Resurfacing work at RAF Marham has been completed in five weeks against an eight-week programme, and Lightning Force operations ran from a taxiway while all three runways were out of use, according to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
The £3.5 million project covered 28,000 square metres of the runway intersection, last resurfaced in 2018, and dealt with deterioration below the surface as well, with just over 4,000 square metres of underlying pavement needing repair before the new surface could go down. A further 675 square metres was resurfaced on Runway 05.
Because the work sat at the intersection, every runway was unavailable at once. Contractor movements were coordinated with air traffic control and the airfield manager so the taxiway could carry Lightning Force flying with as little disruption as possible.
Tim Fenton, the organisation’s project delivery manager, said: “Completing these essential repairs is an important investment in the resilience of RAF Marham’s airfield infrastructure. By working closely with the Station and our delivery partners, we were able to tackle the immediate deterioration while also taking the opportunity to address additional requirements as part of the same programme of work. This has reduced the need for future intervention and helped ensure the airfield can continue to support Lightning Force operations.”
Flight Lieutenant Steve Southward of RAF Central Region said the scope had been extended through collaboration between the station, the organisation, VIVO and Air Infrastructure to take in further repairs while contractors were already on site.
VIVO carried out the work with sub-contractor Allied and four specialist sub-contractors. Alongside the £3.5 million spent, the team recorded a £3.8 million saving by adopting an approach that removed the need for an on-site concrete batching plant.
Marham is the main operating base for the F-35B Lightning force and home to 617 Squadron and 207 Squadron, the operational conversion unit for the type.
Infrastructure of this kind has been a persistent weak point across the estate, and the Ministry of Defence has acknowledged a substantial maintenance backlog across its airfields and accommodation.
Looking at the above image, could the Meteor also be launched from the current or a modified ASRAAM launch rail and maybe an inner launch rail for the ASRAAMs? An additional pair of Meteor’s would be quite an uplift.
The outboard pylons are for short range A2A missiles only. Another 4 underwing hard points are available but are currently wired and cleared for air to ground weapons. (Paveway 4) Additional A2A weapons could possibly be integrated into the 4 hard points if a requirement emerged and the necessary trails and integration work was completed.