It’s been a while since my last blog on the progress of work we’re undertaking at RAF Marham to prepare it to be the Main Operating Base of the Royal Navy and RAF’s F-35 Lightning fleet, so this seems a good time for an update. The F-35 is a multi-role combat aircraft which will be an integral part of Defence operational capability in the coming decades, but it requires infrastructure to support the aircrew, provide space for maintenance, training and operational planning and allow the aircraft to operate.
Project Progress
For example, the refurbishment of 12 Hardened Aircraft Shelters, hangars which protect aircraft from attack, is nearly complete. We’re nearing completion of the Quick Reaction Force building as well, which will further enhance the provision of security at RAF Marham, and are within sight of the finishing line on a major upgrade in utility provision (gas, power, water and drainage) across the Station.
![The steel frame of 617 Squadron headquarters building, photographed in August 2017. [Crown Copyright/MOD2017]](https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/01/45163377.jpg)
Runway Refurbishment
The biggest area of work in the project is the resurfacing of the station’s Air Operating Surfaces, including both runways and all the Airfield Ground Lighting. Work is progressing well and our contractors, a joint venture of Galliford Try and Lagan Construction (GTLC), have already completed the resurfacing of the runway intersection, which they managed in only three weeks. They are nearing completion on the first of the two runways.
![Resurfacing work on the secondary runway. [Crown Copyright/MOD2017]](https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/01/Resurfacing-work-on-the-secondary-runway.-Crown-CopyrightMOD2017.jpg)
Other Projects
As well as these, we’re building an Operational Conversion Unit, which is a hangar, offices and technical facilities, and a Feeder and Pilot Conditioning Facility. To the uninitiated, that’s a gym for the pilots and a small canteen, so Lightning Force personnel can stay near the aircraft to eat rather than having to travel elsewhere on the Station.
With the first F-35 Lightning aircraft expected to arrive at RAF Marham in the summer, we and our contractors are working hard. Not all of these buildings need to be complete by then, but obviously we want to continue to make good progress. This critical infrastructure will enable and enhance the UK’s 21st century military capability.
![An RAF F-35B flying over RAF Marham. [Crown Copyright/MOD2016]](https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/01/45162426-1.jpg)
4 comments
Comment by ron payne posted on
will ther be areas on base for public viewing
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Hi Ron
We are not aware of any, I'm afraid.
Comment by Erbest Harrison posted on
I was stationed at R.A.F. Marham in 1947 to 1949. and have tried to get photos of the Lincoln Bombers we worked on. It was The Central Bomber Establishment at the time, The call letters were DF-A to Df-P my favorite!
I was an Lac Instrument "basher"a did air tests on the aircraft, Please send any photo of the time. my last three were 110 in case you want to put me on a "fizzer" Ha! Ha!
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Hi Erbest - we don't have an access to that kind of thing. Your best bet would be checking the photo archive of the Imperial War Museum - https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/photographs. Good luck!