RAF Leeming - Exercise Jaded Thunder

[rh226]

Credit Fighter Control for the following (condensed) information.

1.)  A NOTAM is posted for RAF Leeming showing the airfield will be "UNABLE TO ACCEPT PRACTICE DIVERSIONS, VISITING AIRCRAFT AND DIVERSIONS (EXCEPT IN EMERGENCIES) DUE TO EXERCISE TRAFFIC".  (my emphasis).

Start date/time: Friday 08/07/2016 07:00 UTC (08:00BST)
End date/time: Monday 25/07/2016 17:00 UTC (18:00BST).

2.)  Additionally, another NOTAM indicates that there will be exercise activity around Otterburn, Spadeadam and Catterick in the periods 13th - 15th and 18th - 20th July 2016 in the hours 11:00BST - 17:00BST.

3.)  Confirmed participants into Leeming are 8 x A-10Cs from 442FW Whiteman AFB, Mo (tailcode "KC") - arrival unknown at the moment, but thought to be no earlier than Friday 8th.  No NOTAM for their Transatlantic crossing (probably via the Azores) as yet - expected posting on this Wed/Thurs.

4.)  Apparently, there will be support/transport (C-17) activity into/out of Leeming from Wednesday 6th July.

5.)  Rumours are about that there will be AC-130 gunships operating from Mildenhall.  We shall see - I'm planning to be at Mildenhall anyway from 17th for a fortnight, so might be interesting.

6.)  Also rumoured are that CV-22s from Mildenhall will participate.

I will post updates as and when they become available.

[rh226]

Wednesday 6th July

10.39BST "RCH214" C-17A 99-0166 hex AE080C is just about to land at RAF Leeming.  The first of the US support aircraft.

And departed to Mildenhall about 13.00BST

[rh226]

Credit FC for this update.

US participation is supposed to be the A-10Cs and some AH-6/MH-6 Little Birds from 1-160th SOAR.

Operating from Mildenhall will be an E-8 J-Stars (13th - 15th only) plus (presumably based) MC-130Js and CV-22Bs.  The Lakenheath F-15s will also be involved.

No other foreign participation.

UK participation will be Hawk, Tornado, Typhoon, Shadow, Airseeker and Sentry.

The Little Birds will arrive by C-17 later in the week and the A-10s will arrive on Sunday.  I've seen around 1515-1545 quoted as the A-10 arrival time.  It is thought that they have positioned to Keflavik today.

[rh226]

Thursday 7th July

"RCH109" [AE0808] C-17A 99-0062 was due to leave Gander IAP (CYQX) at 08.30BST bound for Leeming.  It had called in there for a fuel stop on its way from KSZL Whiteman AFB, Mo (home of the "KC" A-10s).

Credit FC for info.

UPDATE:- "RCH109" C-17A 99-0062 landed at Leeming 13.25BST and departed around 15.20BST.

[rh226]

Friday 8th July

It is now thought that the A-10s may be coming today from Keflavik.  Current information is a bit confused, and those in the know are keeping rather tight-lipped about it.  Don't shoot the messenger, please

Following support flights are due today:-

09.36BST "RCH473" C-17A 07-7183 due from McGuire AFB......................................................................L12.36BST....D13.30BST to Belfast - over Formby, then IOM.

10.15BST "RCH190" C-17A 04-4133 due from Campbell AAF (Fort Campbell).....with 5 x Little Birds..............L09.51BST....D11.20BST to Mildenhall

11.47BST "RCH215" C-17A 06-6158 due from Whiteman AFB....................................................................L11.33BST....D??.??BST to Mildenhall

14.52BST "RCH140" C-17A 08-8193 due from Whiteman AFB....................................................................Delayed until Sunday 10th

and, the star

15.16BST "TESS88" C-32B 99-6143 due from Pope Field...........................................................................L15.01BST....Departed around 17.00 back to the USA.

UPDATE on A-10s at Keflavik.

The first cell of the A-10s already at Keflavik departed today to Sliač AB in Slovakia in the company of "CLEAN22" KC-135R 63-8032.  They parted company at the mouth of the River Elbe and the tanker went to Mildenhall.

Another set of A-10s should have arrived at Keflavik today from Pease ANGB and these should be the ones for Leeming on Sunday (see next post).  Callsign(s) are "GOLDxx" for the tanker(s) and "MAZDAxx" for the A-10s.

All info credit Fighter Control

[rh226]

No A-10s today (Friday 8th), I think - too busy with all the support flights.

On the bright side, a NOTAM is up for Leeming to be open on Sunday 10th July 2016 14.00 - 20.00BST

The following NOTAM is also up for the A-10s' transit from Keflavik :-

G0269/16 - AIRSPACE RESERVATION
TR:6100N 01320W ATSIX
THE FOLLOWING SEPARATION WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN OCEANIC AIRSPACE: MNPS 60NM, NON-MNPS 120NM. FL150 - FL210,

10 JUL 13:42 2016 UNTIL 10 JUL 17:10 2016.

CREATED: 08 JUL 12:22 2016

Add 1hour for BST

I'm not going to guess what the arrival time will be, but say roughly in the period 16.00 - 19.30BST.

The media guys at Leeming have indicated that the viewing area will be open.

[Deleted]

The x1 C-17 off loaded MH-6`s (160th SOAR) (04)-25354,61,62,73 with more expected

[rh226]

There is some confusion over the designations and FYs of the 4 known Little Bird serials:

25354 - is an AH-6J from FY89 - both Joe Baugher and Scramble agree on this

25361 - Joe Baugher lists this as an AH-6G (originally an MH-6M) from FY90.  Scramble lists this as an MH-6M from FY90 (but possibly could be FY96).

25362 - is an AH-6J from FY90 - both Joe Baugher and Scramble agree on this

25373 - Joe Baugher does not list this one, but Scramble has it as an MH-6M from FY96.

EDIT:-

Definitive serials have been obtained from photographic evidence on 12/13th July activities.  See post for 13th activities for correct ones.

[rh226]

Saturday 9th July

The A-10s did not make it to Keflavik yesterday. They were ready to depart, but shut down again.

6 x A-10s lifted off from Pease ANGB at 13.01BST for Keflavik today in company with "GOLD62" KC-135R 60-0313 [AE0683].  The tanker is booked to return to Pease and 4 A-10s remained at Pease.

Serials of the A-10s are:-

"Mazda 11" 78-0605 )
"Mazda 12" 79-0090 )
"Mazda 13" 79-0091 ) - these 5 are all ex 81TFW "WR" at Bentwaters/Woodbridge.
"Mazda 14" 79-0123 )
"Mazda 15" 79-0107 )
"Mazda 16" 80-0201  - ex 23TFW "EL" at England AFB

Info credit FC - and especially the gentleman on top of his car at the fence at Pease .

UPDATE - credit FC

Apparently, "MAZDA15" developed a problem and has returned to Pease ANGB along with "MAZDA16".

Nothing adverse has been heard regarding the other 4 (as yet) and it is assumed that they are continuing on to Keflavik.

[rh226]

Bad news, chaps.  Tomorrow's A-10 arrival is off.

The Shanwick ALTRV NOTAM has been taken down and the following new one has been posted for MONDAY.

G0271/16 - AIRSPACE RESERVATION:
TR:6100N 01320W ATSIX
THE FOLLOWING SEPARATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED IN OCEANIC AIRSPACE: MNPS 60NM NONMNPS 120NM.

FL150 - FL210,

11 JUL 13:42 2016 UNTIL 11 JUL 17:10 2016.

CREATED: 09 JUL 14:39 2016.

Add 1hr for BST

The same times as before.

[rh226]

Sunday 10th July

Credit FC for information and, again, the man at the fence at Pease ANGB.

6 x A-10s lifted from Pease ANGB at 14.00BST en route to Keflavik accompanied by tanker "GOLD72" KC-135R 60-0313 (again).

Serials are:
"MAZDA21" - 79-0152   - believed ex 47TFS "BD" at Barksdale AFB
"MAZDA22" - 80-0281 )
"MAZDA23" - 79-0122 ) - all 4 ex 81TFW "WR" at Bentwaters/Woodbridge ABs
"MAZDA24" - 79-0107 )
"MAZDA25" - 79-0114 )
"MAZDA26" - 80-0201   - ex 23TFW "EL" at England AFB

However, "MAZDA26" has RTB'ed to Pease ANGB after only 10 minutes with cabin pressurisation problems – he also RTB'ed yesterday as "MAZDA16".  The other RTB from yesterday (79-0107) is trying again today.

UPDATE:- "MAZDA25" has also RTB'ed.

[rh226]

Other news from Sunday 10th:-

"CLEAN22" KC-135R 63-8032 took the remaining cell of the Wednesday set of A-10s at Keflavik to Sliač AB (Slovakia) and returned to Mildenhall.

The missing (from Friday) "RCH140" C-17A 08-8193 hex AE2FA5 landed at Leeming just before 16.20BST......and subsequently departed to Mildenhall

[rh226]

I'm going to be away for most of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. However, time and (dongle) internet connections permitting, I shall post updates in the evenings.

[rh226]

Here we go!!

MAZDA11-14 due into Leeming at 1630L
MAZDA21-24 due into Leeming at 1730L

Thanks, Nick on FC.

Will not be available now for updates until (hopefully) this evening.

[rh226]

Hi everyone,

Sorry I have not been able to post any updates, but I have just escaped from a very unscheduled visit to Salisbury Hospital at 2am Tuesday morning.

Got a lot of catching up to do, but will update as soon as I can.

Regards,

Bob

[Jeff]

Get well soon Bob

[graham]

Hope all's OK Bob, all the best

[zz]

I wondered where the updates had gone!

Hope you're well!

[rh226]

Thanks for your good wishes, guys .  I'm more or less back to health and back in the "land of the living" (i.e. at home and the computer).

So now down to business.  Info thanks to FC.

Monday 11th July

The two waves of A-10s arrived at Leeming accompanied by their KC-135Rs - which went to Mildenhall.

First Wave - all on the deck by 16.53BST - accompanied by "GOLD72" KC-135R 60-0313 hex AE0683

"MAZDA11" - 78-0605/KC

"MAZDA12" - 79-0090/KC

"MAZDA13" - 79-0091/KC

"MAZDA14" - 79-0123/KC

Second wave - all on the deck by 18.47BST - accompanied by "GOLD71" KC-135R 60-0320 hex AE065D

"MAZDA21" - 80-0281/KC
"MAZDA22" - 79-0152/KC
"MAZDA23" - 79-0122/KC.......marked "442FW"
"MAZDA24" - 78-0107/KC

In between the two waves, "RCH205" C-17A 05-5145 hex AE144F landed - and departed to Mildenhall after the second wave.

Tuesday 12th July

7 of the A-10s flew today (all except '090).  Callsigns were "BOAR 01/02/03", "HOG 01/02" plus two unidentified callsigns.

4 of the Little Birds flew with callsigns "VARMINT61/62/63/64".

Plus sundry Lynxes, Defenders, Tornados, one Shadow and based Hawks.

Activities for the exercise proper will follow in my next post (tomorrow).  Also, the definitive serials for the LIttle Birds (FYs assumed, but last fives from photographic evidence).

[rh226]

Wednesday 13th July - Day 1

Seven of the eight A-10 flew today.

Four Little Birds flew.  Photographic evidence has now revealed definitive "last fives" as displayed on the engine cowlings (and last three on "tail fin").  The following list assumes the FY as reported on the Scramble database.

MH-6M 81-23631

MH-6M 81-23652

AH-6M 84-24319

AH-6M 84-25354

MH-6M 96-25373......did not fly today.

Thursday 14th July - Day 2

"The following were logged at Leeming today between 10am and 5pm. We spotted from the viewing area until approx 2pm then spotted from Mill Road (behind the HAS site) until we left. Registrations in brackets are from the SBS.
6 of the A-10s flew, 4 of the MH-6s flew.

Based

Tutor T.1:
G-BYWP
G-BYUF
G-BYYA

Hawk T.1:
XX191/CC
XX332/CD
XX258/CE
XX230/CM
XX284/CN
XX200/CO
XX285/CP

Ex JADED THUNDER
(XW204) Puma HC.2..........................) - "RIDER53 Flt"
(XW216) Puma HC.2..........................)
(ZJ181) Apache AH.1.........................) - "HUNTER1 Flt"
(ZJ197) Apache AH.1.........................)
ZF537 Lynx AH.9A
ZG885 Lynx AH.9A
ZG995 Islander AL.1
(ZG998) Islander AL.1
ZZ504 Shadow R.1............................ - "JACKAL71"
78-0605/KC A-10C............................ "TUSK25 Flt"
79-0090/KC A-10C............................ "HOG21 Flt"
79-0091/KC A-10C............................ "BOAR23 Flt"
79-0107/KC A-10C............................ "TUSK25 Flt"
79-0122/KC A-10C Spec mks for 442 FS............................ "BOAR23 Flt"
79-0123/KC A-10C
79-0152/KC A-10C
80-0281/KC A-10C............................) "HOG21 Flt"
(84-24)319 MH-6..............................) - "VARMINT61 Flt"
(89-25)354 MH-6..............................)
(96-25)373 MH-6..............................) - "VARMINT63 Flt"
(81-23)652 MH-6..............................)
Fiscals for the MH-6s assumed."

Thanks to "PercyPotter" on FC for this excellent log of the day's aircraft.

Other items were that "HOSS31/32/34/37" the Lakenheath F-15s were busy (above the cloudbase) and "PEACH12" E-8C 97-0201 was operating out of Mildenhall (not seen).

Typhoons "CHIEFTAIN Flt" (2 Sqdn) and "TYRANT Flight" (11 Sqdn) were operating above the clouds.

Leeming Hawks were using the callsign "PIRATE".

Friday 15th July - Day 3

Not as much detail today. I'm afraid.

Only 4 A-10s flew today - '090, '091, 152' and '281.  The other 4 were all in plain view.  Same 4 did both morning and afternoon sorties.

4 Little Birds flew - '25373, 23652, 25354 plus 1 unidentified.................................................................................................................Unidentified was 24319

Two Chinooks visited "ULT1" ZA704 and "ULT2" ZA710.  Both departed to Odiham late in the day.

Defenders "AAC520" ZG995 and "AAC523" ZG998 both departed.

Shadow "SNAKE70" ZZ504 departed.

Puma "SHF060" XW216 departed.

Mildenhall MC-130J "STRIX13" 13-5778 came low overhead.

The two Lynx (see above) were towed into the HAS complex mid-morning and did not re-appear.

That's it for the first three days' activities, more for the final three next week (Mon/Tues/Wed) as  they occur.

Before anyone asks, departure day(s) is(are) unknown at present.

Credit to the FC contributors for all the info.

[rh226]

Monday 18th July - Day 4

Info credit FC:-

11.35BST Deployed (from Odiham) Lynxes "PILGRIM51" ZF537 and "PILGRIM52" ZG885 are operating SW of Leeming in the Masham area.

12.17BST Defender "JACKAL71" ZG995 departed Leeming to take up point over Alston and some Marham Tornadoes ("MONSTER11" ZA553 and "MONSTER12" ZA463) which had been holding there went off to Spadeadam to "play".

12.42BST 2 x Ospreys inbound to Leeming from Spadeadam.  EDIT:- "KNIFE55 Flight" 08-0051 and 12-0063.

My ADS-B Exchange/PP observations this afternoon:-

14.22BST A-10A "78000605" (presumably) 78-0605 hex AE189E showing airborne on ADS-B Exchange and heading off towards Middlesbrough direction.

14.25BST A-10A "80000281" (presumably) 80-0281 hex AE19C5 showing airborne on ADS-B Exchange and heading off West then up via Alston. NOTE that the decode for this hex used to be to 81-0960 (which is not on the deployment).

               Both (flights) moved on to Otterburn range.

15.05BST Lakenheath F-15s "PYRO11"/"HOSS36" are active with the A-10s over the general Otterburn area.

               Tornadoes "PS21" ZD709 and "PS22" ZA463 now moving at 7000ft from Masham area towards just NW of Scotch Corner.

15.15BST A-10A "80000281" now showing on ADS-B Exchange as active on the Spadeadam range at 10000ft.

               Tornadoes "WF22" ZA548 and "WF03" ZA614 now showing active over Otterburn at just below 14000ft.

               F-15s have departed to the South.

               Typhoon "ZENITH12" ZK333 is also around Spadeadam at about 19000ft - probably connected.

15.47BST Tornadoes "WF03 and "WF22" have departed Otterburn to RTB Marham via Newcastle.

               Tornadoes "PS21" and "PS22" have departed the Leeming/Scotch Corner area of ops to RTB Marham.

               The Defender has been absent from the plot for some time and has presumably RTB Leeming.

16.00BST Osprey reported on FC as circling Hexham racecourse - waiting to enter one of the ranges??. Not showing on ADS-B Exchange. EDIT:- "KNIFE75" [AE5407] 08-0051 showing over York RTB Mildenhall from range at 17.29BST

16.15BST A-10 "78000605" has cleared Otterburn to the East, to RTB Leeming.

16.52BST All quiet on ADS-B Exchange as far as the ranges are concerned.  They all just stopped plotting a while ago.

               "AAC528" Defender ZG998 is on approach to Leeming tracking North alongside the A1 for Runway 34.

Further Info credit FC:-

4 x Little birds flew:

25354 and 24319 departed at 10.35, were at Otterburn all day, departing Otterburn back to Leeming just after 17.00
25373 and 23652 departed at 11.55

A-10 movements:

"From....photographs, this morning 605 was with 107. These were followed by 091 and 281.........................................................I'm afraid I wasn't monitoring then.

Early afternoon launch was 152 and 090.................................................................................................................................I never saw any sign of these two on ADS-B or PP.

Later on a four ship launched, the first pair being 605 and 107, followed by 091 and 281 (R/T callsign "BOAR23 Flt").".....................Tends to confirm hexcode/serial/callsign assumptions above.

[graham]

Great info Bob, many thanks, just wish I lived closer to all the action.

[rh226]

Same here, Graham. I only need one of the A-10s, but seeing the extremely rare Little Birds would have been fantastic.

[rh226]

Picture of two of the MH-6M Little Birds is on FC here.  You don't have to be a member to see this thread.

[rh226]

Tuesday 19th July - Day 5

Credit FC for this info:-

Four A-10 flew this morning departing 09:55,
79-0123, 78-0605, 79-0122 and 80-0281 (in that order) callsign "hawg1/2/3/4"

rtb 11:33 after low go around

Merlin code P also knocking about C/s "junglie"........landed for hot refuel at 10:50........................Was ZJ131 [43C226], callsign on ADS-B/PP was "J411" - separately identified at Northolt early in the morning.

A pair of lynx departed as "pilgrim 51" at about 11:15
ZF537 and ZG885

Two loaches departed at 10:42 to Otterburn as "Varmit63 Flt"
25354,24319

A Chinook also took off as "SHF413" at 11:42.

Two more loaches: "Varmint 61/62" departed at 11:58
These were 23652 and 25373

My own ADS-B/PP observations:-

11.05BST "KNIFE56" 12-0063 [AE571D] has departed Leeming and is on ADS-B Exchange crossing the Humber Southbound for RTB Mildenhall.

               Followed by "AAC528" ZG998 [43C125] to the Lincoln area

11.41BST Shadow "SNAKE70" ZZ504 [43C61D] plotting o/head Leeming at FL090.  Heading off to circle W of Scotch Corner.

               Also plotting is just launched (from Leeming) Defender "JACKEL71" ZG995 [43C127]. Looks to be heading off in the Alston direction.

12.21BST Lakenheath F-15s "HOSS31 Flt" [AE1789] and [AE17B1] over Alston at FL210+ inbound Spadeadam.

               Marham Tornado "MR01" ZA370 [43C1B2] over the Dales at FL180 - waiting their turn??

               Looks like the other Tornado "MR02" ZG771 [43C148] didn't make it N of the A66 and has RTB'ed to Marham.

12.58BST "MR01" is RTB'ing to Marham, now plotting over the N York Moors, leaving the F-15s to play.

13.31BST Lakenheath F-15s "HOSS37" [AE17A4] and "HOSS38" [AE17AD]  have now joined the party at Spadeadam.

13.35BST "HOSS31 Flt" has departed the range and is RTB'ing Lakenheath (for a late lunch??).

14.08BST Lakenheath F-15 "HOSS36" [miscoded hex AE13B2 which is a T-6A] is now on Otterburn range at FL110

               Marham Tornadoes "WF03" ZA462 [43C1C8] is active on Otterburn and "WF22" ZA459 [43C1D4] is currently low level off Alnwick en route to the range.

14.25BST A-10 "79000123" (probably 79-0123) [AE18FE] showing airborne from Leeming and heading NE towards the coast by Middlesbrough (Flight of 2 ??).  Routed up the coast, turned inland by Alnwick and entered Otterburn at 14.39BST.

14.42BST Marham Tornado "PS05" ZA370 [43C1B2] holding overhead Leeming at FL070

14.55BST "JACKEL71" has finally departed point duty at Spadeadam and is now approaching Scotch Corner for RTB Leeming.

               "WF03" and "WF22" have departed Otterburn and are RTB Marham

               "HOSS36/37/38" have departed Spafeadam for RTB Lakenheath.

15.40BST Lakenheath F-15s "SLAM11" [AE17AF] (flight of 2+ ??) have exited the Otterburn area to the SE at FL300 for RTB Lakenheath - first indication seen that they may have been operating there.

15.52BST Lakenheath F-15s "PYRO11" [AE1780] (flight of 2+ ??) have exited the Otterburn area to the SE at high level for RTB Lakenheath - also first indication seen that they may have been operating there.

               "PS05" hasd departed its circling W/SW of Leemng/Catterick to RTB Marham.

16.12BST "79000123" has departed Otterburn to the East via Alnwick and is RTB Leeming, currently passing just East of Newcastle.

Further Info credit FC:-

"Hawg21/22" departed at 12:50L
2x A-10 : 79-0152 and 79-0090 (Including the two visible non fliers (0091 and 0107) that's all eight thunderbolts and 4 MH-6 logged.)........................................Again, these two fliers not plotting on ADS-B/PP.

RTB Leeming at 15.00L

"Boar23" (tails 122 and 281) and "Tusker25" (tails 123 and 605) departed Leeming at about 14:15......RTB "Boar23" at 16.35L, "Tusker25" not noted...................Obviously, "TUSKER25 Flight" was what plotted (see above)

"Varmit 61/62" Little Birds departed - 23652 and 25373 again, must have landed after lunch and gone straight out.

16.45L "Snake70" Shadow R1 ZZ504 now on finals rwy16 for a touch and go followed by "Vortex413" Chinook HC4 ZA704

[rh226]

Wednesday 20th July - Day 6

12.27BST "CAMAY87" C-32B 99-6143 is plotting over central Irish Republic inbound Leeming.

13.05BST Landed at Leeming.

Info credit FC

11.25BST A-10s '090 and '091 RTB'ed to Leeming.

13.36BST "BOAR23 Flt" A-10s '090 and '091 taxying for departure to Spadeadam after "Marham37" Tornado ZA553/045 departed (diverted in on Monday due bird strike).

*** RAF police came to the viewing area and said people can walk onto the base and be escorted to the tower to take photos!! *** ...............True.  Grateful spotters/photographers had a "whip-round" and contributed nearly £100 to charities supported by the Station.  Many thanks to the Station Commander Gp Capt David Bradshaw for extending this magnificent gesture to the enthusiasts' fraternity. 

13.49BST "HOG21 Flt" A-10s '152 and '281 in circuit waiting for runway to be de-rigged.

14.40BST Osprey "KNIFE56" tail 0051 departed North.

14:50-14:55BST "Vortex471" Chinook ZA675 paid a very short visit to the FARP , probably to drop someone or something off.

15.09BST Lynxes "Pilgrim formation" requesting engine start for transit back to Odiham.

15:30BST Osprey "Knife55" tail 0063 off to Spadeadam.

15.50BST "KNIFE55/56" landed.  Will be going out again to Spadeadam after gas...........................They RTB'ed to Mildenhall instead.

My own ADS-B Exchange/PP observations

13.55BST A-10 (s) "79000091" (presumably 79-0091) [AE18E8] have departed Leeming and appear to be transitting at 4000ft direct to Spadeadam, routing via Stanhope.

14.26BST Tornado "WF01" ZF372 [43C1A9] circling at around 5000ft W of Leeming.

14.40BST A-10 (s) "79000107" (presumably 79-0107) [AE18F1] have departed Leeming to the West at low level.

               Chinook  "SHF471" ZA675 [43C4C2] is trekking up the A1 approaching Boroughbridge heading towards Leeming

15.00BST "SHF471" has departed and is following the A1 South.

15.22BST "WF01" has cleared its station Eastwards to the North York Moors and turned S to RTB Marham at low level.

15.35BST "79000091" in circuit for RTB Leeming.

               Lynx "PGRIM52" ZG885 [43C53F] has departed Leeming and is now plotting Southbound over Wetherby at 1400ft - together with the other one (not plotting)

16.43BST Ospreys "KNIFE55" 12-0063 [AE571D] and "KNIFE56" 08-0051 [AE5407] have departed for RTB Mildenhall.

Further Info credit FC

Apparently, long range ferry tanks have been positioned with some (if not all) of the A-10s.

[rh226]

Well, that is it for the Exercise proper. All that remains now is for the support aircraft to turn up and for the A-10s to depart (no Airspace Reservation NOTAM as yet, so probably not tomorrow). 

By the way, the C-32B is thought to be departing tomorrow - no time available.

I will keep you all posted as to the remaining activities.

[rh226]

Thursday 21st July

Credit FC for info.

Approx 07.30BST "RCH212" Support C-17A 05-5145 [AE144F] landed from Mildenhall.

Approx 09.45BST "HOG01/02/03/04" A-10Cs serials '281, '605, '090 and '091 departed for the Low Flying Areas.

Approx 10.00BST Lakenheath F-15Es "BREW51 Flt" 98-0133 and 98-0135 (both blue fintips - 492nd FS) flew a couple of circuits.

Approx 10.35BST "RCH212" departed Northwards.

10.55BST "CAMAY87" (the C-32B) showing on ADSB-Exchange as just departed and heading NW.

11.15BST "HOG01/02/03/04" landed.

11.44BST "RCH935" Support C-17A 10-0214 [AE4D67] out of Belfast/Aldergrove showing on ADS-B Exchange over Harrogate inbound Leeming.

13.29BST "RCH935" has just departed back to Aldergrove.

14.00BST A-10 (s) "79000091" [AE18E8] (confirmed serials 79-0091 and 78-0605) showing up on ADS-B Exchange routing SE from Leeming..........R/T Callsigns "Sandy1/2"..........went into East Anglia and are in the STANTA area.

Approx 16.15BST A10 visual over STANTA/Wretham Camp for 30+ minutes with 2 F-15 top cover, dep 1550. ex Steppe Eagle participation?

16.25BST "Sandy1/2" (the A-10s) rtb Leeming at 16:25 tails 0091 and 0605.

Approx 17.10BST Defender "AAC528" ZG998 landed.

The "Little Birds" appear to be still present.  However, there are two C-17s in Aldergrove - RCH402 90-0535 and RCH585 07-7188 - which may well come  and go on Friday morning with them.  Leeming is NOTAM'ed closed in the afternoon for the Station Families Day.

******* Word from the A-10 guys seems to be that they are expecting to go to Estonia on Monday. *******

[rh226]

Friday 22ndJuly

09.35BST "RCH585" C-17A 07-7188 (437AW) departed Belfast/Aldergrove for Leeming, took on board the "Little Birds" and landed back at Aldergrove at 12.40ST.  Info credit FC.

"RCH212" C-17A 05-5145 (729AS/AFRC) arrived from the Baltic States (I assume Ämari AB, Estonia).  Was plotting just off Newcastle at 11.00BST when I had to go out (sorry!!).  Presumably, it escaped before the Families day closure at 14.00.

[rh226]

Monday 25th July - A-10 Departure day

Approx 08.50BST "RCH700" C-17A 02-2111 [AE117D] landed from MIldenhall.

(Per FC) ***** Departure of A-10s (was to be 10.00BST) delayed due to problems with flight plan and tankers *****

Approx 11.03BST "RCH212" C-17A 05-5145 [AE144F] landed from Amari AB, Estonia.

(Per FC) 11.42BST "CHISEL21/22/23/24" (tails 107, 122, 152 and 090) departed Leeming, heading out over Middlesbrough ........... "79000107" [AE18F1] was the only one plotting.

(Per FC) 11.52BST "CHISEL31/32/33/34" (tails 091, 123, 281 and 605) departed Leeming.

Accompanying tanker is Mildenhall-based "QUID303" KC-135T 59-1513 [AE0240]

12.43BST "RCH700" has already departed and is heading out over the North Sea, destination Amari AB, Estonia.

Somewhere along the line, "RCH212" departed (presumably to Amari AB) - must have missed it on ADS-B Exchange.

Credit FC where indicated.