Wattisham Airfield

For the pre 1992 use of this site, see RAF Wattisham.
Wattisham Flying Station
Wattisham, Suffolk in England
An Army Air Corps Apache AH1 at Wattisham Flying Station
Wattisham is located in Suffolk
Wattisham
Wattisham
Location in Suffolk
Coordinates 52°07′37″N 000°57′21″E
Type Army Air Corps airfield
Site information
Owner Ministry of Defence
Operator British Army
Controlled by Army Air Corps
Condition Operational
Site history
Built 1913
In use Royal Air Force (1939–1942 and 1946–1992)
US Army Air Forces (1942–1946)
Army Air Corps (1993 – present)
Garrison information
Garrison
Airfield information
Identifiers ICAO: EGUW, WMO: 035900
Elevation 86.2 metres (283 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
2,423 metres (7,949 ft) Asphalt
Other airfield facilities Dummy landing deck
Source: UK Military AIP

Wattisham Airfield is a British Army airfield and barracks located near the village of Wattisham in Suffolk, England. It is home to the Army Air Corps' Apache attack helicopter force. A helicopter repair facility provided by 7 Aviation Support Battalion, REME and 132 Aviation Supply Squadron, RLC is also based at the airfield.

The RAF maintains a presence at the airfield with a section of Survival Equipment Specialists who maintain survival equipment carried by Apache aircrew, including their helmets.

The airfield covers a site of 1,072 acres (434 ha), with approximately 2,000 troops stationed on site.

History

Main article: RAF Wattisham

Wattisham Airfield has had a long and distinguished history. First opening in April 1939, the airfield was used by the RAF before being lent to the United States Army Air Forces in 1942. After the Second World War, Wattisham became one of the UK's front-line air force fighter airfields during the Cold War, with aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert on a rotational basis with other UK fighter stations.

Wattisham used to house 'B' Flight, 22 Squadron Royal Air Force with its Search & Rescue Sea King helicopters, until the privatisation of SAR provision in 2015, which led to 22 Squadron standing down. The closest SAR base under the new Bristow Helicopters contract is Lydd Airport in Kent.

As of 1 November 2018, there were 852 personnel assigned to 3 and 4 Regiments and 429 to 7 Aviation Support Battalion.

Apart from the military, the Anglia Gliding Club also operates from the airfield. (making it the oldest serving member of Wattisham, having been there as a RAFGSA club when the RAF occupied). Also resident is No 1287 Sqn, Air Training Corps.

There is a museum on site which tells the history of the airfield and this is open on Sundays during April to October.

Operational units

Flying and notable non-flying units based at Wattisham Airfield.

Joint Helicopter Command

1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team / Army Air Corps

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

  • 7 Aviation Support Battalion