Aeropark NEWS
19.11.11 - NIMROD XW664 MOVES TO THE AEROPARK
Bright sunshine on Saturday 19th November heralded the final move of Nimrod R1 XW664 from the Airport's maintenance area to the Aeropark. After months of planning, the aircraft commenced her move at 09:30hrs along the Mike taxiway . . .
. . . for a short stop on Cargo West before being towed on to the runway at 11:45hrs to line her up for the long push down the temporary trackway in to the Aeropark . . .
. . . which went very quickly and smoothly . . .
. . . and after a little tricky manoeuvring 664 was in her final resting place taking pride of place in the Aeropark.
The Aeropark Volunteers will now spend some time getting the interior complete before opening 664 to the public in the Spring of 2012.
The Aeropark will be open again to the public this Sunday 27th November for the first public external viewing opportunity of this magnificent new exhibit.
The move was a massive team effort and special thanks must go to:
- DHL Aviation and Aviation Solutions
- The Aeropark Volunteers Association
- Numerous EMA staff
- G4S
- 51 Sqdn. RAF Waddington
- Diseworth Lane Residents
. . . without whom the move couldn't have happened. Also thanks to:
TPA Portable Roadways, Charnwood Fencing and B&K Building Services
28.10.2011
The Aeropark will be closed for one day only on Sunday 20th November 2011
SEPT'11 - WESSEX XT480 DEPARTS
Wessex XT480 which was on loan to the Aeropark departed for pastures new in mid-October. This Falklands veteran has moved to the 'paintball park' at Rednal airfield nr.Oswestry.
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Rather a sad end for this helo which rescued casualties from RFA Sir Galahad. Rumour is they intend to convert her into a cafe - hopefully this comes to fruition and she is preserved for future generations.
12.07.2011 - NIMROD R1 ARRIVES AT EMA
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Nimrod R1 XW664 , the RAF's recently retired 'spy-in-the'sky', touched down gracefully at East Midlands Airport at 10:29am on Tuesday 12th July after its final flight from RAF Waddington. It will become the newest exhibit in the Aeropark after a period of decommissioning.
The aircraft performed a majestic fly-past, break and landing followed by a slow backtrack down the runway past the hundreds of gathered enthusiasts and well-wishers in the Aeropark. She then passed under a water cannon salute (above) given by EMA Fire Section before taxiing to her current location in the Airport's maintenance area.
It is hoped to make the final ground move under tow to the Aeropark in November to enable the Aeropark Volunteers to prepare her for public display in 2012.
