Waddington (EGXW) - 2009 MIL

[Pilot James]

11/12/09 & 19/12/09

Heads up guys:

AN-124 11 Dec Arr 1130L Dep 1500L
IL-76 19 Dec Arr 0930L Dep 2130L

Both Civvies im afraid. This is why they are coming into Waddington.

"Two surveillance planes based near Lincoln will be flying over Afghanistan this winter to boost air traffic control in the country, it was announced today.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the Boeing E-3D Sentry aircraft from RAF Waddington were being sent to a base in the Middle East along with 200 personnel from 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force following a request from Nato.

The distinctive radar-domed aircraft will fly over Afghanistan during their deployment and are expected to return to RAF Waddington, along with the personnel, by the end of February 2010.

An increase in the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, including the recently-announced 30,000 extra troops from the US and 500 from the UK, had meant "more complex" air operations over the country.

"Nato has identified a need for improved air traffic control," Mr Ainsworth said in a written ministerial statement.

"I have therefore agreed a Nato request to commit two Boeing E3D Sentry aircraft and some 200 personnel from 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force, to fill this role as part of our standing contribution to the Nato Airborne Early Warning and Control Force."

The defence secretary said the deployment was separate to the troop increase for Afghanistan unveiled last month, which would not be affected.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said it was the first time RAF aircraft had been deployed to the region in this role."

Written by a local newspaper.

James

[Pilot James]

10/12/09

Currently in at Waddington is ZZ419 Shadow R1. Landed approx 17.00 using the callsign "Widget 01"

James

[ursa_major]

AN-124 arr 1533 today UR-82009, parked on what was Bravo / lazy Bravo dispersal.

Also currently outside on what was Charlie dispersal is ZZ417.

[Pilot James]

11/12/09

Noted in the afternoon was:

NATO Boeing 707 LX-N20000 "NATO 29"
AN124 UR-82009 ETA 15.20pm

James

[Pilot James]

13/12/09

NATO Boeing 707 LX-N20000 "NATO 29??" departed back to Geilenkirchen

James

[Pilot James]

14/12/09

Noted this morning was the following:

ZJ691 unmarked
ZJ693 unmarked
ZJ694 (5sqn Tailband on tail)

All noted on Sentinal pan with covers on. Also just parked on Echo this morning was a E3, Could possibly be French AF. ZZ419 departed back to Hawarden last week. ZZ417 is currently in the hanger.

James

[ursa_major]

James, just to correct you, ZZ419 didn't go back to Hawarden, it departed overseas as RRR7075 IIRC.

[Pilot James]

Thanks for the correction Ursa Major.

Never believe in SBS all the time.

Cheers

james