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English invasion at American air base
An RAF Typhoon arriving at Langley Air Force Base
Royal Air Force pilots and engineers from RAF Coningsby have arrived in the United States to begin training with their American colleagues.
Approximately 200 personnel from XI Squadron have joined forces with the US Air Force 1st Fighter Wing.
This will be the first joint training exercise featuring the Typhoon FGR4 and the F-22 Raptor at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
Col Kevin Robbins, 1st Fighter Wing commander, said: “The exercise gives us valuable interaction with our allies as well as a great opportunity to integrate with the Typhoon.
“It’s important for us as coalition partners to have that level of familiarity to make us more tactically proficient should the time ever come to utilise this training.”
The two units will participate in Exercise Western Zephyr, testing the capabilities and tactics of both the Raptor and Typhoon.
“The Raptor is a fith generation low observable aircraft and we need to operate with them to enhance our joint capability,” said Squadron Leader Andy Chisholm, XI Squadron’s Executive Officer.
“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. You have to practice, and practice makes perfect.”
The Typhoon pilots flew their aircraft from Coningsby to Langley via the Azores and Bermuda.
After Exercise Western Zephyr the squadron will move on to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to take part in the prestigious Red Flag exercise.
Red Flag exercises train allied pilots for real combat situations.
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Weather for Horncastle
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
