The RAF’s Aerobatic Group was moved from its house at Scampton final 12 months so the Lincolnshire base might be transformed to deal with asylum seekers.
However its new life at Waddington – described by the RAF as one in all its “busiest stations” – has not been simple. The largest difficulty is discovering an acceptable coaching space for stunts, due to heavy air visitors and a punishing coaching schedule for different plane.
RAF Waddington acts because the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Goal Acquisition and Reconnaissance, and is the principle working base for airborne intelligence plane and programs.
Its fleet of Beechcraft Shadow R1 planes is ready to develop and endure full upgrades. Earlier this month it was revealed the UK was using these over Gaza to conduct surveillance missions searching for Israeli hostages being held captive by Hamas.
The bottom can be getting ready to take care of
a fleet of US-made Protector drones. However their ongoing trials, piloted remotely from Waddington, might be disruptive till they’re deployed subsequent 12 months. “It’s somewhat difficult to have Pink Arrows jets coaching over, or close to, the bottom with Shadow R1 intelligence plane and Protector drones additionally requiring air and floor house,” mentioned a senior RAF supply final night time.
The Pink Arrows are in “particular measures” following an inner report which discovered predatory behaviour in the direction of ladies was “widespread and normalised”.
Regardless of assurances by Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton that the squadron wouldn’t be axed, senior members of the group concern the brand new preparations had been an indication they’re being marginalised, sources mentioned.
“Earlier than leaving Scamp- ton, the group had been promised they might be given every thing required to follow at Waddington,” mentioned the supply. “It didn’t occur. The group started to really feel they had been in the way in which and this was a harbinger of issues to return.”
Nonetheless an RAF spokesperson denied there have been any issues with crowded airspace on the base.