ROYAL AIR FORCE
KINLOSS AND
LOSSIEMOUTH
57N is published
bi-monthly
'57N', is the joint A4, bi-monthly magazine for the RAF bases of RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss. Separated by the town of Elgin, approximately 13 miles apart on the Moray coast, this new joint magazine will serve both bases boosting the circulation and readership.
RAF Lossiemouth has three operational Tornado GR4 Squadrons - 12 (Bomber), 14 and 617 (the Dambusters), and an Operational Conversion Unit - XV(Reserve) Squadron. Throughout 2010 and 2011, the three operational squadrons will be deploying regularly to Afghanistan to provide vital airpower in support of British and coalition troops on the ground.
Search and rescue flight (D Flight 202 Squadron) flying two Sea King helicopters also operate from RAF Lossiemouth as do two RAF Regiment Squadrons
RAF Kinloss is situated on the Moray coast just outside the town of Forres. It has been home to 15 Nimrod MR2 maritime patrol aircraft in the role of anti-submarine warfare, anti
surface-vessel warfare,
search and rescue, and providing support to ground troops and specialist support to the civil authorities when called upon.
The Nimrod MR2 had a continuous presence in the Middle East since 2003 and was retired in march 2010.
RAF Kinloss is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its new aircraft, the MRA4, an aircraft which can fly for 15 hours without refuelling and can process more data than the Nimrod.
(51 Squadron RAF Regiment and 2622 (Highland) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force) who regularly serve on operations, providing security and patrols at military bases across Afghanistan. In addition Number 5 Force Protection Wing Headquarters are based at the station.
RAF Lossiemouth is badged as Number 140 Expeditionary Air Wing which means it trains for and is prepared to deploy anywhere in the world to set up and run an airbase in support of operations.
This leap in capability will ensure that RAF Kinloss can continue to deliver a world class capability long into the future. Nine aircraft are on order from BAEs.
The Station is home to three of the oldest Squadrons in the RAF - 42, 120 and 201 Squadrons.
It is also home to the Aeronautical Rescue and Coordination Centre, the nerve centre for the entire UK military and civilian search and rescue services and also hosts the busiest RAF mountain rescue team. RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth together inject over £150 million a year into the local economy of Moray. RAF Kinloss is also an Expeditionary Air Wing.
