Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Discuss all things 'aviation' that do not fit into a more appropriate forum
Post Reply
User avatar
harkins
Posts: 1133
Joined: Tue 11 Jun 2013, 9:17 pm
Location: Stockport

Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by harkins »

I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good source, online or in print that can give me a good idea of what the makeup of the RAF and FAA was in about 1987/8/9. I’d like to get a picture of what squadrons were at which bases and operating which types.

I found this wiki page for a structure of the USAFE in 1989 that is really handy. Ideally I was looking for 1987 as I was interested in the time when RAF Alconbury was still home to RF-4C and F-5’s, but as far as I can make out, the only change by '89 was that the Phantoms and Tigers had gone and a couple of squadrons of A-10’s had moved in from RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge.

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

harkins wrote:I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good source, online or in print that can give me a good idea of what the makeup of the RAF and FAA was in about 1987/8/9. I’d like to get a picture of what squadrons were at which bases and operating which types.

I found this wiki page for a structure of the USAFE in 1989 that is really handy. Ideally I was looking for 1987 as I was interested in the time when RAF Alconbury was still home to RF-4C and F-5’s, but as far as I can make out, the only change by '89 was that the Phantoms and Tigers had gone and a couple of squadrons of A-10’s had moved in from RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge.


RAF 1990 if that's any help...
1SQN HARRIER GR3/5/T4 WITTERING
2SQN TORNADO GR1A LAARBRUCH
3SQN HARRIER GR5 GUTERSLOH
4SQN HARRIER GR3/T4 GUTERSLOH
5SQN TORNADO F3 CONINGSBY
6SQN JAGUAR GR1/T2 COLTISHALL
7SQN CHINOOK HC1 ODIHAM
8SQN SHACKLETON AEW2 LOSSIEMOUTH
9SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
10SQN VC10 C1 BRIZE NORTON
11SQN TORNADO F3 LEEMING
12SQN BUCCANEER S2B/HUNTER T7 LOSSIEMOUTH
13SQN TORNADO GR1A HONINGTON
14SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
15SQN TORNADO GR1 LAARBRUCH
16SQN TORNADO GR1 LAARBRUCH
17SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
18SQN CHINOOK HC1 GUTERSLOH
19SQN PHANTOM FGR2 WILDENRATH
20SQN TORNADO GR1 LAARBRUCH
22SQN WESSEX HC2 Various
23SQN TORNADO F3 LEEMING
24SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
25SQN TORNADO F3 LEEMING
27SQN TORNADO GR1 MARHAM
28SQN WESSEX HC2 KAI TAK
29SQN TORNADO F3 CONINGSBY
30SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
31SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
32SQN BAE125,ANDOVER,GAZELLE NORTHOLT
33SQN PUMA HC1 ODIHAM
38SQN/236OCU NIMROD MR1/2 ST MAWGAN
41SQN JAGUAR GR1/1A/T2/A COLTISHALL
42SQN NIMROD MR2 ST MAWGAN
43SQN TORNADO F3 LEUCHARS
45SQN/TWCU TORNADO GR1 HONINGTON
47SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
51SQN NIMROD R1 WYTON
54SQN JAGUAR GR1/1A/T2/A COLTISHALL
55SQN VICTOR K2 MARHAM
56SQN PHANTOM FGR2 WATTISHAM
60SQN PEMBROKE C1, ANDOVER 1/CC2 WILDENRATH
63SQN/2TWU HAWK T1A CHIVENOR
64SQN/228OCU PHANTOM FGR2 LEUCHARS
65SQN/229OCU TORNADO F3 CONINGSBY
70SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
72SQN WESSEX HC2 ALDERGEROVE
74SQN PHANTOM F4J(UK) WATTISHAM
78SQN CHINOOK HC1& SEA KING HAR2 MOUNT PLEASANT
79SQN/1TWU HAWK T1A/JET PROVOST T4 BRAWDY
84SQN WESSEX HU5 AKROITIRI
85SQN BLOODHOUND AAM WEST RAYNHAM
92SQN PHANTOM FGR2 WILDENRATH
100SQN CANBERRA B2,PR7,E15,TT18 WYTON
101SQN VC10 K2/3 BRIZE NORTON
111SQN PHANTOM FGR2/TORNADO F3 LEUCHARS
115SQN ANDOVER E3 BENSON
120SQN NIMROD MR2 KINLOSS
151SQN/2TWU HAWK T1A CHIVENOR
201SQN NIMROD MR2 KINLOSS
202SQN SEA KING HAR3 Various
206SQN NIMROD MR2 KINLOSS
208SQN BUCCANEER S2B/HUNTER T7 LOSSIEMOUTH
216SQN TRISTAR BRIZE NORTON
226OCU JAGUAR GR1/T2 LOSSIEMOUTH
230SQN PUMA HC1 GUTERSLOH
234SQN/1TWU HAWK T1A BRAWDY
360SQN CANBERRA T17 WYTON
617SQN TORNADO GR1 MARHAM
231OCU CANBERRA B2/T4 WYTON
233OCU HARRIER GR3/5/T4 WITTERING
237OCU BUCCANEER S2B/HUNTER T7 LOSSIEMOUTH
240OCU PUMA HC1/CHINOOK HC1 ODIHAM
241OCU VC10/TRISTAR/BAE146(borrowed) BRIZE NORTON
242OCU HERCULES C1/3 (borrowed) LYNEHAM
1PRU CANBERRA PR9 WYTON
1312FLT HERCULES C1K MOUNT PLEASANT
1417FLT HARRIER GR3 BELIZE
1435FLT PHANTOM FGR2 MOUNT PLEASANT
1563FLT PUMA HC1 BELIZE
1FTS JET PROVOST T3A/5A LINTON ON OUSE
2FTS GAZELLE HT3, WESSEX HC2 SHAWBURY
RAFC/3FTS JET PROVOST T3A/5A CRANWELL
4FTS HAWK T1 VALLEY
6FTS DOMINIE T1,JETSTREAM T1,JPT5B FINNINGLEY
7FTS JET PROVOST T3/5, TUCANO CHURCH FENTON
AEF X13 CHIPMUNK T10 Various
BERLIN STATION FLT CHIPMUNK T10 GATOW
CFS BULLDOG,GAZELLE,HAWK,JP T3A/5A,TUCANO SCAMPTON & Dets
EFTS CHIPMUNK T10 SWINDERBY
QUEENS FLT BAE146,WESSEX HCC4 BENSON
RNEFTS BULLDOG TOPCLIFFE
SAOEU TORNADO, HARRIER,JAGUAR BOSCOMBE DOWN
SKTU SEA KING HAR3 CULDROSE
TOEU TORNADO F3 CONINGSBY
TTTE TORNADO GR1 COTTESMORE
UAS X16 BULLDOG T1 Various
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

User avatar
Wes_Howes
Posts: 3929
Joined: Wed 03 Sep 2008, 7:39 am
Contact:

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by Wes_Howes »

That's a depressing list :sad:

User avatar
harkins
Posts: 1133
Joined: Tue 11 Jun 2013, 9:17 pm
Location: Stockport

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by harkins »

Thanks for that. Although a couple of years after the time Phantoms and Tigers left Alconbury, scanning through it I reckon the only notable change in that time was probably the final withdrawal of the Lightning from service and the appearance of the Tornado F3.

I agree with you Wes, in comparison to an equivalent list today it's grim reading for a military aviation enthusiast.

User avatar
The Baron
Posts: 1369
Joined: Tue 01 Dec 2009, 8:23 pm

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by The Baron »

Jeez that really is depressing. Who would have thought you could look back at the 80s and 90s and think "I wish we had that now".
So many charismatic types replaced by so few soulless, grey computers.
Loafer for Mr. Da Vinci.

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

1970..... :snack:

1970
1SQN HARRIER GR1 WITTERING
2SQN HUNTER FR10/PHANTOM FGR2 LAARBRUCH
3SQN CANBERRA B(I)8 GEILENKIRCHEN
4SQN HUNTER FGA9/HARRIER GR1 WILDENRATH
5SQN LIGHTNING F6/T5 BINBROOK
6SQN PHANTOM FGR2 CONINGSBY
7SQN CANBERRA B2,TT18 ST MAWGAN
8SQN HUNTER FGA9 BAHREIN
9SQN VULCAN B2 AKROITIRI
10SQN VC10 C1 BRIZE NORTON
11SQN LIGHTNING F6/T5 LEUCHARS
12SQN BUCCANEER S2 HONINGTON
13SQN CANBERRA PR7 LUQA
14SQN CANBERRA B(I)8 - PHANTOM FGR2 WILDENRATH
15SQN BUCCANEER S2 LAARBRUCH
16SQN CANBERRA B(I)8 LAARBRUCH
17SQN PHANTOM FGR2 BRUGGEN
18SQN WESSEX HC2 GUTERSLOH
19SQN LIGHTNING F2/F2A GUTERSLOH
20SQN HARRIER GR1 WILDENRATH
21SQN DEVON CC2, BASSETT WYTON
22SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 Various
23SQN LIGHTNING F3/6/T5 LEUCHARS
24SQN HERCULES C1 LYNEHAM
25SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 AAM BRUGGEN & Dets
26SQN BASSETT CC1 WYTON
27SQN VULCAN B2 SCAMPTON
28SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 KAI TAK
29SQN LIGHTNING F3/T5 WATTISHAM
30SQN HERCULES C1 FAIRFORD
31SQN CANBERRA PR7 LAARBRUCH
32SQN PEMBROKE,WHIRLWIND,DEVON,SYCAMORE HR14 NORTHOLT
33SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 AAM BUTTERWORTH
35SQN VULCAN B2 AKROITIRI
36SQN HERCULES C1 LYNEHAM
39SQN CANBERRA PR9 WYTON
41SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 AAM WEST RAYNHAM
42SQN SHACKLETON MR3 ST MAWGAN
43SQN PHANTOM FG1 LEUCHARS
44SQN VULCAN B2 WADDINGTON
45SQN CANBERRA B15 TENGAH
46SQN ANDOVER C1 THORNEY ISLAND
47SQN HERCULES C1 FAIRFORD
48SQN HERCULES C1 CHANGI
50SQN VULCAN B2 WADDINGTON
51SQN COMET R1, CANBERRA B6mod WYTON
52SQN ANDOVER C1 SELETAR
53SQN BELFAST C1 BRIZE NORTON
54SQN PHANTOM FGR2 CONINGSBY
55SQN VICTOR K1/K1A,BK1 MARHAM
56SQN LIGHTNING F6/T5 AKROITIRI
57SQN VICTOR K1/1A MARHAM
58SQN CANBERRA PR7 BENSON
60SQN PEMBROKE C1,HERON C4 WILDENRATH
63SQN/229OCU HUNTER F6/T7/FGA9/FR10 CHIVENOR
64SQN/228OCU PHANTOM FGR2 CONINGSBY
65SQN/226OCU LIGHTNING F1/3/T4/T5 (from Sept) COLTISHALL
70SQN ARGOSY C1 NICOSIA
72SQN WESSEX HC2 ODIHAM
74SQN LIGHTNING F6/T5 TENGAH
78SQN WESSEX HC2 SHARJAH
79SQN/229OCU HUNTER F6/T7/FGA9/FR10,METEOR T7/F8,CHIPPY CHIVENOR
84SQN ANDOVER C1 SHARJAH
85SQN CANBERRA B2,B6,T11,E15,T19, METEOR F8 BINBROOK
92SQN LIGHTNING F2/F2A GUTERSLOH
98SQN CANBERRA B2,T11,E15 COTTESMORE
99SQN BRITTANNIA C1/C2 BRIZE NORTON
101SQN VULCAN B2 WADDINGTON
103SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 SELETAR
110SQN SYCAMORE HR14,WHIRLWIND HAR10 TENGAH
111SQN LIGHTNING F3/T5 LEUCHARS
112SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 AAM AKROITIRI
114SQN ARGOSY C1 BENSON
115SQN ARGOSY E1 COTTESMORE
120SQN SHACKLETON MR3 KINLOSS
201SQN SHACKLETON MR3-NIMROD MR1 KINLOSS
202SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 Various
203SQN SHACKLETON MR3 LUQA
204SQN SHACKLETON MR2C BALLYKELLY
205SQN SHACKLETON MR1 CHANGI
206SQN SHACKLETON MR3 -NIMROD MR1 KINLOSS
207SQN DEVON C2,BASSET CC1, PEMBROKE CC1 NORTHOLT & Dets
208SQN HUNTER FGA9 BAHREIN
210SQN SHACKLETON MR2 SHARJAH
214SQN VICTOR K1/K1A MARHAM
216SQN COMET C4C LYNEHAM
230SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 ODIHAM
234SQN/229OCU HUNTER F6/T7/FGA9 CHIVENOR
360SQN CANBERRA T17 COTTESMORE
511SQN BRITTANNIA C1/2 BRIZE NORTON
543SQN VICTOR SR2 WYTON
617SQN VULCAN B2 SCAMPTON
226OCU LIGHTNING F1/3/T4/T5 COLTISHALL
230OCU VULCAN B2 SCAMPTON
231OCU CANBERRA B2/T4 WEST RAYNHAM
232OCU VICTOR K1 MARHAM
233/HOCU HARRIER GR1/T2 WITTERING
241OCU VC10 (borrowed) BRIZE NORTON
242OCU HERCULES C1 (borrowed),ANDOVER C1 THORNEY ISLAND
1FTS JET PROVOST T3/4/5 LINTON ON OUSE
2FTS CHIPMUNK T10 CHURCH FENTON
1ANS to 6FTS DOMINIE T1,JET PROVOST T3/4 FINNINGLEY
2ANS to 6FTS VARSITY T1 GAYDON
3FTS JET PROVOST T3/4/5 LEEMING
4FTS GNAT T1, HUNTER F6/T7 VALLEY
5FTS VARSITY T1 OAKINGTON
AEF X13 CHIPMUNK T10 Various
BERLIN STATION FLT CHIPMUNK T10 GATOW
CATCS VAMPIRE T11- JET PROVOST T4 SHAWBURY
CAW JET PROVOST T3/4,DOMINIE T1 MANBY
CFS CHIPMUNK,JET PROVOST T3/4/5,GNAT,VARSITY LITTLE RISSINGTON & Dets
CFS(H) SIOUX HT2, WHIRLWIND HAR10 TERN HILL
HOCF WESSEX HC2 ODIHAM
QUEENS FLT ANDOVER CC2, WHIRLWIND HCC12,WESSEX HCC4, BASSET CC2 BENSON
RAFC JET PROVOST T3/4 CRANWELL
SCBS HASTINGS T5 LINDHOLME
TFF X3 LIGHTNING F1/F1A WATTISHAM ,LEUCHARS,BINBROOK
UAS X16 CHIPMUNK T10 Various
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

User avatar
Wes_Howes
Posts: 3929
Joined: Wed 03 Sep 2008, 7:39 am
Contact:

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by Wes_Howes »

Alright, we get it, you're old :wink:

User avatar
harkins
Posts: 1133
Joined: Tue 11 Jun 2013, 9:17 pm
Location: Stockport

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by harkins »

The difference between 1970 and 1990 is pretty minor compared to 1990 and now, or even 5 years ago.

It's not just the loss of variety of types or numbers of aircraft, but also the loss of camo, the number of hours they spend active (not simulator training) the loss of the the ACMI and regular live fire practice on ranges and visits of foreign air arms and hardly any air shows and a fraction of the bases left to see it all at. Crikey, sorry for bringing up such a depressing comparison between the great days of UK military aviation and today's shrunken semi privatised savings driven grey Air Force.

Anyway, thanks again for the list. It's a great start for me to work back a couple of years.

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

Wes_Howes wrote:Alright, we get it, you're old :wink:


Well I'm told 50 is the new 30... :cuppa: Still, better to be "old" and to have seen and experienced the above here, in Europe and the states than be "young" and have the current and diminishing paltry assortment of grey lo-viz heaps.. :butt:

Fleet Air Arm, 1986-88

705SQN GAZELLE HT2 CULDROSE
750SQN JETSTREAM T2 CULDROSE
771SQN SEA DEVON C20/CHIPMUNK/WESSEX HU5 CULDROSE
706SQN SEA KING HAS2/5/6 CULDROSE
810SQN SEA KING HAS5 CULDROSE
814SQN SEA KING HAS2/5 CULDROSE
820SQN SEA KING HAS2/5 CULDROSE
824SQN SEA KING HAS2/5 CULDROSE
826SQN SEA KING HAS5 CULDROSE
849SQN A& B FT SEA KINGS AEW2/2A CULDROSE
772SQN Det WESSEX HU5 LEE ON SOLENT
702SQN LYNX HAS2/3 PORTLAND
815SQN LYNX HAS2/3 PORTLAND
829SQN WASP HAS1/LYNX HAS2 PORTLAND
772SQN WESSEX HU5 PORTLAND
819SQN SEA KING HAS5/6 PRESTWICK
FGF CHIPMUNK T10 ROBOROUGH
707SQN SEA KING HC4 YEOVILTON
845SQN SEA KING HC4 YEOVILTON
846SQN SEA KING HC4 YEOVILTON
800SQN SEA HARRIER FRS1 YEOVILTON
801SQN SEA HARRIER FRS1 YEOVILTON
899SQN SEA HARRIER FRS1/HARRIER T4/T4N/HUNTER T8M YEOVILTON
HERON FLT SEA DEVON/SEA HERON YEOVILTON
FRADU HUNTER T7/T8/GA/PR11/CANBERA T4/TT18/T22 YEOVILTON
3CBAS GAZELLE AH1/LYNX AH7 YEOVILTON
FRL FALCON 20D/DC HURN
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

Amended to 1987-
1SQN HARRIER GR3/T4 WITTERING
2SQN JAGUAR GR1/T2 LAARBRUCH
3SQN HARRIER GR3/T4 GUTERSLOH
4SQN HARRIER GR3/T4 GUTERSLOH
5SQN LIGHTNING F3/F6/T5 BINBROOK
6SQN JAGUAR GR1/T2 COLTISHALL
7SQN CHINOOK HC1 ODIHAM
8SQN SHACKLETON AEW2 LOSSIEMOUTH
9SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
10SQN VC10 C1 BRIZE NORTON
11SQN LIGHTNING F3/F6/T5 BINBROOK
12SQN BUCCANEER S2B/HUNTER T7 LOSSIEMOUTH
14SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
15SQN TORNADO GR1 LAARBRUCH
16SQN TORNADO GR1 LAARBRUCH
17SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
18SQN CHINOOK HC1 GUTERSLOH
19SQN PHANTOM FGR2 WILDENRATH
20SQN TORNADO GR1 LAARBRUCH
22SQN WESSEX HC2 Various
23SQN PHANTOM FGR2 RAF MOUNT PLEASANT
24SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
25SQN BLOODHOUND SAM WYTON/Dets
27SQN TORNADO GR1 MARHAM
28SQN WESSEX HC2 KAI TAK
29SQN TORNADO F3 CONINGSBY
30SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
31SQN TORNADO GR1 BRUGGEN
32SQN BAE125,ANDOVER,GAZELLE NORTHOLT
33SQN PUMA HC1 ODIHAM
38SQN/236OCU NIMROD MR1/2 ST MAWGAN
41SQN JAGUAR GR1/1A/T2/A COLTISHALL
42SQN NIMROD MR2 ST MAWGAN
43SQN PHANTOM FG1 LEUCHARS
45SQN/TWCU TORNADO GR1 HONINGTON
47SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
51SQN NIMROD R1 WYTON
54SQN JAGUAR GR1/1A/T2/A COLTISHALL
55SQN VICTOR K2 MARHAM
56SQN PHANTOM FGR2 WATTISHAM
60SQN PEMBROKE C1 WILDENRATH
63SQN/2TWU HAWK T1A CHIVENOR
64SQN/228OCU PHANTOM FGR2 LEUCHARS
65SQN/229OCU TORNADO F3 CONINGSBY
70SQN HERCULES C1/3 LYNEHAM
72SQN WESSEX HC2 ALDERGEROVE
74SQN PHANTOM F4J(UK) WATTISHAM
79SQN/1TWU HAWK T1A/JET PROVOST T4 BRAWDY
84SQN WESSEX HU5 AKROITIRI
85SQN BLOODHOUND AAM WEST RAYNHAM/Dets
92SQN PHANTOM FGR2 WILDENRATH
100SQN CANBERRA B2,T4,E15,TT18 WYTON
101SQN VC10 K2/3 BRIZE NORTON
111SQN PHANTOM FG1 LEUCHARS
115SQN ANDOVER E3/3A BENSON
120SQN NIMROD MR2 KINLOSS
151SQN/2TWU HAWK T1A CHIVENOR
201SQN NIMROD MR2 KINLOSS
202SQN SEA KING HAR3 Various
206SQN NIMROD MR2 KINLOSS
208SQN BUCCANEER S2B/HUNTER T7 LOSSIEMOUTH
216SQN TRISTAR BRIZE NORTON
230SQN PUMA HC1 GUTERSLOH
234SQN/1TWU HAWK T1A BRAWDY
360SQN CANBERRA T17 WYTON
617SQN TORNADO GR1 MARHAM
226OCU JAGUAR GR1/T2 LOSSIEMOUTH
231OCU CANBERRA B2/T4 WYTON
233OCU HARRIER GR3/T4 WITTERING
237OCU BUCCANEER S2B/HUNTER T7 LOSSIEMOUTH
240OCU PUMA HC1/CHINOOK HC1 ODIHAM
241OCU VC10/TRISTAR/BAE146(borrowed) BRIZE NORTON
242OCU HERCULES C1/3 (borrowed) LYNEHAM
LTF LIGHTNINGF3/6/T5 BINBROOK
SARTU WESSEX HC2 VALLEY
1PRU CANBERRA PR9 WYTON
1312FLT HERCULES C1K MOUNT PLEASANT
1417FLT HARRIER GR3 BELIZE
1435FLT PHANTOM FGR2 MOUNT PLEASANT
1563FLT PUMA HC1 BELIZE
1FTS JET PROVOST T3A/5A LINTON ON OUSE
2FTS GAZELLE HT3, WESSEX HC2 SHAWBURY
RAFC JET PROVOST T3A/5A CRANWELL
4FTS HAWK T1 VALLEY
6FTS DOMINIE T1,JETSTREAM T1,JPT5B FINNINGLEY
7FTS JET PROVOST T3/5, TUCANO CHURCH FENTON
AEF X13 CHIPMUNK T10/BULLDOG/HUSKY Various
VGS X 28 VENTURE/VIKING/VANGUARD Various
ACCGS Various SYERSTON
BERLIN STATION FLT CHIPMUNK T10 GATOW
CFS BULLDOG,GAZELLE,HAWK,JP T3A/5A,TUCANO SCAMPTON & Dets
FSS CHIPMUNK T10 SWINDERBY
CATCS JET PROVOST T4 SHAWBURY
QUEENS FLT BAE146,WESSEX HCC4 BENSON
RNEFTS BULLDOG TOPCLIFFE
TOEU TORNADO BOSCOMBE DOWN
SKTU SEA KING HAR3 CULDROSE
TTTE TORNADO GR1 COTTESMORE
UAS X16 BULLDOG T1 Various
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

User avatar
Gooze
Posts: 470
Joined: Mon 08 Sep 2008, 1:17 pm

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by Gooze »

Does anybody have the 1960-65 equivalent?

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

Gooze wrote:Does anybody have the 1960-65 equivalent?

Challenge accepted !!
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

DOUGHNUT
Posts: 420
Joined: Sat 21 Mar 2009, 2:49 pm

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by DOUGHNUT »

The 1953 RAF royal review had 900+ aircraft on the ground and in the air.

http://www.hampshireairfields.co.uk/nos10.html
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/raf-coronation-review

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

1965- famous for the loss of one great man but the birth of another - St24 enters the world!!
The RAF were going through many changes - huge operations in the Near and far East as well as Germany resulting in some 19 overseas bases with active flying units, add that to the 48 in the UK!! The mind boggles as to how many non-flying and support bases there were around the world - it must have been a fantastic time to be in the forces! TSR2 gets cancelled, Valiant was about to go, Dominie just in with the VC10, Andover and Belfast undergoing trials for service entry. F-111 ordered! Harrier concept being tested by the Tri-partite Evaluation Squadron using Kestrel FGA1s at West Raynham. 6 Squadrons of Javelins hanging on as the Lightning is upgraded to F3/6 standards. Unpopular Belvedere still in use but being replaced by the Wessex. Incredibly 21 squadrons using the Canberra, 12 on the Shackleton, and 10 with Hunters. 22 V-bomber squadrons with 10 on Vulcans alone mainly as a result of the withdrawl of the Thor ICBM that had accounted for a further 20 squadrons! Massive transport fleet with 4 Argosy and 5 Beverley Squadrons alongside Comets, Brittannias, Hastings, Twin Poineers, Pembrokes, Devons and Valettas. Numerous open days and airshows with 9 stations open on battle of Britain day itself.


1965
1SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 WEST RAYNHAM
2SQN HUNTER FR10 GEILENKIRCHEN, WG
3SQN CANBERRA B(I)8 GEILENKIRCHEN, WG
4SQN HUNTER FGA9 GUTERSLOH, WG
5SQN JAVELIN FAW5 to LIGHTNING F6/T5 GEILENKIRCHEN to BINBROOK
6SQN CANBERRA B6,B15 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
8SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 MUHARRAQ,Bahrain
9SQN VULCAN B2 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
10SQN VICTOR B1 COTTESMORE
11SQN JAVELIN FAW9 GEILENKIRCHEN, WG
12SQN VULCAN B2 CONINGSBY
13SQN CANBERRA PR9 LUQA, Malta
14SQN CANBERRA B(I)7 WILDENRATH, WG
16SQN CANBERRA B(I)8 LAARBRUCH, Wg
17SQN CANBERRA PR3/7 WILDENRATH, WG
18SQN WESSEX HC2 GUTERSLOH, WG
19SQN LIGHTNING F2/T4 LECONFIELD
20SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 TENGAH, Singapore
21SQN TWIN PIONEER CC2/DAKOTA C3 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
22SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 Various
23SQN LIGHTNING F3/T5 LEUCHARS
24SQN HASTINGS C1 LYNEHAM
25SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 SAM BRUGGEN &Dets
26SQN BELVEDERE HC1 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
27SQN VULCAN B2 SCAMPTON
28SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 KAI TAK, Hong Kong
29SQN JAVELIN FAW9 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
30SQN BEVERLEY C1 MUHARRAQ,Bahrain
31SQN CANBERRA PR7 LAARBRUCH, WG
32SQN CANBERRA B15/16 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
33SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 SAM BUTTERWORTH,Malaysia
34SQN BEVERLEY C1 SELETAR, Singapore
35SQN VULCAN B2 COTTESMORE
36SQN HASTINGS C1 COLERNE
37SQN SHACKELTON MR2 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
38SQN SHACKELTON MR2 HAL FAR, Malta
39SQN CANBERRA PR9 LUQA, Malta
41SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 SAM WEST RAYNHAM &Dets
42SQN SHACKLETON MR3 ST MAWGAN
43SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
44SQN VULCAN B1A WADDINGTON
45SQN CANBERRA B15/T4 TENGAH, Singapore
47SQN BEVERLEY C1 ABINGDON
48SQN VALETTA C1/HASTINGS C1 CHANGI Det SELETAR
49SQN VALIANT BK1 MARHAM
50SQN VULCAN B1A WADDINGTON
51SQN COMET C2R, CANBERRA B2/6mod WYTON/WATTON
52SQN VALETTA C1 KUCHING, Malaysia
53SQN BELFAST C1 (No a/c) BRIZE NORTON (Still USAF)
54SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 WEST RAYNHAM
55SQN VICTOR B(K)1A MARHAM
56SQN LIGHTNING F3/6/T5 WATTISHAM
57SQN VICTOR K1 MARHAM
58SQN CANBERRA PR7 WYTON
60SQN JAVELIN FAW9/9R/T3 TENGAH &Dets
64SQN JAVELIN FAW9/9R/T3 TENGAH &Dets
65SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 SAM SELETAR, Singapore
66SQN BELVEDERE HC1 SELETAR, Singapore
70SQN BEVERLEY C1 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
72SQN WESSEX HC2 ODIHAM
73SQN CANBERRA B15 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
74SQN. LIGHTNING F3/T4. LEUCHARS
78SQN PIONEER CC1/TWIN PIONEER C1/PEMBROKE C1/WESSEX HC2 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
80SQN CANBERRA PR7 BRUGGEN, WG
81SQN CANBERRA PR7 TENGAH, Singapore
83SQN VULCAN B2 SCAMPTON
84SQN BEVERLEY C1 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
85SQN CANBERRA B2/T11/T19, METEOR F8,T7 BINBROOK
90SQN VALIANT B(PR)K1 HONINGTON
92SQN LIGHTNING F2/T4 LECONFIELD
97SQN CANBERRA B2/6, VARSITY T1R WATTON
98SQN CANBERRA B2/6 WATTON
99SQN BRITTANNIA C1/C2 LYNEHAM
100SQN VICTOR B2 WITTERING
101SQN VULCAN B1A WADDINGTON
103SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 SELETAR, Singapore
105SQN ARGOSY C1 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
110SQN SYCAMORE HR14,WHIRLWIND HAR10 SELETAR, Singapore
111SQN LIGHTNING F3/T5 LEUCHARS
112SQN BLOODHOUND MK2 SAM WOODHALL SPA
114SQN ARGOSY C1 BENSON
115SQN VARSITY T1R WATTON
120SQN SHACKLETON MR3 KINLOSS
139SQN VICTOR B2 WITTERING
148SQN VALIANT B(PR)K1 MARHAM
152SQN PEMBROKE C1, TWIN PIONEER C1 MUHARRAQ,Bahrain
201SQN SHACKLETON MR3 KINLOSS
202SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 Various
203SQN SHACKLETON MR2 BALLYKELLY, NI
204SQN SHACKLETON MR2C BALLYKELLY, NI
205SQN SHACKLETON MR2C CHANGI Det SELETAR
206SQN SHACKLETON MR3 ST MAWGAN
207SQN VALIANT B1 MARHAM
208SQN HUNTER FGA9/T7 MUHARRAQ,Bahrain
209SQN PIONEER CC1/TWIN PIONEER C1 SELETAR, Singapore
210SQN SHACKLETON MR2 BALLYKELLY, NI
213SQN CANBERRA B(I)6 BRUGGEN, WG
214SQN VALIANT BK1 to VICTOR K1/K1A MARHAM
215SQN ARGOSY C1 CHANGI,Singapore
216SQN COMET C4C LYNEHAM
224SQN SHACKLETON MR2C GIBRALTAR
225SQN SYCAMORE HR14,WHIRLWIND HAR10 KUCHING, Malaysia
230SQN WHIRLWIND HAR10 KUCHING, Malaysia
233SQN VALETTA C1 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
249SQN CANBERRA B2/6/16 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
267SQN ARGOSY C1 BENSON
511SQN BRITTANNIA C1/2 LYNEHAM
543SQN VICTOR B1 WYTON
617SQN VULCAN B2 SCAMPTON
226OCU/145SQN LIGHTNING F1/3/T4/T5 COLTISHALL
228OCU JAVELIN T3/FAW7 LEUCHARS
229OCU/63/234SQN HUNTER F6/T7/FGA9/FR10,METEOR F8/T7,CHIPMUNK CHIVENOR
230OCU VULCAN B1A/2 FINNINGLEY
231OCU CANBERRA B2/T4 BASSINGBOURN
232OCU VALIANT B1/VICTOR B1 GAYDON
242OCU BEVERLEY C1,ARGOSY C1 THORNEY ISLAND
1FTS JET PROVOST T3/4 LINTON ON OUSE
2FTS JET PROVOST T3/4 SYERSTON
3FTS JET PROVOST T3/4 LEEMING
4FTS GNAT T1 VALLEY
5FTS VARSITY T1 OAKINGTON
6FTS PROVOST T1, JET PROVOST T3 ACKLINGTON
7FTS JET PROVOST T3/4 CHURCH FENTON
1ANS DOMINIE T1,JET PROVOST T3/4 STRADISHALL
2ANS VARSITY T1, METEOR NF14 GAYDON
1417FLIGHT HUNTER FR10/T7 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
3CAACU METEOR T7/TT20, VAMPIRE T11 EXETER
5CAACU METEOR T7/F8/TT20 WOODVALE
AEF X13 CHIPMUNK T10 Various
AES VARSITY T1 TOPCLIFFE
BCBS HASTINGS T5 LINDHOLME
BELVEDERE CU BELVEDERE HC1 ODIHAM
BERLIN STATION FLT CHIPMUNK T10 GATOW, WG
CANBERRA TTEU CANBERRA B2/T4/B6 AKROTIRI, Cyprus
CATCS VAMPIRE T11, PROVOST T1 SHAWBURY
CAW/RFS JET PROVOST T3/4,VARSITY T1 MANBY/STRUBBY
CFE SPITFIRE 19, HUNTER,METEOR, JAVELIN BINBROOK
CFS CHIPMUNK,JET PROVOST T3/4,GNAT,VARSITY,METEOR T7,VAMPIRE T11 LITTLE RISSINGTON & Dets
CFS(H) SIOUX HT2, WHIRLWIND HAR10 TERN HILL
FECS PEMBROKE C1/PR CHANGI,Singapore
GLIDING SCHOOLS X27 CADET TX1/2/3, SEDBURGH T21, GRASSHOPPER TX1, SWALLOW TX1 Various
HELO FLIGHT WHIRLWIND HAR10 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
MCS DEVON CC2, BASSET CC1, SYCAMORE HR14 NORTHOLT
MECS DAKOTA C3/VALETTA C1 KHORMAKSAR,Aden/Yemen
MOTU SHACKLETON T2/4 ST MAWGAN
NCS BASSET CC1, ANSON C21 TOPCLIFFE
QUEENS FLT HERON C3/C4, BASSET CC2, WHIRLWIND HCC4 BENSON
RAFC JET PROVOST T3/4 CRANWELL
SCS ANSON C21,DEVON CC2, BASSET CC1,PEMBROKE C1 BOVINGDON
SHORT RANGE CU TWIN PIONEER CC2/AUSTER AOP9,WESSEX HC2 ODIHAM
STATION FLIGHT PEMBROKE C1 LAARBRUCH, WG
TpES KESTREL FGA1/HUNTER T7 WEST RAYNHAM
UAS X16 CHIPMUNK T10 Various
Last edited by st24 on Thu 28 Jun 2018, 9:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

User avatar
Robin
Posts: 704
Joined: Tue 02 Sep 2008, 4:19 pm
Location: Maidstone, Kent.

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by Robin »

I was serving in the RAF in the early 1960s, that was a great time to be around, I remember well the flypasts that the Services put up for Farnborough . Robin.
Per Ardua ad Astra

User avatar
capercaillie
Posts: 9336
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 3:04 pm
Location: Leominster

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by capercaillie »

74 Sqn Lightnings missing?
"The surrogate voice of st24"

My flickr photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/146673712@N06/

User avatar
st24
Posts: 8170
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 9:31 am
Location: Sexville

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by st24 »

capercaillie wrote:74 Sqn Lightnings missing?

Noted and amended though they're on my excel master as are a couple of other things. Must have messed up when re-formatted.
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

farnboroughrob
Posts: 2118
Joined: Fri 05 Jun 2009, 8:31 am

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by farnboroughrob »

Those lists are frightening compared to today. Add to that the amount of aircraft on test at RAE and A&AEE. Living in the south I never got to go to the fast jet bases. It was a treat to go to Yeovilton while on the way to holidays in Devon. I well remember 1977-80 there were what seemed like hundreds of Hunters and Canberra's there, actually about 40,plus later the Sea Harriers. Some of the bad shows I went to in the 80's would be considered next to RIAT at the moment!

User avatar
bigcrow
Posts: 1323
Joined: Sun 31 Aug 2008, 2:43 pm
Location: Worcestershire, U.K
Contact:

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by bigcrow »

Great lists Geoff but how depressing with what we have left now, just so glad I manged to witness the RAF when it was much more of a force in the eighties & nineties.

User avatar
hunterxf382
Posts: 1698
Joined: Sun 31 Aug 2008, 9:36 pm
Location: West Midlands
Contact:

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by hunterxf382 »

:shock: Certainly brings it home how the Royal Air Force I joined in 78 has shrunk so much....
I see most of my military history in Museums these days - that hits home when I'm constantly saying "worked on that / flew in that" etc...
I can look back with nostalgic eyes, and some great memories of the variety we had back then - but then when you see what is STILL in service and for how long, we certainly get our monies worth for some types still active.
Pete Buckingham
Volunteer in Aviation
Former RAF Engineer
http://hunterxf382.weebly.com/

Traveller
Posts: 869
Joined: Fri 20 Apr 2012, 1:50 pm

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by Traveller »

There is no mention of numbers in the above so here are fleet strengths 1981, 84, 91, 98, 2005, 12, 14

Meteor 2
Devon 14 13
Pembroke 7 7
Islander 2 3
HS125 2 14 12 8 6 6 5
VC10 C1K 13 13 13 13 10 3
VC10 K 9 14 9 5
Victor 20 22 14
Tristar 3 9 9 9 8
A330 6
C17 4 7 8
Andover 22 17 16
C130K 60 61 61 52 26 7
C130J 25 24 20
A109 4 3
A139 3
Bae 146 2 3 3 2 2 4
Gazelle 26 27 27
Squirrel 26 29 24 24
Bell 412 9 15 15 15
Wessex 72 65 68 18
Merlin 27 27
Puma 41 42 43 39 39 33 14
Chinook 29 33 34 38 44 45
Whirlwind 35
Sea King 16 16 18 23 25 23 21
Shackleton 12 6 5
E3 Sentry 2 7 7 6 6
Nimrod 39 39 35 28 26
R1 Sentinel 5 5
R1 Shadow 5 5
Jet Provost 204 182 122
Tucano 45 83 72 46 34
Hawk T1 170 162 144 105 116 58 44
Hawk T2 23 28
Jetstream 11 11 11 11 11
King Air 11 11
Dominie 20 20 20 13 11
Vulcan B2 72 3
Vulcan K2 6
Canberra 108 49 43 9 7
Hunter 83 43 11
Lightning 70 37
Buccaneer 84 52 43
Phantom 131 112 92
Jaguar 155 138 73 48 51
Harrier 69 83 90 86 73
Tornado GR1/4 108 92 142 163 119 99
Tornado F3 113 117 108
Typhoon 10 83 107

User avatar
capercaillie
Posts: 9336
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 3:04 pm
Location: Leominster

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by capercaillie »

Traveller wrote:There is no mention of numbers in the above so here are fleet strengths 1981, 84, 91, 98, 2005, 12, 14

Meteor 2
Devon 14 13
Pembroke 7 7
Islander 2 3
HS125 2 14 12 8 6 6 5
VC10 C1K 13 13 13 13 10 3
VC10 K 9 14 9 5
Victor 20 22 14
Tristar 3 9 9 9 8
A330 6
C17 4 7 8
Andover 22 17 16
C130K 60 61 61 52 26 7
C130J 25 24 20
A109 4 3
A139 3
Bae 146 2 3 3 2 2 4
Gazelle 26 27 27
Squirrel 26 29 24 24
Bell 412 9 15 15 15
Wessex 72 65 68 18
Merlin 27 27
Puma 41 42 43 39 39 33 14
Chinook 29 33 34 38 44 45
Whirlwind 35
Sea King 16 16 18 23 25 23 21
Shackleton 12 6 5
E3 Sentry 2 7 7 6 6
Nimrod 39 39 35 28 26
R1 Sentinel 5 5
R1 Shadow 5 5
Jet Provost 204 182 122
Tucano 45 83 72 46 34
Hawk T1 170 162 144 105 116 58 44
Hawk T2 23 28
Jetstream 11 11 11 11 11
King Air 11 11
Dominie 20 20 20 13 11
Vulcan B2 72 3
Vulcan K2 6
Canberra 108 49 43 9 7
Hunter 83 43 11
Lightning 70 37
Buccaneer 84 52 43
Phantom 131 112 92
Jaguar 155 138 73 48 51
Harrier 69 83 90 86 73
Tornado GR1/4 108 92 142 163 119 99
Tornado F3 113 117 108
Typhoon 10 83 107



It doesn't really work without putting the zeroes into your spreadsheets and correctly spacing the names, otherwise we have two Sentries in 1981 and no Buccaneers for example. :whistle: But good work otherwise.
"The surrogate voice of st24"

My flickr photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/146673712@N06/

Traveller
Posts: 869
Joined: Fri 20 Apr 2012, 1:50 pm

Re: Structure of RAF and FAA circa 1987

Post by Traveller »

It wouldn't play ball in the copy and paste no matter what I tried. But I hope this forum is frequented by sufficient IQ to realise the Buccs first entry would be 1981 and not the last 3 years. Also working back from 2014 on the Sentries means none in 81.

Post Reply