EX ARCTIC CHALLENGE/BALTOPS/SABRE STRIKE/AMPLE STRIKE 17

[StormsInAfrica]

The time has come for the (almost!) ritual summer deployment thread!

EX ARCTIC CHALLENGE: 22nd May - 2nd June
EX BALTOPS: 5th June - 24th June
EX SABRE STRIKE: 6th June - 23rd June
EX AMPLE STRIKE: 23rd August - 12th September

All news in here if you will!

[MRTT]

Operation Sabre Strike is due to begin on the 6th June.

There is no indication at this time to whether or not Fairford will be involved.

[skywatch1]

Hi Guy's, good to be back.

Re: the subject, lets hope so.

Now retired, I've given up with both local and world politics, just want to see and monitor movements at the Base.

I flew past Fairford recently in a C42 micro light and it gave me the prospective of what the Big boy's see

See you around

[Supra]

In these untested times of the new US Presidency, the 'normal schedule' no longer exists! It may either become much better or much worse for UK aviation enthusiasts?
The prospect of seeing that perspective should always be enjoyed 'skywatch1'

[page_verify]

I can't see Trump's policies and relations reducing activities, only doing more. The expected new relationship with Russia hasn't exactly changed the world as everyone expected. Neither have his relations with Iran, North Korea and China, along with his commitment with May over NATO.

[Gary]

Not BALTOPS/SABRE STRIKE 17 related but don't want to start a new thread for it

Airshowinfo facebook page has a quote from echodnia.eu, saying Radom have a B-52 taking part in their flying display. The airshow is August 28 &29, so could mean possible ops from Fairford? As it stats they can't operate from Radom https://www.facebook.com/airshowinfo/?h ... ED&fref=nf

According to echodnia.eu, a B-52H Stratofortress will be shown at Radom Airshow 2017 on the flying display program!
The aircraft is expected to make some flypass, after a take off from an other airfield, because its too heavy to land at Radom Airport.

[page_verify]

Baltops 2017 will take place between June 5th and 24th, Sabre Strike 2017 between June 6th and 23rd, and Ample Strike 2017 between August 23rd and September 12th.

[markranger]

Scramble has 3 x B52s participating on Exercise Artic Challenge in Finland although Currently states they will be flying direct from USA?

Dates 22-05-02-06

Guess you never know, They might end up at Fairford instead...

[sonicbenj]

For a little more clarity that's 800 personnel being rumoured rather than 800 assets.

From RAF Fairford/Brize Spotters on FaceBook:

"Just herd 800 Americans coming to Fairford for an exercise May 22nd, not sure what aircraft involved"

[James1971]

Hopefully a selection of B bombers would make a worthwhile day spent at the base

[StormsInAfrica]

As always, it'll be a game of track where the pax flights route through. That will give us a better idea of what platforms are coming. 800 is a fair old number for 3 B-52s.

[Rory76]

What sort of personnel numbers have the last couple of years seen?

[Kurnass]

It looks like a B-52 is to show up at the Tactical Weapons Meet Spottersday in Florennes for a flyby. Might be an indication that they are flying from Fairford.

[page_verify]

Rory76,

According to the article below, 200 airmen deployed to Spain last year to support three B-52s participating in an exercise.
If you were to think that each aircraft type requires 200 airmen, then 800 would suggest three types along with 200 to keep them safe.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/ ... -exercises

[LANCER]

Rory76,

According to the article below, 200 airmen deployed to Spain last year to support three B-52s participating in an exercise.
If you were to think that each aircraft type requires 200 airmen, then 800 would suggest three types along with 200 to keep them safe.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/ ... -exercises

If 200 supported 3 aircraft , then does 800 no equate to 12 aircraft ?

[harvo266]

Rory76,

According to the article below, 200 airmen deployed to Spain last year to support three B-52s participating in an exercise.
If you were to think that each aircraft type requires 200 airmen, then 800 would suggest three types along with 200 to keep them safe.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/ ... -exercises

If 200 supported 3 aircraft , then does 800 no equate to 12 aircraft ?

I think he means 200 personnel per aircraft with 200 extra i.e. 800 personnel for 3 B-52's

[harvo266]

For Ex Arctic Challenge, are the B-52's likely to arrive over the weekend before (20/21 May)

[Rory76]

Rory76,

According to the article below, 200 airmen deployed to Spain last year to support three B-52s participating in an exercise.
If you were to think that each aircraft type requires 200 airmen, then 800 would suggest three types along with 200 to keep them safe.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/ ... -exercises

If 200 supported 3 aircraft , then does 800 no equate to 12 aircraft ?

I think he means 200 personnel per aircraft with 200 extra i.e. 800 personnel for 3 B-52's

Read it as 200 for 3 Buffs, implying 800 could be for Bones and Stealths as well....

Oh the excitement and intrigue!

[Rory76]

For Ex Arctic Challenge, are the B-52's likely to arrive over the weekend before (20/21 May)

Probably during the preceding week I'd imagine. Tho could be surprised!

[LANCER]

Read it as 200 for 3 Buffs, implying 800 could be for Bones and Stealths as well....

Oh the excitement and intrigue!

One can only join you with you're hopes and expectations !