Non-motoring > Last RAF Harrier flight	Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Fenlander	Replies: 57

New Wed 15 Dec 10 08:05   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

For those interested it's another *end of an era* day today. The last official flying of the Harrier jet. A 16 aircraft diamond formation will fly the following schedule. Station/Village Timing RAF Cottesmore 1300 – 1310 hrs – Depart and form diamond RAF Marham 1318 hrs RAF Wyton 1322 hrs RAF Wittering 1326 hrs Stamford 1327 hrs RAF Cranwell 1401 hrs RAF Waddington 1402 hrs RAF Scampton 1404 hrs RAF Coningsby 1411 hrs RAF Cottesmore 1415 hrs Oakham 1416 hrs RAF Cottesmore 1420 hrs – Recover and land Obviously subject to weather/aircraft availability so if this prompts anyone to go to any effort to see them check a reliable source later this morning. I wonder if Perky Penguin will be about? I went to Wyton yesterday to see the rehersal run. They were over 1.5hrs late so a long wait in the car... worth it to see the 16 come over in a perfect diamond. Takes me back to an amazing day at Binbrook for the last Lightning display. Last edited by: Fenlander on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 08:10 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 08:23   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

Indeed I shall, having worked with them for 11 years! The rehearsal yesterday produced some immaculate formation, a diamond 16 is not easy! As I sit looking out towards the airfield the cloud and viz are both low. I understand there will be live coverage on the BBC 24 hour news Channel which might be a good alternative to viewing from the airfield boundary. I have blagged admission to the airfield for the management! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 08:37   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

FROM the management - idiot! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 09:01   Last RAF Harrier flight - sherlock47

Interesting to know how much this little celebration is going to cost - nostalgia trip only - if they are being mothballed it cannot even be justified as a training exercise. The funding by employers of Xmas parties is limited to £150 per head by the HMRC and participants have to pay tax on the extra. Could be some large tax payments required from the potentially redundant emp[loyees? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 09:09   Last RAF Harrier flight - Netsur

"The funding by employers of Xmas parties is limited to £150 per head by the HMRC and participants have to pay tax on the extra." That's a lot of money. I take my staff away for the day in place of a Christmas party and it costs less than £150 per head. We fly out early in the morning from Manchester or Liverpool, have a day in a European city and fly home for no more than £125 each inclusive of flight, meals, and coffees. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 09:34   Last RAF Harrier flight - sherlock47

E111 (just realised that you are EU recognised Form! :) That's a lot of money. I take my staff away for the day .... But you don't fly Harrier! and McD in Gdansk is pretty cheap. And the £150 is not just for Xmas Party, it is the aggregate for all events over the year. However team building is probably excluded so just be careful how you write your invitations. www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/eim21690.htm F Sorry this is my seasonal Scrooge personality kicking in early. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 09:21   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

I wondered if you might have a connection PP when I noticed your profile location. Worryingly low cloud here too nearer the Wyton end of things. I have a friend who's on Cottesmore for the third day running today. They are getting some great images like this one.... www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5258595391/ And this... www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970417/ Regarding costs pmh. A little mean to begrudge a last flight for an aircraft that has been at the front of operations for some 40yrs. The costs of keeping an aircraft type in service are massive but these costs will tumble away from tomorrow so a few gallons of fuel for an outing today is an insignificant amount. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 09:37   Last RAF Harrier flight - sherlock47

F I must say that TomHills photos are fantastic - just remember that in parts of Europe that you can still be locked up for taking photos like this! Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Wed 15 Dec 10 10:13   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

On a normal flying day there are well over 16 flights from Cottesmore, I know, I can see them from my house. All that is happening today is that there are 16 flights taking place at the same time.Less than a normal day's flying being done in a different way. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 11:49   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

Chances of the flypast taking place look poor, from here, as I write. Indeterminate but very low cloud base and visibility under 1000 yards in fog/mist. There is no back up plan to do it tomorrow unless there is a change of heart - it is today or never. Still that may be good news to the miserable squad! Last edited by: Perky Penguin (p) on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 11:50 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 12:07   Last RAF Harrier flight - Robin O'Reliant

I saw a Harrier give a demonstration during a Superbike meeting at Brands Hatch a few years back. What an awesome machine, watching it manouvre and having the ground beneath your feet vibrating from it's noise and thrust made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 13:10   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

I am currently under the RAF Wittering flight line. Its overcast with poor visibility. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 13:26   Last RAF Harrier flight - Iffy

...I am currently under the RAF Wittering flight line. Its overcast with poor visibility... Many other twitchers there? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 13:34   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

>>>currently under the RAF Wittering flight line. Its overcast with poor visibility. That was my fear at first light this morning... as far as I can see the cloud is too low at this Wyton part of the route for safe operation of the 16 ship formation. There is talk across the net now as to the go/no go decision and if they don't take off is that really it or might there be a possibility of tomorrow.... but then tomorrow is forecast as sleet or rain. The channel 4 commentator who is at Cottesmore with a film crew has said it looks iffy now but hinted they may go for it right up to sunset if the weather clears. Someone has tweeted that they put up a single aircraft around 1310 to look at the visibility. Last edited by: Fenlander on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 13:36 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 13:54   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

I am on the North easterly edge of the airfield, Visibility improved a bit from the south, but is closing down again. We have a N/E wind blowing I can hear something in the air from the north at 13:50 - cant see much Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:06   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

I am on the N/E edge too! Where are you zero? Fancy a beer in the Blue Cow???? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 13:57   Last RAF Harrier flight - helicopter

I was in Gibraltar at one point during the first Gulf War when half a dozen sandy colour camouflaged Harriers flew in.... Dual purpose in those days ....not only on their way to stuffing the Iraqis but they also stopped off at Gib and annoyed the Spanish...... :0) I would have loved to experience the 'viffing'..... Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:02   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

I flew into Gib when the Governor, Sir Joshua Hasan was on board the plane, We had a harrier escort AND flew over Spanish airspace when it was not allowed. ( a real finger in the air gesture) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:04   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

The took off from Cottesmore about 1352... the 16 plus a chase Harrier. With you Zero around 1418?? Last edited by: Fenlander on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 14:06 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:12   Last RAF Harrier flight - Bigtee

Where will these end up any staying "live" at various museums.? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:16   Last RAF Harrier flight - CGNorwich

Newly constituted Iraqi Air defence Force are interested in buying some. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:19   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

we had noise overhead at 14:08 - saw nothing tho. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:35   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

NOt seen them here yet 14:35. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:42   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

Feedback from Cottesmore says they may not have formed up to a 16 due to weather. Several have already returned to Cottesmore and landed. At the very least the weather aircraft, chase aircraft and 5 more are landed now. I thought the video I took yesterday was a bit poor but now seems better than nothing. 1441hrs Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:43   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

Zero abandons perch at Wittering 14:45 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:51   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

are you at cott or witt zero? Last edited by: Perky Penguin (p) on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 14:52 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 14:55   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

Was at Wittering, now having coffee in a pub, departing for Newark in about 15 minutes. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 15:12   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

Missed you I guess! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 15:15   Last RAF Harrier flight - John H

I watched the take-off and landing on BBC 24 news channel, from the comfort of my sofa, while Zero was away t-Wittering. Last edited by: John H on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 15:17 Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Wed 15 Dec 10 16:27   Last RAF Harrier flight - Old Navy

From the OP I would say that the RAF have far too many bases. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 16:54   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

The quantity and location of RAF airfields is based on a requirement from 1945, and then honed for the cold war. Both of which are no longer valid. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 17:06   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

Not all the bases OP lists are connected with the operation of aircraft. As of today Wittering is purely logisitic and Cottesmore is running down. Wyton is a support base. Cranwell is the centre of officer cadet training but has a flying element. Marham is Tornados, Coningsby is Typhoons. Waddington is AWACS and associated electronic warfare training and Scampton is Red Arrows, I think Last edited by: Perky Penguin (p) on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 17:08 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 17:51   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

Wittering is big enough to take them all, so why not? They are only dispersed through history, not logistics. Last edited by: Zero on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 17:55 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:06   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

Wittering no longer has the hangar/storage capacity to take the Harriers so they have been moved to Cott wher there is room. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:08   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

Cottesmore is being shut down. Completely. The runway is short. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:14   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

No the runway is NATO standard 9000 feet, V bombers and Tornados used to fly from it. Cott is being closed early next year but it might still be possible to fly the Harriers out if anyone buys them. Otherwise it would be a wing off and move them by road job. Wikipedia says 2,744 meters or 9,004 feet. Public source and not classified Last edited by: Perky Penguin (p) on Wed 15 Dec 10 at 18:18 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:21   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

It matters not, a modern airforce does not need lots of bases for lots of different reasons. One or two large airfields would suffice. Oh and Wittering has two miles of runway, Cottesmore is only 1.7 miles. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:22   Last RAF Harrier flight - Pat

So why do Witterings go straight up and Cottesmores go along? That's a bit odd..... I'll go and get dinner now! Pat Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:32   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

Yes I know, but 1.7 miles isn't short! Unfortunately we are already going the way of having one base for each type of aircraft. very economical but makes our complete transport force at an Oxfordshire rather vulnerable to attack; same for the helicopters! Some types are still multi-based but not many and probably not for much longer! Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 16 Dec 10 09:13   Last RAF Harrier flight - SteelSpark

>> It matters not, a modern airforce does not need lots of bases for lots of >> different reasons. >> >> One or two large airfields would suffice. Would that give them enough coverage to be able to intercept an airliner near to a major city or major infrastructure (nuclear plant etc) quickly? I ask because that would seem to be one of the few reasons that you would need a fast response to anything, unless France decide to invade of course. Last edited by: SteelSpark on Thu 16 Dec 10 at 09:14 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:21   Last RAF Harrier flight - sooty123

Big enough for all of the jets from the stations pp listed? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 16:55   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

>> I watched the take-off and landing on BBC 24 news channel, from the comfort of >> my sofa, while Zero was away t-Wittering. I didnt make the journey just to t-witter. It was "en route" so to speak. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:23   Last RAF Harrier flight - sooty123

All of the RAF in 1/2 bases, of course why hasn't anyone thought of it ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 18:48   Last RAF Harrier flight - Skoda

Wonder how much an ex-raf base in the middle of nowhere goes for. Probably no chance of a £1 sale :-( Would make for a cool blank canvas to make a race track. Get some jippos in on the cheap with a stolen bull dozer to add some elevation then tarmac it. Job done. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:07   Last RAF Harrier flight - Iffy

...Get some jippos in on the cheap with a stolen bull dozer to add some elevation then tarmac it... And wake up the next morning to find a shanty town of a hundred caravans. Not to mention a small fleet of 10-reg Transit pick-ups - with no tax. :) Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:09   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

This is what they do to old bases.. maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=alconbury&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Alconbury,+Huntingdon,+Cambridgeshire,+United+Kingdom&ll=52.379476,-0.238384&spn=0.001991,0.00567&t=h&z=18 Exactly the spot where I would frequently sit in the car with the window open just yards from a pair of Phantoms lighting up their burners for a take-off run. A violent but magnificent experience. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:20   Last RAF Harrier flight - Iffy

...This is what they do to old bases... Mmm, you could get a good few statics on there, hardstanding already in place, water, sewage and electric on site, outbuildings easily adapted for admin, toilet blocks and so on. Think I'll give the MoD property people a ring tomorrow. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:31   Last RAF Harrier flight - Skoda

>> This is what they do to old bases.. Russ Swift springs to mind, i could allocate a bit for him to do his magic in between the parked cars with his Montego on 2 wheels. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:34   Last RAF Harrier flight - Perky Penguin

With respect Skoda Rutland isn't the middle of nowhere, more the middle of UK! There has been talk of a civil airport but with East Midlands 30 miles away and Luton about 50 I don't see that working. An adveturous Dutchman bought RAF Laabruch for Euros 13 million with all the accomodation and infra structure and was very worried until Ryanair started using it, based a fleet of 5 a/c there and flies to about 45 destinations. I don't see Cott being used for flying, certainly once the Harriers have been flown out, if that is what happens to them Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:53   Last RAF Harrier flight - sooty123

>> I don't see Cott being used for flying, certainly once the Harriers have >> been flown out, if that is what happens to them >> Probably handed over to the army, make a east midlands super garrison with the troops pulling out of germany in the next 5-10 years. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 20:30   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

Had I realised we could have met for coffee. I was in the Exeter arms at Easton. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 20:54   Last RAF Harrier flight - sooty123

>> Had I realised we could have met for coffee. I was in the Exeter arms >> at Easton. >> A nice cup of earl grey and you'd have been on ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 20:55   Last RAF Harrier flight - Zero

Afternoon tea was available. The cucumber sandwiches look thin and tempting, with the crusts cut off. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 19:49   Last RAF Harrier flight - midlifecrisis

>> I was in Gibraltar at one point during the first Gulf War when half a >> dozen sandy colour camouflaged Harriers flew in.... >> Your mistaken I'm afraid. UK Harriers played no part in GW1 and certainly weren't painted in sandy colours. Nearest a UK Harrier got were (grey) Sea Harriers in the Med. RAF fast jets taking part were the Tornado, Jaguar and Buccanear. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 20:09   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

Here is my video from Wyton yesterday... just a snatched few seconds on a small digicam. I was going to do the proper one today but then we had weather... www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVJ1Gjt8ECM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL At least shows what a neat formation it was. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 20:15   Last RAF Harrier flight - R.P.

Some good shots of the 16 plane formation on Ride Magazine's Facebook page as well. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 20:16   Last RAF Harrier flight - sooty123

The Phantoms went as well, but only as far as cyprus! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 15 Dec 10 23:47   Last RAF Harrier flight - Fenlander

Just spent 15mins looking round the images folks have captured over the past two days... the ones on pages 3 & 4 of this aircraft forum thread are superb with better close up shots than most.. forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=28814&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=50 Reply to this message | Report message