February 20, 2014 3.23 pm This story is over 126 months old

Improved signage for popular RAF Waddington viewing area

Better viewing: The RAF Waddington WAVE viewing enclosure has been spruced up with better signage and information boards.
L-R: Mr. John Robinson Proprietor of WAVE Café, Station Commander Group Captain Rich Barrow, John Pearce and Chris Jobling from Northrop Grumman, Councillor Marion Brighton, Leader of NKDC and Mike Gallagher Deputy Leader of NKDC and Councillor for Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East. Photo: RAF Waddington

The popular Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure (WAVE) now has better signage and information boards thanks to a generous donation.

The donation from Northrop Grumman, providers of UK-based technical support to the Sentry fleet at RAF Waddington, meant signs could be renovated so visitors are better informed about the base’s history and information on current operations.

The difference between WAVE and other rest stops is it’s directly opposite RAF Waddington, so visitors can watch different aircraft taking off and landing.

The WAVE enclosure also offers patrons a parking area and hot refreshments while aircraft watching.

RAF Waddington Station Commander Group Captain Rich Barrow said: “The WAVE is a fantastic facility and extremely popular with the aviation enthusiast community.

“The generosity of Northrop Grumman means that the visitor experience is even more enjoyable than it was before.”

Photo: RAF Waddington

Photo: RAF Waddington

Photo: RAF Waddington

Photo: RAF Waddington

The revamped signage was unveiled at an official event coinciding with a fun day organised by the proprietor of the WAVE Café.

Representatives from RAF Waddington, Northrop Grumman and North Kesteven District Council visited the enclosure for the official unveiling.

John Parker, Director for Weapon System Sustainment and Modernisation, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, said: “We are extremely proud of the long partnership we have built with RAF Waddington over the years, and of the contribution that we make to the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capability through our role in the Whole Life Support Programme for the E-3D Sentry aircraft.”

“We are delighted to be supporting this key Aviation Heritage site which plays such an important role in informing the local community of the history of RAF Waddington and its present day capabilities.”

Cllr Marion Brighton OBE, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, added: “Aviation Heritage is such an important and defining aspect of our tourist appeal, adding to the distinctiveness of our District, and I welcome every initiative to improve people’s interest and understanding of this.

“The WAVE is such a popular facility and I hope that these improvements will appeal to local people and visitors alike.”