History:
During the cold war RAF Wittering was a vital part of the strategic nuclear deterrent, with a runway built in 1954 long enough for the 'V' bombers (Avro Vulcan, Handley Page Victor and Vickers Valiant).
Until January 1969 they were equipped with Blue Steel stand-off missiles were part of the QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) force of the RAF. Two nuclear armed aircraft were permanently on 15 minutes readiness to take off. They were parked within 100 m (110 yd) of the westerly runway threshold.
In times of higher tension, four bombers could be stationed beside the runway on the ORP (Operational Readiness Platform). If the aircraft were manned they could all be airborne within 30 seconds, a feat often demonstrated at V force stations across the country. Since the incoming missile warning from the RAF array was only four minutes before impact Hence the 4 minute warning) this ensured if the country came under attack, the bombers would be scrambled and able to retaliate.
The Explore
Nuclear bombs you say? They must have been stored somewhere fun. So early one very windy Sunday morning I dragged LadyPandora and JonBoy off like an excited school kid on a school trip to see if we could find where the nukes were stored.
On Bing Maps it looks like a well kept clearing in a forest. I couldn't wait!
Looking out over the base:
The nuke stores:
Nice bitt of graff:
Green Sheds:
Inside the green sheds:
Cheers for reading!
During the cold war RAF Wittering was a vital part of the strategic nuclear deterrent, with a runway built in 1954 long enough for the 'V' bombers (Avro Vulcan, Handley Page Victor and Vickers Valiant).
Until January 1969 they were equipped with Blue Steel stand-off missiles were part of the QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) force of the RAF. Two nuclear armed aircraft were permanently on 15 minutes readiness to take off. They were parked within 100 m (110 yd) of the westerly runway threshold.
In times of higher tension, four bombers could be stationed beside the runway on the ORP (Operational Readiness Platform). If the aircraft were manned they could all be airborne within 30 seconds, a feat often demonstrated at V force stations across the country. Since the incoming missile warning from the RAF array was only four minutes before impact Hence the 4 minute warning) this ensured if the country came under attack, the bombers would be scrambled and able to retaliate.
The Explore
Nuclear bombs you say? They must have been stored somewhere fun. So early one very windy Sunday morning I dragged LadyPandora and JonBoy off like an excited school kid on a school trip to see if we could find where the nukes were stored.
On Bing Maps it looks like a well kept clearing in a forest. I couldn't wait!
Looking out over the base:
The nuke stores:
Nice bitt of graff:
Green Sheds:
Inside the green sheds:
Cheers for reading!
