Under-slung Lynx at Benson

[roger4]

Seen today was a Chinook in the Benson circuit carry an under-slung Lynx. Looked like an ex-Navy HAS3S, minus rotor blades.

By the time I got to Benson to take a closer look, they were putting it away in a hangar. Presumably it's a new toy for 28sq to play/train with?

[seven]

That's seriously kool!

[rapier1]

hi, thats interesting, i will have a look when i go to work. they normally play with a small tank

[JulesG]

Hi I was at Benson most of the day and left just after 4:00 p.m. It was a Land Rover with trailer attached under ZH682 Chinook. I grabbed some great shots !

Also noted were Puma's XW217 and 216 flew as Alien 01 and Alien 02. I think it was XW217 which lifted oil drums also in the afternoon and flew a couple of circuits.

The field was very active ! ZJ232 Apache did a single approach as AAC667

G115s which flew were: G-CGKD, H, L, P, W plus G-OCRM.

[IMarsh]

JulesG, where the best place for photo's at Benson?

[JulesG]

This was my first ever visit, and I found 2 good places:

1. Just West of the approach lights RWY 19, on Braze Lane which is between B4009 and Benson Road. Benson Road become the High Street. Parking is limited but worth it. Walk up the banks onto the field where there are many dog walker paths. The field gives direct views of the practice pick up area.

2. Head West through Benson village on High Street and left onto Old London Road (just before Crown Inn), you come to a U-bend where there is a seat facing the airfield on the corner. Park along the residential road and walk back. From the seat you can see XS507 grey Wessex to the right of the main hangars.

There is a 3rd location with only parking for 2 cars which is at the eastern end of the old cross runway. Most fixed wing aircraft taxi past and landing is a little bit away from you.

I logged in 4 hours 21 aircraft flying of 23 aircraft noted. This includes the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and NPAS. Plus many circuits from the Grobs, and choppers

[roger4]

Thanks all for the additional information.

Jules - can you confirm from your logs/photos that Puma XW217 is coded "H" (which I saw several times last week!) please? I know XW216 is "G".

IMarsh - Jules's two locations are the ones marked I and A respectively on the "Thunder and Lightning" viewing guide pinned at the top of this Benson board. There is a second under-slung load training area between the points marked B and C in the guide, and the main runway, which was where the Chinook was lifting/putting down the Lynx when I saw it.

Rapier - any news on the Lynx airframe please? Also are you also in a position to confirm any more of which Pumas carry which codes please? 24 Pumas were converted to HC2s and one has been written off. With XW216 being "G" it is tempting to suggest they are coded in serial order from "A", but with the 23rd letter of the alphabet being W and with codes up to "Y" (including ZJ955/X) being seen, it can't be as simple as this. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Roger