RAF Mildenhall to close. Lakenheath to get F-35 by 2020

[baz1]

our RCs operate ok from Waddington I think the problem was that they cant take off with a full fuel load?

[Vulcanone]

I suppose it could be done, but not advisable.

After watching the footage of the Israeli 707s depart last September...

[thevulcan]

Take a look at google Earth for fairford just shocked me that a new huge hangar has been constructed behind the U2 hangars as well as an ISTAR complex behind that. This all was not there before last July.

[MRTT]

Take a look at google Earth for fairford just shocked me that a new huge hangar has been constructed behind the U2 hangars as well as an ISTAR complex behind that. This all was not there before last July.

Google Earth hasn't been updated for quite some time! The "new hangar" you mention was demolished in 2013.

[thevulcan]

Indeed it was sorry MRTT I think I have been inside too long. however that is the site for the new hangar once work gets underway.

[bizfreeq]

Are the buildings you refer to in this post?

https://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/view ... hp?t=65770

[mushbuster]

There has been no mention of a new RC135 hangar at Fairford in any of the budget documents published by USAF or press releases, is this yet another assumption by people that don't actually know what is happening or is it based on facts? If the latter can someone post a link to the source please

[baz1]

I suppose it could be done, but not advisable.

After watching the footage of the Israeli 707s depart last September...

yes but the Israeli 707s have the old smokey joe engines were as the Airseekers have the upgraded engines that makes a big difference

[mushbuster]

Baz, comparison of 707 and 135 performance is not really relevant, they are entirely different airframes despite the fact they look very similar. The 707 has more than 20% bigger wing area and is a different fuselage, both have similar operating weights. Waddington's runway length issues are not just limited to RC135 take off weight they also relate to landing weights/distances, particularly in bad weather. If you add the fact that almost every operational RC135 sortie from Waddington requires AAR (probably from a USAF or FAF jet) you can see Waddington is far from ideal for that airframe

[page_verify]

There has been no mention of a new RC135 hangar at Fairford in any of the budget documents published by USAF or press releases, is this yet another assumption by people that don't actually know what is happening or is it based on facts? If the latter can someone post a link to the source please

There are/were several significant construction projects in the pipeline at Fairford - some are ACC, some AFGSC, some USAFE. Additionally, some are meant to get funding in future budgets, some were funded, and some, well who knows right now.


Page 40
https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/ ... 114127-010

[mushbuster]

Page Verify, I am aware of the declared projects and the sponsoring Major Commands of those projects, none include an RC135 hangar

[page_verify]

Nope - and neither are we aware of every toilet being built either. Hence, there’s no definitive source of what actually might be built and why. Because nothing has been signed off, apparently. All we know is right now - nothing is actually being built. P.S. the CDC web site is very insightful if you want to do some researching.

[skysearcher]

The DoD are deferring a whole lot of mil-con worldwide, because somebody is preoccupied with building a gigantic fence / "wall".
Looks like no explicit mention of fairford though?
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/20 ... eterrence/

[skidrow]

All work at Fairford and it’s future is subject to the latest Eic review which is currently being discussed by the powers that be. All work regarding units relocating from Mildenhall are on hold pending the final decision.

[Lossie]

The last poster on here is correct the last official statement from RAF Mildenhall said this:
https://aviation-news.keypublishing.com ... ll-latest/

[Spitfire88]

www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Di ... -fairford/

[Spitfire88]

Oh look it’s that phantom construction work that’s not happening

www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Di ... -fairford/

[skidrow]

Yes it's work at Fairford but not in direct support of the relocation from RAF Mildenhall. Simples......

[Spitfire88]

Yes it's work at Fairford but not in direct support of the relocation from RAF Mildenhall. Simples......
[/quote\]

I’m pretty sure that communication network work and bandwidth has a lot to do with the move , plus of course it says it’s being done as part of Fairfords expanding mission set.

[HighFlyer21]

If increased network capabilities are going in, it would certainly suggest it's the beginning of something. No point doing it for nothing. Certainly looks like it's being done to support an increase of users within the base for future activities.