FighterControl

Just spotted this - the first official confirmation that something is happening

U6242/23 - LIMITED PRACTICE DIVERSIONS DUE TO EXERCISE TRAFFIC. 23 OCT 07:00 2023 UNTIL 17 NOV 23:59 2023. CREATED: 25 SEP 14:18 2023

Believed to be Rafales as part of Atlantic Trident, although the dates also cover joint warrior.

Guessing that the ex starts 30th October for two weeks with the earlier week for arrivals?

Could be wrong!

Waddington has been made much more appealing recently with the addition of new Rubb hangars, this could be the start of more regular deployments.....

Mike

If Rafales are indeed taking part would they likely have a tanker with them or travel on their own?

MhzSpotter1028 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 30, 2023 9:03 pm

If Rafales are indeed taking part would they likely have a tanker with them or travel on their own?

should not need a tanker if fitted with drop tanks.

There is the possibility of a tanker coming, but seems unlikely.

Also possibly a French AEW aircraft

I suppose if its navy rafales that would potentially be an E2

airphotog19 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 30, 2023 11:07 pm

I suppose if its navy rafales that would potentially be an E2

the last time an E2 visited Waddington if i remember correct was years ago when ACMI was on.

Believe the last French Navy E-2 at Waddington was 2008, I remember two popping in for short detachments around that time.

Looking forward to this,

hopefully nice and cold with low winter sun.

Possibly linked to the above....

French Navy Falcon 10 into Waddington tomorrow (Tues 3rd) 1320/1410L should be FYDAF. Those times suggest a drop/pick up and go, so possibly a return visit at some point ?

Pencilled in are 6 x Rafale, 1 x MRTT, 2 x E3F, lets hope it comes off.

I heard that there could be up to 10 rafales taking part? Not sure how true this is though

I noticed today a sign has appeared at the entrance to the northern layby on Tower Lane (Harmston end) that it will be closed between 30th October and 10th November. Indicative of something happening and the same set up as has been in place for CW by the looks of it.

A new Notam has appeared for limited parking 17/10-17/11 at Waddington as well.

Maybe that means on the outside??....

Sounds like the exercise is 1st - 10th November.

Arrivals on the 30th?

Is it just the French or are there other players?

Just the Frenchies.

It's looking like Marine Nationalé jets based on the Falcon 10s recently, could be wrong though!

See where the support flights come from, presumably by the end of the coming week.

Thanks. With this being for Atlantic Trident, guess RAF Typhoons / F35s and USAF F35s (don't think there's USN or MC in the area?) would be the other particiants flying from their home base? Is this exclusively an A2A exercise or is there some LL included?

I have been hoping this Waddington event might coincide with a reason to visit Leeming for the Swiss F18 night flying event if it will be happening again this year. Anyone any idea?

Yorknite starts on 20 Nov so no overlap.

verreli wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 21, 2023 9:23 am

Yorknite starts on 20 Nov so no overlap.

Thanks Verreli, I'll watch out for updates on Yorknite when it becomes available.