Latest Articles
UK Aviation : HeliMed 22, Wiltshire+Bath Air Ambulance
The UK’s sole Bell 429 in air ambulance configuration G-WLTS (HELIMED 22) Is wholly owned and flown by the newly rebranded Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity. At the end of 2024 the charity sent the Bell 429 away for routine maintenance and took full advantage to rebrand the helicopter. Westleigh Bushell takes a more detailed look at the helicopter and its operation with the charity. The Bell 429 is now sporting a new paint scheme and branding that now highlights that the long-served city of Bath is covered by the charity and is now named Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance [...]
Ramstein Flag 2025
Held from March 31-April 11, 2025 across Northern Europe, Ramstein Flag aimed to demonstrate NATO's ability to implement and execute what is termed its ‘Deter and Defend’ concept across its member countries. The Exercise is part of the ‘Flag’ exercise series with the inaugural Ramstein Flag held at Andravida Air Base in Greece back in 2024 with this year’s edition hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force at its Leeuwarden Air Base. Ian Harding reports on the exercise with supporting images from Ian, Wes Bushell, Nick Thompson and Mark Empson.
Cobra Warrior 2025-1
For many years, Lincolnshire has resonated to fast jet activity and so it was again with Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-1 planned and coordinated from RAF Waddington from February 24 to March 14, 2025. AeroResource’s Ian Harding provides a brief overview of this major international UK led exercise which since from 2022 has become a two-part spring and autumnal exercise.
RAF Puma, 54 & out
The Westland Puma HC2 currently serving with 33 and 230 Squadron at RAF Benson, and 84 Squadron at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, will be withdrawn from service on March 31, 2025. Ian Harding provides a brief review of the helicopter at the end of an illustrious 54 years operational career which commenced with the types first operational flight on September 29, 1971. Throughout this period, the Puma, its aircrew and maintainers have been deployed on numerous operations including combat operations, exercises, provided humanitarian relief, and during more recent times, provided search and rescue capability and fulfilled fire-fighting duties. The Puma had become a genuine ‘jack of all trades’ and will therefore be sadly missed.
Northolt Nightshoot XXXII
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the 32nd edition of the RAF Northolt Nightshoot took place under near-perfect conditions. Attendees enjoyed a clear night with no rain, wind or cloud cover - even the temperature was kind! The entire AeroResource team was present to witness the impressive line-up of aircraft Phil Dawe MBE, RAF Northolt Station Commander and the event volunteers had secured for the event.
AeroResource 2024 Review
With the UK weather Gods providing just a few moments of relief from the grey skied gloom that seems to have engulfed us this winter, the AeroResource team have taken time to look back at 2024’s highlights. 2024 saw the first full year of the new writing and editorial team at AeroResource and we hope that the increased output, both here on the site and across social media haven’t gone un-noticed. We’ve covered a number of events both at home and abroad and hope to provide more articles through the coming year.
RNAS Culdrose: 814 Naval Air Squadron
Protecting the Royal Navy from surface and sub-surface threats as well as supporting the United Kingdom’s maritime security operations is a role 814 Naval Air Squadron have conducted for many years. AeroResource recently had the [...]
Iniochos 2024
From April 8-18, 2024, the skies above Andravida Air Base in the northwest of the Peloponnese, Greece reverberated to the sound of fast jets from the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and a coalition of aircraft [...]
Aeronautica Militare retires AMX
Following 35 years of service, the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) formally retired its last remaining AMX A-11 ‘Ghibli’ light combat and reconnaissance aircraft from service on April 5, 2024. The Italian term ‘Ghibli’ derives [...]
Army Air Corps Apache AH-64D retirement
© Ian Harding | Army Air Corps | Westland Apache AH1 On March 25, 2024 following 23 years of service, the Army Air Corps officially retired the AgustaWestland/Boeing WAH-64D (Apache AH1) from service whilst also [...]
Northolt Nightshoot XXX
There is always an air of anticipation and excitement when Phil Dawe MBE, Building 27 Restoration Team Manager, and RAF Northolt (Home to 32 Squadron) located in Greater London announce the date, timing and potential [...]
Poland AW101 Merlin Mk614
As tension surrounding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia builds, it is no surprise that Poland continues to sign various contracts with European and US companies to strengthen the country’s air defence capability. This process [...]
What a M-STAR!
The sharply painted M-STAR, a 1981 built Boeing 727-2X8 began its final series of flights from Dubai to the Cotswolds on 31st January 2024, for a somewhat unknown future. Westleigh Bushell was on hand at Cotswold [...]
Westland Gazelle AH1 Swan Song
On Monday October 23rd 2023, three 665 Squadron, 5 Regiment Army Air Corps Westland Gazelle AH1s departed RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland for a short tour of UK landmarks. This brings to an end this [...]
Northolt Nightshoot XXIX
As we start the transition from long summer evenings to the shorter, colder winter nights it brings with it the start of the nightshoot season. October 5th 2023 saw one of the first, RAF Northolt [...]
Royal Navy Dauphin – FOST Mission Support
A familiar sight in skies above Cornwall and Devon but less so elsewhere, AeroResource considers the unique and specialised operations of the FOST Dauphin helicopter which performs an important role on behalf of the Royal [...]
Anatolian Eagle 2023
Held in Konya, central Türkiye, since 2001, Anatolian Eagle exercises have always been well attended, both by participating nations from around the world and aviation enthusiasts alike. 2023’s edition was no exception with visiting participants [...]
Edwards AFB Airshow & Open House 2022
Edwards AFB Airshow & Open House 2022 Edwards AFB Airshow & Open House 2022: In the 13 years since Edwards air force base last hosted an air show, a lot has changed. Fifth generation aircraft [...]
