When did RAF Wattisham close?

When did RAF Wattisham close?

1993

RAF Wattisham
Controlled by Royal Air Force (1939–1942 and 1946–1993) United States Army Air Forces (1942–1946)
Condition Closed
Site history
Built 1938

Is Wattisham closed?

No ‘immediate’ closure plans for Wattisham base, says Defence Secretary. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said there were ‘no immediate plans’ to close Wattisham Airfield when he met personnel of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and Apache helicopters of 663 Squadron there today.

Where are UK Apache helicopters based?

Wattisham Flying Station
The AH-64E Apache aircraft are based at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, with 36 more due to arrive by summer 2024.

What is based at Wattisham?

The Suffolk Police helicopter and the East Anglian Air Ambulance at Wattisham. Wattisham Airfield (ICAO: EGUW) is the biggest centralised operational Army Airfield in the UK, located next to the small village of Wattisham in Suffolk, England. It is home to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and 4 Regiment Army Air Corps.

Where are RAF Apache based?

Wattisham Airfield

Wattisham Flying Station
Wattisham, Suffolk in England
An Army Air Corps Apache AH1 at Wattisham Flying Station
Wattisham Location in Suffolk
Coordinates 52°07′37″N 000°57′21″ECoordinates: 52°07′37″N 000°57′21″E

When was Wattisham airfield built?

1938
Summary : A military airfield used from World War Two onwards. The airfield was built in 1938 by John Laing and Sons as part of the Royal Air Force’s Pre-War expansion scheme. There was a range of permanent military buildings, including an arc of four aircraft hangars (either Type C or Type L).

How many Apaches does UK have?

Army Air Corps

Type Origin In service
AgustaWestland Apache AH1 UK 30
Boeing AH-64E Guardian United States 14
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat UK 34
Bell 212 Canada 5

Where are Apache helicopters based in Suffolk?

Wattisham Airfield
On Sunday and Saturday, the public will see increased activity at the home of British Army Attack Helicopters, the Apaches, based at Wattisham Airfield, near Stowmarket.

What happened to the former RAF base at Wattisham?

Wattisham stood down as a fighter base on 31 October 1992 and was handed over to the British Army in March 1993. The Army Air Corps soon moved in and it rapidly became a major Army airfield. The Royal Air Force returned to operate Westland Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters on the site of the former QRA hangars.

What is the IATA name for Wattisham Airfield?

Wattisham – IATA:, ICAO:EGUW. AAC Apache at Wattisham – Andy Court. Wattisham Airfield is located north-west of Ipswich in Suffolk. It is the biggest centralised operational Army Airfield in the UK. It is home to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and 4 Regiment Army Air Corps which are part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

What helicopters fly out of Wattisham?

The police helicopter unit for Suffolk Constabulary also operates from Wattisham. RAF Wattisham opened in 1939 as a medium bomber station using Bristol Blenheims, and later also Hurricanes, Fairey Battles, Douglas Bostons, Bristol Beaufighters and Airspeed Oxfords.

What is the history of Wattisham Air Show?

The Royal Air Force’s display team, the Black Arrows, was added to Wattisham’s roster, flying the Hunters. Air displays were a regular feature from 1959. During the Cold War in the late 1950s, Wattisham was home to the English Electric Lightning which operated from Quick Reaction Alert Sheds to counter threats from the east. The Lightnings were