Outsourcing Aggressor Training!

by | Jun 28, 2022 | Aviation News, Spotting, Spotting News

So after 100 years, 100 Squadron has gone West – maybe not forever. But it has gone West and it’s function will now be outsourced to Draken, probably with their L-159’s or if we are lucky maybe some of their A-4’s now and again. If there is a Joint Warrior exercise later in 2022, the spotters at Prestwick might be in for a treat – although most of the aircraft have probably already been Prestwick visitors.

I for one will look forward to Joint Warrior later this year, that is if it does happen with the resourcing requirements for the new NATO commitments that have followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 Draken Europe has been awarded a six-year contract by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide Agressor aircraft for training the Royal Air Force (RAF).

In replacing the 100 squadron Hawk T1A’s Draken will provide a squadron of L-159E Honey Badger aircraft these will be the “Bad Guys” as part of the Interim Red Air Aggressor Training Service (IRAATS) program. Fullfilling the role previously carried out by 100 squadron and it’s BAe Hawk T1A’s.

The aircraft will operate out of Teesside International Airport (MME/EGNV) from July 2022. It is probably with increased urgency that the RAF will increase the intensity of the training, given the current state of play in Eastern Europe and the bellicose noises eminating from Moscow.

Electric Flight is it practical?

by | Aug 8, 2021 | Aviation News, Spotting

Right now, electric flight is a niche corner of the aviation world. But given the way that the world is going, there are significant changes in the pipeline. The Seatle based Magnix has already modifies Harbour air’s float equiped DHC-2 and a Cessna C208 Caravan, with further types under active consideration.

Magnix have signed agreements with a number of companys and have put forward a proposal to electrify a Dash-8, reducing the passenger compliment from 50 down to 40 – with the 10 passenger seats replaced by a H2 fuel cell.

So right now with the flight times being in the tens of minutes region, it is not a practical option – but with Hydrogen fuel cell technology likely to increase that by orders of magnitude it will be practical.

Although I personally don’t see an electric aircraft with performance approaching that of say a Boeing 777 any time soon, smaller aircraft like the ATR’s and the Dashes will be in the frame in the next five to ten years in my opinion.

Totterdown Hill

by | Mar 12, 2021 | Aviation News, Spotting Locations

Viewing the Fairford Air Show from Totterdown Hill is a first class experience, you are effectively in the center of the flying display area. There are excellent photographic options, no mater the direction of the Sun.

The facilities provided by the site are very good when all things are considered, there are hot drinks and hot food available all reasonable priced. The cost of entry into Totterdown Hill is very reasonable, but is based on the car and its ocupants.

It is possible to camp on the site, there are ample toilet facilities and there are a number of shower facilities.