RJ will not move to Fairford

[Spitfire88]

This information was sent out to the residents of Marston Meysey although we probably know this anyway.
RAF Fairford update - the United States of America notified the MOD that the decision had been made to keep the RC-135 RIVET JOINT Mission at its current location of RAF Mildenhall, There remain several other projects that will increase the population at RAF Fairford, but not to the extent that was anticipated under the RC-135. In short, there will be US dollars spent on upgrading facilities and some construction work that has been planned alongside the RC-135 plans and these will lead to a gentle increase in personnel based at Fairford from now until circa 2024.

[Pune]

This information was sent out to the residents of Marston Meysey although we probably know this anyway.
RAF Fairford update - the United States of America notified the MOD that the decision had been made to keep the RC-135 RIVET JOINT Mission at its current location of RAF Mildenhall, There remain several other projects that will increase the population at RAF Fairford, but not to the extent that was anticipated under the RC-135. In short, there will be US dollars spent on upgrading facilities and some construction work that has been planned alongside the RC-135 plans and these will lead to a gentle increase in personnel based at Fairford from now until circa 2024.

What a pity, change of administration could affect any decisions

[skywatch]

Sad news indeed. All that work for the fast fibre data network and now no user for it!

I guess that the runway underrun works and new hangar/admin buildings are also being scrapped if there is no longer a customer for them?....

[thevulcan]

The four bay Multi Purpose hangar will still go ahead as will the Munitions Handling Areas and the Deploy-able Airbase Systems. Fairford should see a large increase in bomber deployments and so flying will become a bit more regular. Hope this helps.

[page_verify]

You’re seeing it as a bad thing? I wouldn’t - the base is now Europe’s “specialist” contingency base and perhaps it’s “customers” didn’t want everyday European operations (and their leadership and regional politics....) getting in the way of some quite meaty asks they now have to meet....... A lot has changed in Europe since the infrastructure consolidation review a few years ago.

[thevulcan]

Presumably the MPH will be able to handle these "customers" aircraft types. hence the hangar being called multipurpose so not just for bombers?

[Supra]

Another valid point is that major infrastructure developments can't just 'happen'. From the programme of works at Fairford that I saw previously it's not unlikely that some elements have already been tendered & possibly even got to the Intent/Contract stage where punitive withdrawal penalties may transpire. More cost effective to avoid such high charges by just continuing with the construction?? The MPH would be a very useful facility going forward for fixing broken B-52's suffering fatigue from GPM's!
An example of already redundant development is the multiple HAS & Ammunition Storage Facility constructed at Boscombe Down that was completed way after the last Cannon F-111 Deployment. We've seen it all before as the saying goes..." New fence & re-surfaced runway is a clear indication that the base will close within 18 months!"

[page_verify]

“Customers” = the rarer B-52, B-2 and U-2 types which now only deploy for regional stability missions rather than the broader USAFE which may be a deterrent but is now seen by many in the USAF as just one big training school for missions that sometimes happen outside of Europe.

Also the RC-135 construction was tiny compared to the amount of other construction work that’s still going ahead.

[thevulcan]

Thanks page_verify your explanations really help.

[Spitfire88]

Another valid point is that major infrastructure developments can't just 'happen'. From the programme of works at Fairford that I saw previously it's not unlikely that some elements have already been tendered & possibly even got to the Intent/Contract stage where punitive withdrawal penalties may transpire. More cost effective to avoid such high charges by just continuing with the construction?? The MPH would be a very useful facility going forward for fixing broken B-52's suffering fatigue from GPM's!
An example of already redundant development is the multiple HAS & Ammunition Storage Facility constructed at Boscombe Down that was completed way after the last Cannon F-111 Deployment. We've seen it all before as the saying goes..." New fence & re-surfaced runway is a clear indication that the base will close within 18 months!"

Mph contract was awarded in September

[paulk]

Once the contract is signed it is normally cheaper to carry it out then it cancel it. A couple of prime examples were the money spent on Chivenor even after the RAF said they were pulling out and painting the Northolt Andover’s Grey which carried on even after their retirement was announced.

John

[Spitfire88]

From what Iv been told by the person who would know about the construction projects, all the projects going ahead I.e the MPH, DABS, munitions storage are linked the Fairfords future BTF mission.
Of course there will also be some taxi way repairs and upgrades but they are normal life cycle upgrades.

[sgtangel]

I do get the feeling that these BTF missions will become a permanent TDY, similar to when the 11SG acted as the ETTF with Kc135 on the base back in the day

[thevulcan]

I completely agree sgtangel once the hangar is built deep maintenance can be done at fairford and squadrons can just be rotated through similar to guam.

[blackhandgang17]

Why would they want to do deep maintenance at Fairford??
all the Hangar will achieve if it is big enough is to enable repairs to B-52'S etc to be carried out undercover and not be affected by the weather
Remember USAFE F-15'S Depth maint is carried out in the USA as is the KC-135
Believe the F-16'S go to belgium for depth maint

[luxto]

A continuous bomber presence - if only! Can't see it happening though as a change in policy this year ended the 16 years of continuous bomber presence on Andersen, Guam in favour of BTF deployments.

[thevulcan]

Just have to wait and see whatever the case Fairford will become busier which is a win for everyone.

[wessexspotter]

A tad disappointing but at least it will cut down on my petrol bill...

Anyone up for a combined bid for that last property on the way out of Whelford?

[Spitfire88]

A tad disappointing but at least it will cut down on my petrol bill...

Anyone up for a combined bid for that last property on the way out of Whelford?

I know the owner, it’s very nice inside

[Spitfire88]

A continuous bomber presence - if only! Can't see it happening though as a change in policy this year ended the 16 years of continuous bomber presence on Andersen, Guam in favour of BTF deployments.

If the BTF presence at Guam is anything to go by Fairford will be very busy once covid is over.
We can only hope.