Glasgow Airport Movements 2019
May
*Page under construction*
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May 2019
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June 2019
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July 2019
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August 2019
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September 2019
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October 2019
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November 2019
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December 2019
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Intro* // Dusseldorf Airport with Loganair (LINK)* etc Daks Over Normandy event (see the last entry on this page)
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Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stats have now been released for March 2019 which show that Glasgow International handled 646,757 passengers during the month which is a drop of 2.7% compared with March 2018 and aircraft movements saw a far larger fall of 8.6% compared to last March. Aberdeen Airport, also owned by AGS Airports saw its passenger numbers for March 2019 fall by 7.3%.
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The weather improved as the month went on and by Wednesday 15 May Scotland was warmer than Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam and Athens. A temperature of 25.8C was recorded in the Northwest Highlands, making it the country`s warmest day of the year so far. The warmest May day on record for Scotland was set on 25 May 2012 when the temperature at Inverailort in the Highlands reached 30.9C.
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Over on the north side of the river at Bowling, this Country & Western singer had stripped off and was blasting out Hank Williams numbers on the deck of a barge tied-up on the Forth & Clyde Canal. No doubt he`s called `Slim` something-or-other! The tiny cygnets were just out of earshot, keeping to the shade.
A very mild winter and spring with next to no snow or frost in the Glasgow and Paisley area, has resulted in a profusion of colour, well illustrated by these stunning displays of flowers and trees in bloom on the Formakin Estate located in the Renfrewshire countryside only a few miles from the airport. There is a downside to the lack of ice and snow, however, as millions more midges than usual will hatch this year ready to sink their fangs into unsuspecting walkers!
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Controversial plans by the Scottish government to cut the amount of Air Departure Tax (ADT) tax paid by passengers flying from Scottish airports have been scrapped after a backlash over the environmental impact. The government`s intention had been to reduce the levy by 50% before eventually abolishing it, but the resultant hike in greenhouse gas emissions from the expected increase in flights raised concerns. The government has now confirmed that the tax cut will not happen as it`s no longer compatible with the latest climate targets.
Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports which owns and manages Aberdeen International and Glasgow airports, described the decision as a "huge blow for our airports and for Scotland's connectivity". The chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Dewar, said that the country`s airports and airlines operating from them have been led down a path of failed promises for three years by this Scottish government. The Scottish capital`s airport had previously published a report which predicted halving the departure tax would create almost 4,000 jobs and add £1bn to the Scottish economy.
Currently, Air Passenger Duty (APD) is in operation and will continue to be charged on all passenger flights from Scottish airports, apart from those in the Highlands and Islands, until it is replaced by ADT. The rate of tax varies according to where the passenger is going and the class of travel, and ranges from £13 for the cheapest class of short-haul flights to more than £500 for some long-haul flights. APD raises about £300m in Scotland and £3bn across the UK every year.
The alternative Air departure tax (ADT) was originally due to be introduced in Scotland last year, but has been hit by a series of delays, supposedly mainly down to legal issues regarding tax exemptions for flights departing Highlands and Islands airports. The commitment to cutting ADT in half when it is eventually introduced, before abolishing the tax completely in the future, was included in the SNP's manifesto for the 2016 Holyrood election, with the party arguing it would boost the economy and tourism. But there was speculation that the policy, which was backed by the Conservatives and the aviation industry, would be ditched after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared a "climate emergency" at last month's SNP conference. The Scottish Parliament was given powers to charge tax on passengers leaving Scottish airports under the Scotland Act, which came into force in 2016.
Currently, Air Passenger Duty (APD) is in operation and will continue to be charged on all passenger flights from Scottish airports, apart from those in the Highlands and Islands, until it is replaced by ADT. The rate of tax varies according to where the passenger is going and the class of travel, and ranges from £13 for the cheapest class of short-haul flights to more than £500 for some long-haul flights. APD raises about £300m in Scotland and £3bn across the UK every year.
The alternative Air departure tax (ADT) was originally due to be introduced in Scotland last year, but has been hit by a series of delays, supposedly mainly down to legal issues regarding tax exemptions for flights departing Highlands and Islands airports. The commitment to cutting ADT in half when it is eventually introduced, before abolishing the tax completely in the future, was included in the SNP's manifesto for the 2016 Holyrood election, with the party arguing it would boost the economy and tourism. But there was speculation that the policy, which was backed by the Conservatives and the aviation industry, would be ditched after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared a "climate emergency" at last month's SNP conference. The Scottish Parliament was given powers to charge tax on passengers leaving Scottish airports under the Scotland Act, which came into force in 2016.
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On Wednesday 23 May, six regional airports closed their doors at midnight at the start of a 24-hour strike by air traffic controllers, disrupting the travel plans of around 6,000 people. The airports affected, all managed and operated by Highland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), were Benbecula, Dundee, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh. HIAL is a public corporation wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers and is also responsible for Barra, Campbeltown, Islay, Tiree and Wick.
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HIAL’s airports are vital to the social and economic welfare of the areas they serve, but are loss making, and are therefore supported by subsidies from the Scottish Government. The controllers` union Prospect has called for a staff pay rise of at least 10%, arguing that ATC staff in the private sector earn much more. The industrial action came after discussions, facilitated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, broke down and if the situation is not resolved the dispute could drag on through to August. The only other means of travelling to and from many of the islands is by ferry and these services often run to capacity at the height o summer.
The British Pipe Band Championships 2019
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On Saturday 18 May, it wasn`t the illegal use of drones that pilots on approach to the airport had to keep a lookout for, but low-flying maces! More than 4,000 Pipers, Drummers and Pipe Majors of all ages braved wet conditions to take part in the British Pipe Band Championships in Paisley. The event, said to be only second in size to the World Pipe Band Championships, featured 123 bands. The competition attracted a large crowd to see pipers from as far afield as the USA, Belgium and Denmark.
Although the playing fields can`t compete with Levengrove Park with its dramatic backdrop of Dumbarton Castle which will host the Scottish Pipe Band Championships this coming July, the Paisley event was first-class and a great day out, despite the unsettled conditions. Parking close to the venue at Paisley was easy with no visible traffic congestion while I was there. Despite the large number of participants and visitors, much of the available ground at St James was unused and having attended the Scottish Championships at Dumbarton several times in recent years, there seemed to be more room at Paisley with the various arenas better spaced.
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Grade 1 victors this time round were St Laurence O`Toole (below) from the Republic of Ireland, followed closely by Scottish Power then Inveraray & District with erstwhile World Champions Field Marshall Montgomery `only` achieving a respectable 5th place. Most of the other bands would be more than happy with that position but no doubt Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE and the rest of Field Marshall Montgomery would look on it as a total disaster! Many more shots taken during the event can be viewed here.
Jet Airliners
Visiting jet airliners worth a mention this month included Airbus A380-861 A6-EON Emirates (Expo 2020 green livery) (1st); A380-861 A6-EDC Emirates (2nd); Airbus A380-861 A6-EOF Emirates and Boeing 737-8K2(WL) PH-BCK (f/v) on delivery from Boeing Field to KLM at Amsterdam Schiphol (3rd); A380-861 A6-EET Emirates (4th); A380-861 A6-EUI Emirates (5th); Airbus A380-861 A6-EOM Emirates (United for Wildlife Livery) and Boeing 757-256(WL) TF-FIR Icelandair (80 years of Aviation Livery) (6th); A380-861 A6-EEF Emirates, Boeing 757-21B G-LSAH Jet2, BAe Avro RJ8 G-JOTR JOTA Aviation (worked some BA flights during the month) (7th); Airbus A380-861 A6-EDM Emirates (8th); A380-861 A6-EDM again (9th); A380-861 A6-EDD Emirates and British Airways Airbus A319-131 G-EUPJ in BEA retro scheme (10th)...
Airbus A380-861 A6-EDZ Emirates (11th); A380-861 A6-EOK Emirates (Expo 2020 green livery) (12th); A380-861 A6-EEQ Emirates (United for Wildlife livery) (13th); A380-861 A6-EDN Emirates and Boeing 757-256(WL) TF-FIU Icelandair (Aurora Borealis Livery) (14th); A380-861 A6-EUJ Emirates, Boeing 737-8K2(WL) PH-BCH (f/v) on delivery to KLM at Schiphol, A320-251N G-UZHM easyJet, plus Trade Air Fokker F100 9A-BTE (15th); A380-861 A6-EDO Emirates, Boeing 737-86N(WL) G-DRTU Jet2 and Embraer ERJ-145EP G-SAJL Loganair. Airbus A319-115 OY-RCG (not photographed) of Atlantic Airways also visited. This small carrier is the national airline of the Faeroe Islands, also operating an Airbus A319-112, an A320-214 and a pair of Leonardo AW139s helicopters which are also used for Search & Rescue. Two new Airbus 320NEO airliners are on order (16th)...
Virgin Atlantic`s `Pretty Woman` (Boeing 747-443 G-VROY) called in on Friday 17 May to pick-up passengers bound for Orlando.
A380-861 A6-EDB Emirates and A321-251NX G-NEOU British Airways (17th); A380-861 A6-EUK Emirates (18th); A380-861 A6-EUH Emirates, Airbus A319-115 OY-RCG Atlantic Airways returned, Trade Air Fokker F100 9A-BTE and Dornier Do-328JET-310 OY-NCN Sun Air of Scandinavia (19th); Airbus A380-861 A6-EEL Emirates and Airbus A321-231(WL) HA-LTC Wizz Air (20th); A380-861 A6-EEM Emirates, Dornier Do-328JET-310 OY-NCN Sun Air of Scandinavia (British Airways colours) and Loganair Embraer ERJ-145MP G-SAJO (21st); A380-861 A6-EOA Emirates (Expo 2020 Orange livery) (22nd); A380-861 A6-EDB Emirates and Boeing 737-8K5(WL) OO-JAH TUIfly Belgium (23rd); Boeing 757-2Q8(WL) N702TW of Delta Air Lines worked the first of the carrier`s summer service to New York JFK etc* (24th);
A recent addition to the British Airways fleet: Airbus A320-251N G-TTNE is seen here on Friday 10 May 2019.
Tuesday 7 May 2019: Jet2 Boeing 757-21B G-LSAH, pictured above vacating Runway 05 after landing on a damp morning, had flown in from Eindhoven. etc* The airliner was on the ground for around ?? etc and taxied for departure after getting clearance for Manchester.
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After lining-up at Golf One the pilot was given permission to takeoff, however, somewhat unusually he asked to taxi forward and vacate the runway so that he could line-up again. I can only guess that the aircraft wasn`t best aligned first time round.
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Virgin Atlantic is among the front-runners hoping to snapping up parts of Thomas Cook Group's airline business, which the cash-strapped tour operator put up for sale in February this year to raise cash. Virgin has put in a preliminary offer for Thomas Cook's UK long-haul business, and is specifically interested in operations that serve destinations such as Cancun, Orlando International and Las Vegas McCarran.
Long-haul routes account for around 20% of all seats sold by Thomas Cook, operating out of London Gatwick, Manchester and, in summer, Glasgow Airport. Lufthansa has already submitted a non-binding bid for the acquisition of Condor from Thomas Cook Group. IAG International Airlines Group had previously considered joining the fray, but on May 10 its Chief Executive Willie Walsh told reporters that no bid would be tendered.
Loganair Embraer ERJ-145MP G-SAJO (ex-G-RJXM) made its first visit to Glasgow bearing its new registration and the carrier`s tartan livery on 21 May.
Airbus A380-861 A6-EOM, the first to appear with Emirates United for Wildlife Livery arrived on Monday 6 May.
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Small groups had gathered at various locations around the airport perimeter to see and photograph the big jet but Air Traffic Control swapped runways just before it began its approach, catching some people out who were expecting a `05` arrival. The grass embankment behind the Rolls Royce factory at the Inchinnan Business Park is one of the best spots whatever the runway direction unless you`re shooting directly into the sun.
The hard case Paisley cattle didn`t seem too bothered by the huge lion and tiger leading the procession on the side of the airliner.
Conditions were far better when identically adorned A380 A6-EQQ flew in exactly one week later.
Here, a tug, tanker and other attendant vehicles make their way to the Emirates pier, ready to spring into action once the big jet is on stand.
Below: Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GTSN about to land on Runway 05. Friday 10 May 2019. The recently released summer schedule for next year shows the carrier will operate 4 services per week until mid-June using 2 Airbus A321 LRneo, and 2 Airbus A332s, increasing to 5 aircraft weekly from mid-June until Sept 2020 after which it will revert to 4 per week. So, it looks as though the Air Transat A310 workhorses used especially on the Glasgow - Toronto run for many years, will become a thing of the past in the not too distant future.
Two announcements regarding major Canadian carriers were made with in days of each other this month. Firstly, WestJet is being acquired by a private equity firm in a $5 billion deal. Then, Air Canada revealed that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Air Transat to purchase all issued and outstanding shares. The proposed transaction is valued at approximately $520 million, or $13 per share. (to edit)*
Following on from Air Transat last year, this month US carrier United Airlines unveiled its new livery. This is a big change for United, being the first new livery they’ve introduced since United and Continental merged in 2012, and forms part of a larger rebranding. The current United livery is based on Continental's old blue and grey paint scheme, complete with a blue and gold globe on the tail, a design which has been around for nearly three decades. United presented its new livery on a freshly painted Boeing 737NG airliner, the most noticeable differences being the larger `UNITED` on the forward fuselage and an all-blue tail.
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Boeing 737-8GS(WL) C-GFEH , plus Boeing 737-8SH(WL) C-GLRN both Sunwing Airlines, arrived to cover TUI flights // Sunwing Airlines (now based covering various TUI flights) **
With Icelandair`s Boeing 737 MAX airliners withdrawn from use along with all others worldwide for the foreseeable future, the carrier`s 757s are once again frequent visitors to Glasgow including their special liveried jets. Arguably the most striking, TF-FIU in the Aurora Borealis scheme made its latest appearance on Tuesday 14 May.
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This male Reed Bunting was singing happily at the Paisley Moss Nature Reserve one morning. Nesting is at its peak in May but it`s hard to get clear shots of the birds here due to the limited paths and high vegetation at this time of year. Sedge Warblers could also be heard but stayed well out of camera range.
Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GUBF arrives from Toronto on Monday 20 May 2019.
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Danish regional airline Sun Air of Scandinavia currently operates scheduled services as a franchise of British Airways using their name and corporate design as `British Airways - operated by SUN-AIR of Scandinavia A/S`, using a fleet of 14 Dornier Do-328JET-310s. The carrier which has its main base at Billund Airport also offers charter flights, air taxi services, specialist aerial work and aircraft brokerage. OY-NCN made a couple of visits to Glasgow during May and is pictured lining-up for takeoff on the 21st. Coincidentally I`d photographed another member of the Sun Air fleet, OY-NCI (above right) at Dusseldorf Airport earlier in the month.
Turboprop Airliners
Intro* Nordica ATR-600 ES-ATA remains based, operating various Flybe flights. Fairchild Swearingen SA.227DC-Metroliner 23 OY-NPD North Flying visited on the 5 May and returned on the 8th. Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander G-HEBO Hebridean Air Services (22nd);
​Swiftair Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia EC-HAK parked on the Gama apron. Monday 6 May 2019.
Please bear in mind that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark.
Stobart Air ATR 72-600 EI-FSK took off shortly before this month`s second `United for Wildlife` A380 arrived on Monday 13 May.
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ATR 72-202F EI-SLY of ASL Airlines Ireland departs on the evening of Monday 6 May.
Biz-Jets
Cessna 510 Citation Mustang OE-FHK of GlobeAir landed shortly after midnight on 1 May.
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Two corporate arrivals from last month stopped over into June, namely Phenom 300 CS-PHJ of NetJets and Cessna 501 Citation-I/SP N501NZ.
Phenom 300 N307MG flew in from Teterboro, New Jersey, via Goose Bay in Labrador, on Wednesday 8 May.
Other biz-jets making an appearance in May included Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy G-THFC, Dassault Falcon 7X SE-DJL, CitationJet CJ2 G-LFBD and Learjet 31A D-CGGG (3rd); Cessna 680A Citation Sovereign CS-LTC, Embraer Legacy 500 G-TULI Centreline and Raytheon Beechjet 400XT G-FXER (4th); Legacy G-TULI and Learjet 31A D-CGGG both made a repeat visit (5th); Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy D-ATOP Air Hamburg and Cessna CitationJet CJ2 9A-DWA (6th); Bombardier Global 5000 N5000P, Cessna Citation Sovereign OK-SEM and CitationJet CJ1 9A-JIM (7th); Embraer Phenom 300 D-IAAW (8th); Embraer Phenom 300 G-JMBO (plus other dates) (9th); Cessna Citation CJ3 OK-KIN, Embraer Phenom 300 HB-VRW, Learjet 45 G-XJET and Learjet 31A D-CGGG (10th)...
Bombardier Global 5000 N5000P. Area R, 7.5.2019.
Bombardier Challenger 350 9H-VCE VistaJet, Cessna CitationJet CJ2 9A-DWA Winair and Citation Mustang OE-FWF (11th); Cessna Citation 700 Longitude N707CL coming in from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport via Goose Bay, plus Citation Mustang OE-FWF returned (12th);* Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy 600 I-CRFX, Bombardier Challenger 850 9H-ILY VistaJet, Challenger 605 C-FXWT and Bombardier Global 6000 EC-LTF (13th); Learjet 45 G-UJET and Raytheon Beechjet 400XTi G-FXDM Flexjet (14th); Cessna Citation Excels G-CIEL and CS-DXY (16th); Bombardier Global 6000 N900GX and Challenger 350s 9H-VCB and 9H-VCJ both VistaJet, plus Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign D-CAWX, Citation Excel CS-DXT and Raytheon Beechjet 400 G-FXRS (17th); Challenger 605 9H-VFD VistaJet, Challenger 350 CS-CHE, Embraer Legacy 500 D-BFIL Atlas Air Service, Citation II G-FJET and Raytheon Beechjet 400XT G-FXDM (18th); Citation Mustang N510MD (19th); Gulfstream IV-SP N621JH and Challenger 604 D-ATWO (20th)...
VistaJet Challenger 350 9H-VCE visited on Saturday 11 May.
Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy 650s OE-IBM and G-SUGR (22nd); Global Express N393BZ, Learjet 45XR LX-RSQ European Air Ambulance and Bombardier Learjet 40 I-GURU (23rd);
The executive ramp, Area Juliet, late morning on Saturday 11 May.
US Cessna 680 Sovereign N492CA, seen here on the afternoon of Monday 20 May, made a previous visit to Glasgow in mid-September last year.
One from the Italian Register: Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy 600 I-CRFX touched down just after 09:00 hrs on Monday 13 May and went directly to Stand 6 to disembark passengers, rather than one of the executive areas. It left later the same morning and I`ll add flight details in due course.
VistaJet Challenger 605 9H-VFD (above) was snapped on Saturday 18 May 2019.
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Bombardier Challenger 604 D-ATWO, (above left) about to land on the morning of Monday 20 May. The adjacent image shows Embraer Legacy 500 D-BFIL of Atlas Air Service, parked up on Saturday 18 May 2019.
Above: Canadian Challenger 605 C-FXWT and Spanish Global 6000 EC-LTF were photographed together on Tuesday the 14th after night-stopping.
US Bombardier Global 6000 N393BZ slows after landing on the morning of Thursday 23 May.
General Aviation
intro* // The first of several foreign-registered light aircraft I managed to photograph this month was Danish Pilatus PC-12-47E OY-EUR which landed late afternoon on Wednesday 15 May.
A Scottish Ambulance Service King Air returns to base on Saturday 11 May.
​Piaggio P-180 Avanti II M-GFGC.
King Air 200 G-CWCD (1st); SOCATA TBM-910 N910R (2nd); Diamond DA62 G-TACN made various flights testing local navigation aids (3rd); King Air 200 G-NIAB (4th); King Air 350 N169KA and King Air 200 G-WVIP (7th); Piaggio P-180 Avanti D-IRBS and King Air 200 M-LENR (8th); Piaggio P-180 Avanti F-HCPE and King Air 200 G-FLYW (10th); Piaggio P-180 Avanti C-GJLQ (11th); Pilatus PC-12-47E OY-EUR (15th); Piaggio P-180 Avanti II M-GFGC and Beech 58 Baron N266EA (17th); P-180 M-GFGC returned (20th); Piaggio P-180 Avanti N134EC (22nd); Cessna 208A Caravan N533DL (23rd);?*
Cessna 208A Caravan N533DL. Thursday 23 May 2019.
Military
First military visitor this month was Airbus A330-223 240/F-RARF of the French Air Force which landed in the afternoon while crew training. It night-stopped to depart the next day. // 162311 // - took off on the morning of the 7th but returned at 11:10 hrs and reoccupied its parking position. The Herc finally departed the following day. // A couple of Lockheed Hercules called in on Monday 6 May, namely KC-130T tanker 162311/405 (above) of the US Navy and C-130J 5629 of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The latter aircraft departed later that day but the US Navy example, which is based at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, California, parked up overnight on Taxiway Yankee. (to edit)*
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The crew of 162311 must favour Glasgow Airport as opposed to Prestwick which receives the vast majority of Scotland`s US military visitors as the USN Hercules made another stopover on 17 May (below), parking on Taxiway Yankee in front Challenger 605 C-FXWT which had been here since Monday 13th.
The Herc finally departed just before 09:30 hrs on Monday 20 May and is pictured below taxiing round to line-up at `Alpha One`...
Formidable Shield 2019
On the morning of Wednesday 8 May, Canadian Armed Forces Airbus CC-150 Polaris (Airbus A310-304) 15002 made a brief visit to Glasgow Airport with its appearance likely connected with Exercise Formidable Shield 2019 (FS19) which kicked-off the day before. This US-led multinational maritime integrated air and ballistic missile defence exercise lasted two weeks and took place at the Hebrides Range off the Western Isles of Scotland just a month after the first of 2019`s Joint Warrior exercises drew to a close. Formidable Shield is envisioned as a recurring biennial event designed to improve allied interoperability in a live-fire integrated air and missile (IAMD) environment, using NATO command and control reporting structures. The allied nations combine to detect, track and shoot down both live anti-ship and live ballistic missile targets, over a four-day period.
Most warships and submarines due to take part arrived on the Clyde on either 4 / 5 May, berthing between Faslane Naval Base and Glasgow`s KGV Dock. The city hosted HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) of the Royal Netherlands Navy, HNoMS Otto Sverdrup (F312) of the Royal Norwegian Navy, The French Navy`s FS Aquitaine (D655) and the Royal Canadian Navy`s HMCS St. John's (FFH 340). All four vessels left the KGV on the afternoon of the 8th so the Canadian Polaris may have been dropping off or collecting personnel prior to the move. HDMS Absalon (L16) of the Royal Danish Navy, Arleigh-Burke Destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG-80), SPS Almirante Juan de Borbón (F-102) - one of Spain`s F-100-class air defence frigates, and the Italian Navy`s FREMM Multi-purpose Frigate ITS Carlo Bergamini (F590) were at Faslane with HMS Defender (D36) HMS Northumberland (F238) and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE-13) also involved in proceedings.
Formidable Shield ended on Sunday 19 May when a surprise visitor to Glasgow`s KGV Dock was FS Bretagne (D655) which made her way upriver just after 09:00 hrs. I didn`t catch her passing but managed a few shots from the Erskine Bridge when she made her way back out to sea on the afternoon of Wednesday 22 May. NH Industries NH90 NFH helicopter, serial number MM81606/3-31, (not photographed) of the Italian Navy made a brief visit to Glasgow Airport in the afternoon of the 19th, so I presume it was operating from ITS Carlo Bergamini or possibly another Italian Navy warship involved in the exercise.
On May 12, 2019, the Brittany multi-mission frigate (FREMM) successfully intercepted a supersonic target flying over Mach 2 during an allied fire campaign using its radar-based Combat Management System (Naval Group). Herakles (Thales) and the Aster missile 15 (MBDA). Less than three months after admission to active duty, it was FREMM Bretagne’s first Aster 15 shot . It was carried out during Exercise Formidable Shield 2019, which involves ships from nine allied navies, including two French frigates of the last generation: FREMM Aquitaine and Brittany. Super Shield 2019 is an exercise designed to test participating countries’ weapons systems against the latest threats (supersonic and ballistic missiles).
The attacking supersonic target was destroyed in a few seconds by the Aster 15, after a nominal shooting sequence and perfectly executed by the crew. This result confirms the versatility and outstanding performance of the FREMM in all wrestling areas. This success rewarded the investment and remarkable work of the crew who had been preparing for it for several months. FS Bretagne (D655)
The attacking supersonic target was destroyed in a few seconds by the Aster 15, after a nominal shooting sequence and perfectly executed by the crew. This result confirms the versatility and outstanding performance of the FREMM in all wrestling areas. This success rewarded the investment and remarkable work of the crew who had been preparing for it for several months. FS Bretagne (D655)
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The FREMM frigates’ aerial self-defence is based on the Aster 15 missile that can be fired at 360 ° around its launcher. He reaches his target up to a distance of about 30 kilometres, at the speed of MACH 3, or 3,700km / h. It can destroy supersonic antisaving fighters and missiles flying or diving. (to edit)*
Exercise Formidable Shield 2019 (FS19) has been underway off Scotland during the past two weeks. This was a live-fire integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) exercise designed to test NATO warships response to conventional and ballistic missile attacks.
RN Involvement in the exercise went beyond just the ships in the exercise area, and included data gathering and analysis of activities throughout. Logistical support came from Faslane and RN personnel embarked on many of the ships. The UK also provided a key land-based element – the MoD/Qinetiq Hebrides range sites on South Uist, Benbecula and St Kilda. This includes a number of launch pads for target missiles, radar tracking, telemetry and evaluation facilities. RAF Lossiemouth hosted a total of 10 US Airforce F-16 jets and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft from Germany. The F-16s simulated attacks on ships and air-launched supersonic target drones. The AWACS provided aerial over-watch to ensure that the airspace was clear.
US Navy Captain Shanti Sethi directed the exercise from on board the Danish flagship, HDMS Absalon. The latest iteration of the AEGIS system was proven as USS Carney conducted simultaneous SM-2 missile engagement while tracking space and atmospheric targets. USS Roosevelt fired an SM-3 at a Terrier Oriole ARAV missile target while concurrently engaging Firejet targets with an SM-2 missile. HMS Defender unleashed a Mach-4 Sea Viper (Aster 30) successfully destroying a fast and low target. The frigate Bretagne completed the first destruction of a supersonic target by an Aster-15 fired by a French ship. The Canadian frigate, St Johns launched 2 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles (ESSM) and Norwegian frigate, Otto Sverdrup, one ESSM.
These IAMD exercises build confidence in the systems, gather data and refine skills of the warfare operators who have very limited opportunities to conduct live firings. Unfortunately, the considerable expense of each missile and potential risks mean that multiple saturation attacks that surface ships could have to deal with in a real conflict can never be fully replicated and exercised. UK Ballistic Missile Defence capability?
The 2015 SDSR committed the UK to further contribute to the NATO Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) network, as well as supporting research and development initiatives and multinational engagement through the UK’s Missile Defence Centre (MDC). The UK mainland has some protection from short/intermediate range threats from the land-based NATO Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (ALTBMD) system. This is not a defence against ICBMs (that could, for example, be launched by Russian submarines), protection for UK Overseas Territories or the fleet at sea.
SDSR 2015 also promised to further investigate the potential of the Type 45 Destroyers to operate in a BMD role. The interception of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles is expensive and an extremely complex technical challenge, even for superpowers. Defence against tactical and short-range ballistic missiles from sea-based platforms is a more realistic place to begin the development of UK BMD capability. Even this scenario involves the detection of targets hundreds of miles away by land or sea-based radar, passing of targeting data to launch platforms then the interception and destruction of missiles travelling several times the speed of sound all within a time frame of less than a minute.
In October 2014 the RN launched a study to examine whether the Type 45 destroyers could be armed with the proven US-made SM-3 Block II missile. This would involve fitting 2 eight-cell, strike-length Mk 41 VLS modules in the vacant space between the 4.5” gun and the Sea Viper silo. While theoretically possible, it would require the purchase of SM-3 stocks from Raytheon, a completely new missile in the UK inventory needing integration with the Sampson radar and Combat Management Systems.
A more affordable route to achieving ABM capability would be to upgrade existing Aster 30 missile stocks. The Aster 30 Block 0 missiles that equip the Type 45s could be upgraded to Block 1 standard by a software and firmware upgrade conducted at DM Gosport where they are stored and maintained. Together with an upgrade to the ships combat management systems, this would give at least the Type 45 the ability to kill short-range anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM).
In 2016 France and Italy committed to developing the Aster 30 Block 1NT which will enter service from 2022. The Block 1NT missiles retain the same external form and compatibility with the Sylver VLS but have the ability to deal with both short and medium-range ballistic missiles (with an effective range from 1,000-1,300 km). The main addition is a new Ka-band radar seeker head for greater acquisition range and accuracy. There is also and Aster Block 2 in development to deal with intermediate-range missiles up to 3,000km.
With little choice but to spend limited funds on fixing the Type 45 propulsion issues, adding Mk 41 cells or Aster upgrades remain an aspiration for the RN. With renewed enthusiasm for sending the QEC carriers to the South China Sea, defence against ASBMs would seem to have assumed greater importance. It is frustrating that the RN has the best conventional air defence asset and sensor in the shape of the Type 45 and its Sampson MFR but despite its significant involvement in Formidable Shield, will be behind the US, France and Italy in having the ability to destroy even short-range tactical ballistic missiles.
Exercise Formidable Shield 2019, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise held at the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides Range in the vicinity of the Western Isles of Scotland and conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) on behalf of U.S. 6th Fleet, concluded May 19, 2019.
Ships from Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated in more than a dozen successful live-fire and simulated engagements against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets.
As commander of Combined Task Group – Integrated Air and Missile Defense (CTG-IAMD), U.S. Navy Capt. Shanti Sethi directed the force using NATO command-and-control reporting structures, aided by a multinational staff, from the Danish flagship, HDMS Absalon (L 16).
Among the national ‘firsts’ completed during the exercise included the first engagement of a supersonic target by an Aster-15 air defence missile, which was fired from the French frigate Bretagne (D 655), and the Royal Canadian Navy’s successful engagement of a supersonic target with an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.
Guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) conducted simultaneous defensive scenarios by utilizing a Standard Missile (SM)-2 engagement while tracking space and atmospheric targets. During a different event, guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) conducted a SM-3 engagement with a simulated ballistic missile target while concurrently engaging Hebrides Range-launched ‘Firejet’ targets with SM-2 missiles. This demonstrated the capability of the newest Aegis Baseline in a full IAMD scenario.
NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence Operations Centre at the Alliance’s Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, provided command and control during engagements, while patrol aircraft and NATO AWACS surveillance aircraft provided aerial over-watch and ensured that the airspace is clear.
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron in Spangdahlem, Germany, were designated as “opposition forces” and fired supersonic AQM-37D aerial targets during several exercise scenarios.
In total, 13 ships, more than 10 aircraft, and approximately 3,300 personnel from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S., participated in Formidable Shield 2019. This biennial exercise series is next scheduled to commence in 2021. (to edit)*
RN Involvement in the exercise went beyond just the ships in the exercise area, and included data gathering and analysis of activities throughout. Logistical support came from Faslane and RN personnel embarked on many of the ships. The UK also provided a key land-based element – the MoD/Qinetiq Hebrides range sites on South Uist, Benbecula and St Kilda. This includes a number of launch pads for target missiles, radar tracking, telemetry and evaluation facilities. RAF Lossiemouth hosted a total of 10 US Airforce F-16 jets and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft from Germany. The F-16s simulated attacks on ships and air-launched supersonic target drones. The AWACS provided aerial over-watch to ensure that the airspace was clear.
US Navy Captain Shanti Sethi directed the exercise from on board the Danish flagship, HDMS Absalon. The latest iteration of the AEGIS system was proven as USS Carney conducted simultaneous SM-2 missile engagement while tracking space and atmospheric targets. USS Roosevelt fired an SM-3 at a Terrier Oriole ARAV missile target while concurrently engaging Firejet targets with an SM-2 missile. HMS Defender unleashed a Mach-4 Sea Viper (Aster 30) successfully destroying a fast and low target. The frigate Bretagne completed the first destruction of a supersonic target by an Aster-15 fired by a French ship. The Canadian frigate, St Johns launched 2 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles (ESSM) and Norwegian frigate, Otto Sverdrup, one ESSM.
These IAMD exercises build confidence in the systems, gather data and refine skills of the warfare operators who have very limited opportunities to conduct live firings. Unfortunately, the considerable expense of each missile and potential risks mean that multiple saturation attacks that surface ships could have to deal with in a real conflict can never be fully replicated and exercised. UK Ballistic Missile Defence capability?
The 2015 SDSR committed the UK to further contribute to the NATO Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) network, as well as supporting research and development initiatives and multinational engagement through the UK’s Missile Defence Centre (MDC). The UK mainland has some protection from short/intermediate range threats from the land-based NATO Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (ALTBMD) system. This is not a defence against ICBMs (that could, for example, be launched by Russian submarines), protection for UK Overseas Territories or the fleet at sea.
SDSR 2015 also promised to further investigate the potential of the Type 45 Destroyers to operate in a BMD role. The interception of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles is expensive and an extremely complex technical challenge, even for superpowers. Defence against tactical and short-range ballistic missiles from sea-based platforms is a more realistic place to begin the development of UK BMD capability. Even this scenario involves the detection of targets hundreds of miles away by land or sea-based radar, passing of targeting data to launch platforms then the interception and destruction of missiles travelling several times the speed of sound all within a time frame of less than a minute.
In October 2014 the RN launched a study to examine whether the Type 45 destroyers could be armed with the proven US-made SM-3 Block II missile. This would involve fitting 2 eight-cell, strike-length Mk 41 VLS modules in the vacant space between the 4.5” gun and the Sea Viper silo. While theoretically possible, it would require the purchase of SM-3 stocks from Raytheon, a completely new missile in the UK inventory needing integration with the Sampson radar and Combat Management Systems.
A more affordable route to achieving ABM capability would be to upgrade existing Aster 30 missile stocks. The Aster 30 Block 0 missiles that equip the Type 45s could be upgraded to Block 1 standard by a software and firmware upgrade conducted at DM Gosport where they are stored and maintained. Together with an upgrade to the ships combat management systems, this would give at least the Type 45 the ability to kill short-range anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM).
In 2016 France and Italy committed to developing the Aster 30 Block 1NT which will enter service from 2022. The Block 1NT missiles retain the same external form and compatibility with the Sylver VLS but have the ability to deal with both short and medium-range ballistic missiles (with an effective range from 1,000-1,300 km). The main addition is a new Ka-band radar seeker head for greater acquisition range and accuracy. There is also and Aster Block 2 in development to deal with intermediate-range missiles up to 3,000km.
With little choice but to spend limited funds on fixing the Type 45 propulsion issues, adding Mk 41 cells or Aster upgrades remain an aspiration for the RN. With renewed enthusiasm for sending the QEC carriers to the South China Sea, defence against ASBMs would seem to have assumed greater importance. It is frustrating that the RN has the best conventional air defence asset and sensor in the shape of the Type 45 and its Sampson MFR but despite its significant involvement in Formidable Shield, will be behind the US, France and Italy in having the ability to destroy even short-range tactical ballistic missiles.
Exercise Formidable Shield 2019, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise held at the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides Range in the vicinity of the Western Isles of Scotland and conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) on behalf of U.S. 6th Fleet, concluded May 19, 2019.
Ships from Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated in more than a dozen successful live-fire and simulated engagements against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets.
As commander of Combined Task Group – Integrated Air and Missile Defense (CTG-IAMD), U.S. Navy Capt. Shanti Sethi directed the force using NATO command-and-control reporting structures, aided by a multinational staff, from the Danish flagship, HDMS Absalon (L 16).
Among the national ‘firsts’ completed during the exercise included the first engagement of a supersonic target by an Aster-15 air defence missile, which was fired from the French frigate Bretagne (D 655), and the Royal Canadian Navy’s successful engagement of a supersonic target with an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.
Guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) conducted simultaneous defensive scenarios by utilizing a Standard Missile (SM)-2 engagement while tracking space and atmospheric targets. During a different event, guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) conducted a SM-3 engagement with a simulated ballistic missile target while concurrently engaging Hebrides Range-launched ‘Firejet’ targets with SM-2 missiles. This demonstrated the capability of the newest Aegis Baseline in a full IAMD scenario.
NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence Operations Centre at the Alliance’s Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, provided command and control during engagements, while patrol aircraft and NATO AWACS surveillance aircraft provided aerial over-watch and ensured that the airspace is clear.
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron in Spangdahlem, Germany, were designated as “opposition forces” and fired supersonic AQM-37D aerial targets during several exercise scenarios.
In total, 13 ships, more than 10 aircraft, and approximately 3,300 personnel from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S., participated in Formidable Shield 2019. This biennial exercise series is next scheduled to commence in 2021. (to edit)*
Back at Glasgow Airport - Outlanders Are In!
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In March this year, Glasgow International took delivery of eight petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4x4s. which are now are being utilised by the airport’s security, engineering and airfield operations teams. Unlike conventional hybrids, PHEV vehicles such as these can be plugged-in and recharged from an outlet, which allows them to drive extended distances using just electricity, then when the battery runs low, the conventional engine kicks in to support it.
Far more environmentally friendly than their predecessors, the Outlanders deliver up to 166 miles per gallon, and have the ability to drive over 30 miles with zero emissions using just electricity. If the new vehicles prove a success it`s likely that they will be rolled out across the entire airport fleet. |
Construction and Development
Apart from some tree-clearing along both sides of Abbotsinch Road, there hasn`t been any obvious development although with compounds on both banks of the Black Cart Water at the stone bridge, an area for construction traffic has now been fenced-off on the west side of the White Cart at the Inchinnan Bascule Bridge. A new cycle / pedestrian footbridge is planned for this location.
The upgrade of Renfrewshire`s sewer network continues with the latest section of pipeline being put in place along the south bank of the River Clyde at Erskine. To facilitate the route, a large swathe of trees and vegetation has been bulldozed through the small Newshot Island Nature Reserve, an area which has already lost land to essential construction work. The pipeline continues east to link with the treatment facility near the Clyde / Cart confluence and while work is ongoing fencing has been erected to protect the site, effectively barring access to the Newshot Island reed bed (another wildlife haven), and the fields opposite the Titan Crane. Hopefully things will have returned to normal by the end of the year with new trees planted to replace those lost.
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This view of the pipeline is a telephoto shot taken from the Erskine Bridge. The water is fairly low and several wrecked vessels are visible. Newshot Island hasn`t been an actual island for many, many decades.
In years gone by, when shipping on the Clyde was at its peak, there was a constant battle to keep the riverbed free of silt and sand and this location was particularly troublesome. During dredging operations, numerous wooden mud punts were filled and towed further downriver to dump the spoil. |
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Many were abandoned and can still be found, scattered along the muddy stretch of riverbank at Newshot alongside several wrecks which were towed here and dumped after they were damaged in a serious fire at Kingston Dock in Glasgow in 1914. The punts, along with the larger vessels, are fully exposed at low tide. In addition to wooden schooners, there`s a steel-hulled craft (visible on the far left in the above view) which experts believe could possibly be the world`s first purpose-built diving-bell boat. The pillar at the stern supported a crane which lowered and raised the necessary apparatus.
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The drone image was taken when Scotland's Coastal Heritage at Risk (SCHARP) in conjunction with the Nautical Archaeological Society carried out a survey of the Newshot Island wrecks several years ago. More information on these organisations and their work can be found on their respective websites:www.scharp.co.uk and www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org.
The Newshot Island Nature Reserve, looking west.
Just a short distance away at Erskine`s Boden Boo Community Woodland, an even larger chunk has been cleared, this time to facilitate the laying of a new gas main under the river. Most of the construction work on this and the Old Kilpatrick side has now been completed and should be replanted once the soil has had time to settle.
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Along at the airport, the section of sewage pipe that cuts into and across the airfield at the St James end has now been completely buried with the access points on either side of Barnsford Road (above left) filled-in. The channel, visible in these shots taken on 1 May, has been sown with grass seed and it won`t be too long before nature takes over and the work is completely hidden from view. / rail link? /
The Airport Fire & Rescue Service personnel have begun familiarising themselves with their new fuselage trainer and I take it that it won`t be too long before a large-scale exercise will take place. I haven`t seen any major fires simulated yet but smoke was bellowing out of various vents when I passed by on 7 May.
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Britain`s First Scheduled Air Mail Service
This memorial, mounted on a stone plinth, stands beside the A960 Kirkwall to Deerness road on Orkney Mainland, on the site of Orkney`s original aerodrome and marks the first British scheduled internal airmail service. The aircraft used was a General Aircraft Monospar of Highland Airways, piloted by Captain Ted Fresson who took off from Inverness Airport on 8 May 1933 and landed here, at Wideford Farm.
The sculpture atop the plinth shows the aircraft skimming the wave tops on its way to Kirkwall Airport.
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A local photographer was on hand to record the historic event on film but the caption on the left hand image gives the date as 4 May 1933, rather than the 8th inscribed on the memorial. The newspaper clipping shows Captain Fresson and his recently delivered aircraft in April 1933, prior to the start of the mail service.
The modern day Kirkwall Airport lies nearby occupying a fine situation closer to the sea. It was commissioned in 1940 as RAF Grimsetter due to the increased Luftwaffe threat against Scapa Flow following the fall of Norway which put the Royal Navy`s Home Fleet within range of German long-range bombers.
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The Royal Navy Air Service took over the airfield in 1943 and it became RNAS Kirkwall, then HMS Robin, before it passed to civilian operators in 1948. During WW2 the Navy`s Barracuda torpedo bombers flew missions from Kirkwall, carrying out sweeps of the Norwegian Coast in 1944 / 45. The above images are courtesy of the Imperial War Museum`s `Share & Reuse` policy.
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Daks Over Normandy
A far more momentous event is due to be commemorated next month with D-Day 6 June 1944 being unquestionably one of the most important dates in modern history. It marks the date on which almost 160.000 Allied troops stormed the Normandy beaches to start the liberation of Western-Europe. The amphibious assault was preceded by 24.000 troops who parachuted in or came by glider. Forming the core of the airborne armada was a fleet of over 800 Douglas C-47 Skytrains, known as Dakotas to the British. These winged workhorses carried the bulk of the Allied paratroopers and their follow-on support across the English Channel to help breach Hitler`s Atlantic Wall and 6 June next month will mark the 75th anniversary of the Allied Landings.
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To commemorate the event and honour those who took part, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in the quest to liberate Europe, from 2 to 9 June 2019 Daks Over Normandy will see over thirty DC-3/C-47’s come together which will be the largest gathering of the type since the Second World War. Their owners and operators will have flown them in from all over the Globe. From Scandinavia, The Netherlands and the rest of Europe, from Canada and the United States and even from as far away as Australia. They, along with hundreds of Paratroopers will assemble at Caen Carpiquet Airport in Normandy, and remain there from 5 to 9 June where they will be joined by warbirds and military reenactors for a series of commemorations and displays over the D-Day beaches and Landing Grounds.
As England was the springboard for the airborne assault, Duxford Airfield, home to the Imperial War Museum, will host many of the aircraft from 2 to 5 June, so that the British public can view the iconic transports at close quarters. Then, on the evening of the 5th as daylight fades, about 250 men and women will board the aircraft and fly across the English Channel to jump onto the historic drop zones of Normandy. They will be wearing WWII style Allied uniforms and jump using military round parachutes.
As England was the springboard for the airborne assault, Duxford Airfield, home to the Imperial War Museum, will host many of the aircraft from 2 to 5 June, so that the British public can view the iconic transports at close quarters. Then, on the evening of the 5th as daylight fades, about 250 men and women will board the aircraft and fly across the English Channel to jump onto the historic drop zones of Normandy. They will be wearing WWII style Allied uniforms and jump using military round parachutes.
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A real bonus was that the North American contingent, around a dozen C-47s from the USA and Canada, transited through Prestwick en route to Duxford with the gathering open to the public on Friday 24 / Saturday 25 May. During WW2, thousands of small to medium-sized aircraft arrived on British soil at ports around the country having been transported on cargo ships. The `heavies`, as well as numerous others, flew in from North America via Iceland and many passed through Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire, Scotland, before heading south, including no doubt numerous C-47s which went on to participate in Operation Overlord.
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This Imperial War Museum photo shows the Transport Command Delivery Park on the Northeast Apron at Prestwick where planes were marshalled after being flown across the Atlantic. Among the types present are Consolidated Liberators, Douglas Dakotas, North American Mitchells, and Canadian-built Avro Lancaster B Mark Xs. Two C-47s act as permanent memorials at drop zones in Normandy, one at Merville Battery at the eastern end of the landing grounds which was assaulted by the British, and another at the American Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise. I visited the D-Day sites last year and a large section containing further images, both my own and historical, along with background information can be viewed here.
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May 2019
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June 2019
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July 2019
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August 2019
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September 2019
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October 2019
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November 2019
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December 2019
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