Italian choppers at Leeming

[IanM]

Hi all,

Does anyone have the definitive answer as to why they are here? If on an exercise, which one?

Ian

[slogen51]

Just wondered if they are outside today?

[Lytham TL]

Three were out when we left at 10:30. The Navy NH90 wasn't
Hawks were 132, 4, 5 and 6

[slogen51]

Thanks

I was going to head up but got stuck at Mildenhall!

[David Thompson]

The 3 Italian choppers departed north at 11:00 . They don't show on virtual radar but have been spending some time up at Spadeadam .

[SamP]

Are these being hangared every evening overnight?

[Evergreen 44]

Yes Sam
Hangared each night in one of the main hangars and emerge to the left of the ramp, as viewed from viewing enclosure (open 07:00-19:00)
From other visits they emerge as early as 08:30 but other times after 09:30
The light grey Navy NH-90 is noticeably less active/visible
Good luck on your trip
Best Regards,
Paul

[Black Mike]

For info, the choppers returned quite late yesterday. The Mangusta and Chinook came back in at 16:50 and the NH90 came back in on its own around 16:30 from memory and caught us napping.

The Hunter (XE688/XE704) flew twice.

[Tarnished1]

Hi all,

Does anyone have the definitive answer as to why they are here? If on an exercise, which one?

Ian

Maybe testing DIRCM or other defensive aids suites over Spadeadam on 3 different types/with 2 different operators?

[David Thompson]

A post on the RAF Leeming Facebook page this morning states that they are due to leave for home this week .

[IanM]

Thanks to all for the info.

Ian

[simongrigor]

All four Italians outside this morning. Crew activity suggests a possible departure?

[Dave Smith]

Pictures on FB of RAF and Italian staff exchanging gifts so I would guess that they are of home fairly soon.

[Tarnished1]

I wonder if they did a stint along Hadrian's Wall?

[Tarnished1]

Chinook showed on mode-S very briefly just sth of Kielder Water, NNE of Spadeadam. I took a screenshot but dont know how to embed in this post...Esercito NH-90 also now showing NNE Spadeadam (1130L).

[twinstar]

Can anyone confirm when these returned home?

[Punkrunner62]

I saw something on Facebook saying they went home on Thursday 13th, i presume the 2 NH90s and Chinook went and the Mangusta will be taken home in a C-130 soon.
Cheers.

[2.2DME]

Just confirming regarding the departure that 2 NH90s & 1 Chinook were seen southbound over Derby at just after 0830Z this morning (17th October) as IEI1565.