Something for those who are bored with forum politics

[trikey]

Originally Posted by Borg Warner

not aware of a public viewing area for Wattisham.

This has never been a problem

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by Darcydog

We get quite a few Apaches flying round here and o er the Forest from Middle Wallop.

I wonder where they would be deployed to that requires an An 124?

We should have a little gathering at the museum there sometime, my late brother in law was an instructor there for many years.

Cheers Ian

[MSS]

Originally Posted by Darcydog

We get quite a few Apaches flying round here and o er the Forest from Middle Wallop.

I wonder where they would be deployed to that requires an An 124?

Perhaps to some exercises in Europe or the US?

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by trikey

I might have a pop down after work tomorrow if it’s still there.

I would join you but i probably won't get away from work until 6:30 ish tomorrow

Believe Lakenheath has a viewing area.

Yes it does right at the end of the runway... Was there recently watching F15's doing circuits until 1 ran into an issue on the runway and got surrounded by emergency vehicles which stopped play.



https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/....5820715?hl=en

[trikey]

Originally Posted by Rogue

I would join you but i probably won't get away from work until 6:30 ish tomorrow


Yes it does right at the end of the runway... Was there recently watching F15's doing circuits until 1 ran into an issue on the runway and got surrounded by emergency vehicles which stopped play.



https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/....5820715?hl=en

Called in at Lakenheath a few Months ago, watched an impressive take off of about eight of them!

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by trikey

Called in at Lakenheath a few Months ago, watched an impressive take off of about eight of them!

They are normally flying most days but you have to get lucky that they are flying at just the time you are there... Would often take lunch breaks there when i was in the area with work.

[Ross R75]

Originally Posted by mss

Perhaps to some exercises in Europe or the US?

C-17 is usually the machine of choice for transporting anything from Gazelle to Chinook to where they need to be. AN-124 is prohibitively expensive. The only time I've seen one used was to the Falklands carrying outsize equipment that could only have gone by sea otherwise.

Saif Sareea 3 is about to start in Oman. That has a Challenger 2 Squadron, a Warrior Armoured Infantry Battle Group, a CVRT Squadron, Puma and Chinook. The armoured vehicles go by sea.

[trikey]

Any update on the Antonov? I’m looking to go down tonight after work if it’s still there.

[greendriver]

Originally Posted by mss

I am out cutting the grass and just happened to witness an Antonov An124 come into land at RAF Wattisham. This is where the RAF Apache helicopters are based.

The An124 is the only serially produced aircraft that can accommodate an Apache intact withtout need for anything to be removed.

The last time I saw one was during the Afganistan war when I saw Volga Dnepr An124 come in and then leave.

It is an awesome sight!

If it hasn't got heated front seats & powerfolds I'm not interested....

[WillyHeckaslike]

Nato has a charter arrangement for the provision of up to six AN-124s but it is rumoured that Putin is considering pulling the plug on the deal by the end of 2018 in retaliation to US sanctions - it will likely be spun differently by Russia as always if it comes to pass.

The Apache choppers are made in Arizona where major upgrades and some in-depth maintenance services will also likely be undertaken. I believe that the AN-124 is used in relation to this amongst its many other tasks.