Equipment

[FFDspotter]

Spotted lots of gear in the south-east loop today (where they often prepare the gear for deployments), with enough gear for 5-6 aircraft. Guess we can expect a deployment soon. Unsure if this is bomber related, or an ACE exercise

[Philwinward]

Could this be tied in with the flypast over Maddingly cemetery on Tuesday?
Rumours say that B1’s are involved as well as UK based aircraft.

[R1nger]

Given the current state of tension, I'm surprised that there isn't any deployment already here.

[thevulcan]

I would imagine there will be a routine pre-planned training exercise in the upcoming weeks.

[Supra]

Could this be tied in with the flypast over Maddingly cemetery on Tuesday?
Rumours say that B1’s are involved as well as UK based aircraft.

+1 for this. 2 x B.1 / 2 x F.15E & 2 x RAF / RN F.35 due to do the Flypast on Tues 1st Feb. Published route shows inbound/outbound flightpath to Cambridge passing eastern end of Mildenhall.

[city42]

Is all the gear still up at the south-east loop please

[bruiser]

Drove past yesterday and it was still there.

[city42]

Drove past yesterday and it was still there.

Thanks maybe they have just put up there out the way with all work going on right now

[eagle driver]

4 x B-52s expected 10th Feb , well that's the rumour anyway , time will tell.

[EAGLE]

RCH103 (C-17) is expected to be bringing over its equipment, Currently at Minot since last night.

[CaLi]

RCH103 (C-17) is expected to be bringing over its equipment, Currently at Minot since last night.

RCH103 C-17 97-0044 departing Minot 2135z for Fairford

[slogen51]

21:20z Camber 501 inbound Minot according to FR24 ( B772 N819AX)

[thevulcan]

Definitely seems to be a much faster pace to this deployment already first time we have had Pax arrive on the same day as the first support flight. Rumours of Thursday are starting to seem plausible.

[wessexspotter]

Rumours of Thursday are starting to seem plausible.

I reckon it could be even earlier given the ongoing shenanigans out east. Odds on them flying a sequel to their LEMAY sortie performed during their last deployment?

[wessexspotter]

CMB 501 showing an 08.20z eta for FFD

I'm guessing its on approach now currently north of Brize - something is showing up on both FR and Radarbox but with no ID.

[wessexspotter]

CMB501 visual to the east of my location, looking for all the world like a Virgin Atlantic flight.

[BOLLO]

That looks like him fella

https://www.planespotters.net/photo/117 ... -777-2u8er

[steamy]

Rumours of Thursday are starting to seem plausible.

I reckon it could be even earlier given the ongoing shenanigans out east. Odds on them flying a sequel to their LEMAY sortie performed during their last deployment?

What was the Lemay sortie? I remember the significance of the callsign, but not the sortie details?

[wessexspotter]

Rumours of Thursday are starting to seem plausible.

I reckon it could be even earlier given the ongoing shenanigans out east. Odds on them flying a sequel to their LEMAY sortie performed during their last deployment?

What was the Lemay sortie? I remember the significance of the callsign, but not the sortie details?

I recall it was the three-ship which flew over Ukraine to within a dozen miles or so of the 'border' with Crimea, then did the 'fighting wing' run & break at Fairford on their return.

[steamy]

thanks for the info