Wallingford
RAF helicopter base to grow
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| A Puma helicopter |
RAF Benson is set to expand to become the home of the RAF's entire fleet of Puma helicopters.
The Government announced today that 230 Squadron's Pumas will move from RAF Aldergrove, in Northern Ireland, to join 33 Squadron at Benson.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth said: "This will establish a coherent Puma force on a single site, enabling the improvement of Puma force capability."
About 600 of the 700 RAF personnel at Aldergrove will move to south Oxfordshire, along with 500 family members.
Civilian staff from Northern Ireland have been told there will be jobs available at RAF Benson for those who are prepared to move to England.
The move is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
Benson is also the home of Merlin helicopters operated by 28 Squadron and 33 Squadron.
7:47pm Thursday 24th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Duh !, This World on 9:25pm Thu 24 Apr 08
Great now if I want to take out the whole fleet of helicopters I know where to go.
Duh, ever heard of spreading risks Mr MOD ?
Great now if I want to take out the whole fleet of helicopters I know where to go.
Duh, ever heard of spreading risks Mr MOD ?
Posted by: Jongo, Oxon on 8:04am Fri 25 Apr 08
More B****y noise. This county is becoming the noisiest in the Whole of the British Isles!
More B****y noise. This county is becoming the noisiest in the Whole of the British Isles!
Posted by: joe, burcot on 9:08am Fri 25 Apr 08
more bl**dy helicopters illeagal performing tree top level night flights then.. oh joy.
more bl**dy helicopters illeagal performing tree top level night flights then.. oh joy.
Posted by: Super6Two, The MOG on 9:54am Fri 25 Apr 08
The MOD has not heard of spreading risks, otherwise they would not still be flying these ancient and increasingly unsafe aircraft.
The MOD has not heard of spreading risks, otherwise they would not still be flying these ancient and increasingly unsafe aircraft.
Posted by: Mr.B, Tescos on 9:59am Fri 25 Apr 08
Manufacured from 1968 to 1987 meaning the ones going over your house / car are at least 21 years old...hmmmm worrying
Manufacured from 1968 to 1987 meaning the ones going over your house / car are at least 21 years old...hmmmm worrying
Posted by: Joy, Wallingford on 11:57am Fri 25 Apr 08
Great that gives me up two years to attempt to sell my house on the flight path of these dinosaurs! All we need now is more Royals wanting to play with them! Perhaps emigrating is the best option!!
Great that gives me up two years to attempt to sell my house on the flight path of these dinosaurs! All we need now is more Royals wanting to play with them! Perhaps emigrating is the best option!!
Posted by: Simon, Wallyford on 11:24am Mon 28 Apr 08
Joy - since Benson has been an active airfield since the 1930s, it's not really a surprise that it's still an airfield.
Why did you buy in the area in the first place?
Joy - since Benson has been an active airfield since the 1930s, it's not really a surprise that it's still an airfield.
Why did you buy in the area in the first place?
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