BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

My first explore. Ever.

BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

My first explore. Ever.

Typhoons under cover at Coningsby.

BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

Harrier Jet. Photograph taken East Fortune Airfield November 2011

ZJ914, Coningsby

Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018

Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018

BUILDING 17 – R3 Underground Operations Block.

Gross ext. 20,820 sq.ft.

Lying beneath and accessed through the “Bungalow” above it. It has two floors. The bungalow above it is of brick and pantile, built in the 1980's. The complex was originally built in the 1950's, but substantially upgraded in the 1980's. Inside R3 Underground Operations Block (information below is based on information provided by the RAF).

▪︎Electricity – Power is brought to site at 11,000 V via a dual feed to an above ground intake switchboard near to the site entrance. Here the EDF Energy switch gear and transformers are located in a self contained cabin. From this intake switchboard, power is distributed in a single high voltage closed loop ring main to seven sub-stations, two of which feed the underground R3 Bunker. The distribution sub-stations then serve individual buildings in the vicinity with low voltage cabling. The sub-stations have closed loops with inter-link protection. The total site reserve capacity is 1,500 KVA (for all buildings) although this has apparently been temporarily reduced to 500 KVA for metering purposes. Regarding R3, there are two sub-stations serving it, one above ground and the other below ground, inside the bunker. The former is in an above ground brick building and contains some BVP17HV switchgear and 1,000 KVA transformer. The below ground one consists of BVP17HV switchgear and a 1,000 KVA transformer. LV cables enter the bunker from the sub-stations via an EMPF fluted plate and filters. The switchgear is GEC System 4.

▪︎R3 Power Capacity – The R3 Bunker is fed via two HV sub stations “N” and “M” both feeding 415V 3 phase at 630 DCB (amps) into the LV switch room via independent 1,600A TP&N ACB’s onto a common bus bar. An automatic mains failure ACB is also connected to the common bus bar to supply Generator power when both transformer supplies fail. Any one of these supplies can supply the bunker electrical loads. This feeds into SM/1 to supply the removed Buffer Sets, Lower ops, Computer Room, Uniter Room. The removed Buffer Set supplies via SM/U the main equipment distribution boards in Upper and Lower Ops. SM/U is still in place but the Buffer Sets and control equipment have been removed, some cabling remains in place. The standby Generators have been removed, but could be replaced and connected back into the system. Reinstatement could be achieved with a system matched to the new perceived load.

▪︎R3 Fresh Air Systems – The system provides fresh air to three environmental AHU and comprises of two air conditioning elements, with twin stage contra-rotating axial flow fans, located in the Gas Filter room. The fresh air plant serves the following AHU’s. Upper Ops environmental system, Lower Ops environmental system, General primary environmental system. The air is conveyed to the three AHU’s via duct-work, and fed into each AHU mixing chambers. The systems provide conditioned air, at a constant volume and variable temperature to the –

a) Upper Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.476m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.96m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

b) Lower Ops environmental system: The AHU draws in 0.55m3/2 of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 0.704m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

c) General primary environmental system: The AHU draws in 1.971m3/s of fresh air via the fresh air supply system and 2.071m3/s of re-circulated air via a common return air plenum.

d) Upper / Lower Ops, and computer equipment cooling systems: The operational equipment in these locations are served by AHU’s which provides conditioned air at variable volumes from 4% to 100% off air discharged onto the equipment at a constant air temperature of 20°c.

▪︎R3 Standby Power – An annex to the R3 building was built in the early 1990's to provide protection to standby generators (3 x 750 KVA). These are no longer in place but the exhaust and fuel systems remain in place. The fuel system is still intact. There are five buried tanks of 60,000 litre capacity, each.

▪︎R3 Communications – The BT cabling came to site through the RAF Museum, being retained land by Defence Estates. This has been disconnected there, although it is still intact on the site. The data links enter the site at the north-west and south-west corners from Horning and Wroxham exchanges. These have been disconnected at the exchanges though we believe that the cables are intact within the site, laid within ducting. The R3 under-ground bunker data capacity is only limited by how much communications data BT can handle through the local Horning Exchange. Regarding the R3 building, two data cable entry points are located to both sides of the bunker above ground transformer building. The pit to the west is the most direct link to the outside world as cabling is all still in place. The communications tray work and M&E support equipment is also still in place.

▪︎R3 Computer – There is a local Cogent computer network racking cabling and data outlets with a designation of “NTHR000XX”. Numerous fibre optic cables, generally inside concrete

ducting, link various facilities.

▪︎R3 Water and Sewage – There is an incoming water main which feeds the site, via the main gate. There are separate storm and foul drains with storm water to soak-aways. The foul previously went to septic tanks but the foul system has now been consolidated into mixed gravity and pumping systems, ultimately draining to a building in the south-west corner of the site. The sewage is then pumped to the Anglian Water System in Horning Village. The system is inter-linked across the site between Defence Estates and the land for sale, and is maintained on a long term agreement by Aquastream (subsidiary of Severn Trent).

▪︎R3 Gas - None.

▪︎R3 Abstraction Licence – There is a ground-water abstraction for a private water supply on the site, at the R3 bunker, which is licenced to RAF Neatishead. However, this does not appear to be used as there is a mains supply, now in existence.

Information sourced from – RAFcomb2013.

A brief history of RAF Watton 1939 to 1945 – The station was opened on the 4th January 1939 under the command of Group Captain F.J. Vincent as a station of 2 Group, Bomber Command. It was built as part of the RAF expansion programme of 1935 / 1936 on farmland that was well known locally as good mushroom land and under the right conditions mushrooms are still to be seen in quantity in the area.

The first two Squadrons to be based here were No. 21 and No. 34 flying mainly training flights until in August of 1939 No. 34 Squadron was posted to Egypt and replaced by No. 82 Squadron, who with 21 Squadron formed No. 79 Wing. These two Squadrons remained until mid 1942. 79 Wing operated from both RAF Watton and RAF Bodney flying from grass flying fields. The role of the Wing changed from Photo-Reconnaissance to Maritime-Reconnaissance during the “Cold War” but with the German invasion of Norway the missions became more aggressive and the Wing concentrated on targets in France and Belgium in support of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) until Dunkirk and then focused their attention on the invasion ports and targets in Germany.

Twice during the summer of 1940 No. 82 Squadron lost eleven out of twelve Blenheim's dispatched on raids in daylight and it was not until the middle of 1941 that the fighter escorts were available for operations. In 1942 No. 21 Squadron exchanged their Blenheim's for Mitchels although they did not fly any operations with these aircraft and in October of that year, the Squadron moved to RAF Methwold. At the same time No. 82 Squadron transferred to the Middle East and RAF Watton was occupied by No. 17 Advanced Flying Unit. They were equipped with Miles Masters and performed advanced flying training. In July 1943 No. 17 A.F.U. left and the Americans moved in.

Soon after their arrival the Americans expanded the airfield and built the single runway at RAF Watton and in July 1944 the 25th Bomb Group commenced operations, these were mainly to do with weather and photo reconnaissance, but also some O.S.S. (Secret Service) missions supporting the resistance organisations in Europe. Sharing the runway were also the 3rd Strategic Air Depot, operating on the South side of the Airfield at a site they called Neaton, their purpose was to provide engineering support for the 8th Air Force and many crippled aircraft landed at RAF Watton to be repaired by them. The Americans remained until August 1945 when the camp was returned to the Royal Air Force.

Information sourced from – A brief history of RAF Watton 1939 to 1945 - RAFWatton.uk share.google/MIFLLYopeZnVh6slo

My first explore. Ever.

BUILDING 6 – Squash Court – 1,002 sq.ft., gross ext.

Attached Changing Rooms – 752 sq.ft., gross ext.

Brick built with a pitched corrugated metal roof. Attached to the north end is a single storey corrugated pitched metal roofed changing area, with double glazed windows. Access is through a door into a lobby, with carpet tile floor, leading to a single wooden floored squash court, with stairs to a viewing gallery above. Off the lobby there are ladies and gents changing rooms; in the gents there are two urinals and two hand basins, wc, changing area and two showers. In the ladies there is a single toilet with changing area and two showers.

The Remote Radar Head Neatishead (RRH Neatishead), is an air defence radar site operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF). Originally known as Royal Air Force Station Neatishead, or commonly RAF Neatishead, it was established during the World War II, and consists of the main technical site located at Neatishead, together with a number of remote, and sometimes unmanned sites.

The station motto is ''Caelum Tuemur'', meaning ''We Watch over the Sky''. The station badge depicts the lowered head of a horned bull; and relates to the origins of the word 'Neatishead', meaning 'the vassal's household'. RAF Neatishead was previously 'parented' (for administrative and support functions) by the nearby RAF Coltishall (a fighter station latterly operating four squadrons of the ground-attack SEPECAT Jaguar). Following the closure of RAF Coltishall in 2006, RRH Neatishead became parented by RAF Marham in West Norfolk.

When RAF Neatishead was first established, its primary function was as a 'Control and Reporting Centre' (CRC) for the south of the United Kingdom. Equipment previously located in the base included: Type 7 GCI, AN/FPS-6 height finding radar, Type 80 'Green Garlic' radar, Type 84 radar, Type 85 'Blue Yeoman' radar, 3 Decca (later Plessey) HF200 height finding radars, and a R15 radar.

On 16th February 1966, a fire broke out in the bunker, RAF station fire teams were unsuccessful in putting the fire out and so local civilian fire crews were called. Three civilian firefighters died and the fire burned for nine days before it was fully extinguished. Later that year, LAC Cheeseman was sentenced to seven years for starting the fire and causing the deaths. The station was closed for eight years, re-opening in 1974 after a major rebuild of the bunker complex.

The operational nature of the work undertaken at Neatishead was transferred to the previously mothballed site at RAF Bawdsey in 1966, with Bawdsey reverting to a care and maintenance programme when Neatishead came back on line in 1974. In November 1982, Group Captain Joan Hopkins took command of the station, becoming the first female RAF officer to take command of an operational station. During July 1990 the Type 85 radar was decommissioned after 23 years of use, it was replaced by the Type 93.

In April 2004, the decision was taken to substantially reduce activities at RAF Neatishead, and by 2006, the base had been downgraded from an RAF station to Remote Radar Head (RRH) status, but its adjacent museum remains open. Its former gate guardian, a F-4 Phantom previously based at RAF Wattisham, was cut up for scrap in 2005 despite interest from the Radar Museum. In October 2006, local news media reported that a buyer had been found for the now disused section of the base. The 25½ acres site was advertised again in January 2010, with an asking price of £4,000,000. The site was subsequently purchased for an undisclosed amount by Zimbabwean-born British entrepreneur William Sachiti.

RRH Neatishead controls the remote site of RRH Trimingham with its Lockheed TPS 77 radar. It forms part of the UK's air defences – namely the UK 'Air Surveillance And Control System' (ASACS), and is part of the larger NATO air defence. RRH Neatishead is adjacent to the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum. In July 2022, it was announced that the radar equipment at RAF Trimingham would be moved 8 miles to the RRH Neatishead site due to the threat of coastal erosion, and the increased interference experienced by radar operators from the off-shore wind turbines; the move was completed by the end of 2023.

Information sourced from – en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Neatishead

My first explore. Ever.

My first explore. Ever.

ZJ914, Coningsby

RAF Fylingdales, North Yorkshire Moors

My first explore. Ever.

A brief history of RAF Watton 1939 to 1945 – The station was opened on the 4th January 1939 under the command of Group Captain F.J. Vincent as a station of 2 Group, Bomber Command. It was built as part of the RAF expansion programme of 1935 / 1936 on farmland that was well known locally as good mushroom land and under the right conditions mushrooms are still to be seen in quantity in the area.

The first two Squadrons to be based here were No. 21 and No. 34 flying mainly training flights until in August of 1939 No. 34 Squadron was posted to Egypt and replaced by No. 82 Squadron, who with 21 Squadron formed No. 79 Wing. These two Squadrons remained until mid 1942. 79 Wing operated from both RAF Watton and RAF Bodney flying from grass flying fields. The role of the Wing changed from Photo-Reconnaissance to Maritime-Reconnaissance during the “Cold War” but with the German invasion of Norway the missions became more aggressive and the Wing concentrated on targets in France and Belgium in support of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) until Dunkirk and then focused their attention on the invasion ports and targets in Germany.

Twice during the summer of 1940 No. 82 Squadron lost eleven out of twelve Blenheim's dispatched on raids in daylight and it was not until the middle of 1941 that the fighter escorts were available for operations. In 1942 No. 21 Squadron exchanged their Blenheim's for Mitchels although they did not fly any operations with these aircraft and in October of that year, the Squadron moved to RAF Methwold. At the same time No. 82 Squadron transferred to the Middle East and RAF Watton was occupied by No. 17 Advanced Flying Unit. They were equipped with Miles Masters and performed advanced flying training. In July 1943 No. 17 A.F.U. left and the Americans moved in.

Soon after their arrival the Americans expanded the airfield and built the single runway at RAF Watton and in July 1944 the 25th Bomb Group commenced operations, these were mainly to do with weather and photo reconnaissance, but also some O.S.S. (Secret Service) missions supporting the resistance organisations in Europe. Sharing the runway were also the 3rd Strategic Air Depot, operating on the South side of the Airfield at a site they called Neaton, their purpose was to provide engineering support for the 8th Air Force and many crippled aircraft landed at RAF Watton to be repaired by them. The Americans remained until August 1945 when the camp was returned to the Royal Air Force.

Information sourced from – A brief history of RAF Watton 1939 to 1945 - RAFWatton.uk share.google/MIFLLYopeZnVh6slo