FighterControl

I was wondering if anyone knew any information if or when the AH64E's were being delivered to Middle Wallop?
I have heard somewhere that it is going to be at some point later this year but I have heard nothing since.
It would be good to get some movements back at Wallop. It has been so quiet over the past 18 months.

I thought everything was staying at Wattisham.

EGVP wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:37 pm

I thought everything was staying at Wattisham.

Is that now confirmed then? I guess it make sense but wasn't sure if they were doing some training from Wallop?

A while back I'd heard the plan was for Wattisham to close and everything to move to Wallop and Boscombe to center it around SPTA, now it seems the preference is to operate on STANTA as much as possible, keeping things at Wattisham would make more sense.

I still can't believe Wallop is still open. Hardly worth it for two Gazelles and a Bell 212 or whatever is left now

EGVP wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:44 pm

A while back I'd heard the plan was for Wattisham to close and everything to move to Wallop and Boscombe to center it around SPTA, now it seems the preference is to operate on STANTA as much as possible, keeping things at Wattisham would make more sense.

I still can't believe Wallop is still open. Hardly worth it for two Gazelles and a Bell 212 or whatever is left now

Shame that never happened. Boscombe would of seen a lot of movements for SPTA.
Yeah the reason it is still open makes me think something will reappear there at some point, maybe get some Junos in there?

I just want a local mill base to call home, it's an easy drive lol

As far as I know the AH-64E conversion to type will take place at Middle Wallop. They just need some qualified AH-64E instructors first.

Gents,

1st Aviation Brigade announced back in the middle of last year that there would be no change to basing arrangements for the AAC Apache with the introduction of the Echo model. 3 and 4 Regiment would stay at Wattisham and training would eventually be conducted at Middle Wallop. As Tom above says, CTT and also CTR will revert back to Middle Wallop but at the moment it looks the initial operations will be conducted out of Wattisham. Wattisham's closure was just rumour. Have been led to believe that Echo flying will start this month, but then I was also led to believe it was going to be July so not sure how likely that is.

Gary

Thanks guys. I guess it just a waiting game now.

tommc wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 7:18 pm

As far as I know the AH-64E conversion to type will take place at Middle Wallop. They just need some qualified AH-64E instructors first.

This was my understanding too, and as Gary has said above.

I certainly hope that's the case anyway, as SPTA really is a shadow of it's former self these days.

AAC pilot told me that training will take place at Middle Wallop.

Northsky wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 12, 2021 6:51 am

AAC pilot told me that training will take place at Middle Wallop.

Pilots aren't always right with such matters! as with any information it's worth a little more investigation before accepting it as fact. Although, in this case I believe said pilot is correct.

Does anyone know what role 22Sq at Benson will have in the introduction of the AH64E? They are the Operational Evaluation Unit for all helicopter types across all three services.

Matt Wardle wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:51 pm

EGVP wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:44 pm

A while back I'd heard the plan was for Wattisham to close and everything to move to Wallop and Boscombe to center it around SPTA, now it seems the preference is to operate on STANTA as much as possible, keeping things at Wattisham would make more sense.

I still can't believe Wallop is still open. Hardly worth it for two Gazelles and a Bell 212 or whatever is left now

Shame that never happened. Boscombe would of seen a lot of movements for SPTA.
Yeah the reason it is still open makes me think something will reappear there at some point, maybe get some Junos in there?

I just want a local mill base to call home, it's an easy drive lol

quick trip to the cafe and a wonder round he museum with some Apaches floating around outside... would be nice

Matt Wardle wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:51 pm

I just want a local mill base to call home, it's an easy drive lol

Ever the helfpful one? Try this...
https://www.premierfoods.co.uk/ContactU ... -Mill.aspx

Supra wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 13, 2021 8:41 am

Matt Wardle wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:51 pm

I just want a local mill base to call home, it's an easy drive lol

Ever the helfpful one? Try this...
https://www.premierfoods.co.uk/ContactU ... -Mill.aspx

cat1 wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:19 am

Supra wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 13, 2021 8:41 am

Matt Wardle wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:51 pm

I just want a local mill base to call home, it's an easy drive lol

Ever the helfpful one? Try this...
https://www.premierfoods.co.uk/ContactU ... -Mill.aspx

Yeah to far for me

roger4 wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 12, 2021 8:39 am

Does anyone know what role 22Sq at Benson will have in the introduction of the AH64E? They are the Operational Evaluation Unit for all helicopter types across all three services.

I would of thought similar to how 41 Sqn is, testing and trialing equipment before frontline.

lowlevelRAF wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:01 pm

roger4 wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 12, 2021 8:39 am

Does anyone know what role 22Sq at Benson will have in the introduction of the AH64E? They are the Operational Evaluation Unit for all helicopter types across all three services.

I would of thought similar to how 41 Sqn is, testing and trialing equipment before frontline.

Thanks - that was my first thought, but then all the systems onboard the AH-64E (as far as we know) have been transferred from the original Westland Apaches, so I would think there is not much needed in the way of operational trials as it has all been in front-line use already. There may be some work required to ensure the different engines of the AH-64E don't introduce any new interferences/glitches with any uniquely British kit on board, but perhaps this has already been done in the US?

I would like to see a couple of AH-64E at Benson for a few months, before they go to Wallop, but I'm not holding my breath!

roger4 wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 15, 2021 4:19 pm

I would like to see a couple of AH-64E at Benson for a few months, before they go to Wallop, but I'm not holding my breath!

I’d have thought that Wattisham being the first (only?) base to have the E and already geared up to operate and support the type then any testing would take place from there?