Dunfield crash gate so that's probably why you're cousin was moved there to help out with the extra policing required.

Wow you are a fountain of knowledge! It's good to know my memory is still working as it should Thanks for the confirmation.

Marc

[graham luxton]

You need to get some sleep young man!

[F4JPhantomII]

Hopefully another OL-UK patch will be created like the last time they were here - www.raf-fairford.co.uk/ol-uk

Seems there is a new deployment/squadron patch: https://imgur.com/a/q2uAGT5. No idea if the crews are wearing it but this was included in the latest (May 2020) Combat Aircraft magazine.

[SamP]

The subdued version is worn by the ground crews & pogo crews, the colour version is worn by the pilots when they fly local sorties.

[IanM]

Does the detachment have a formal designation e.g. OLUK or Det. 4 ?

Ian

[page_verify]

99th ERS - "Arctic Dragons"

The OL and Det terms were retired over the last 15 years or so (as were the terms SENIOR GLASS/RUBY/SPAN/SPUR/etc.) but there's been little literature about those changes.

[IanM]

99th ERS - "Artic Dragons"

The OL and Det terms were retired over the last 15 years or so (as were the terms SENIOR GLASS/RUBY/SPAN/SPUR/etc.) but there's been little literature about those changes.

Thanks for this.

[mushbuster]

99th ERS - "Artic Dragons"

The OL and Det terms were retired over the last 15 years or so (as were the terms SENIOR GLASS/RUBY/SPAN/SPUR/etc.) but there's been little literature about those changes.

That will be "Arctic Dragons" unless the U2 drivers are working for Eddie Stobart