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The largest RAF Station in the UK, Brize Norton is the nerve centre
of the RAF’s air transport capabilities. The main flying role
of the station is to provide strategic Air Transport operations
and to operate squadrons of aircraft that are equipped to carry
out Air-to-Air Refuelling  anywhere
in the world. The station also provides training for parachutists,
trials associated with air dropping men and materials, communications
and navigational aid, and facilities for aircraft operating away
from their home bases.
Currently based at Brize Norton are: 10 VC10 C1Ks, 4 VC10 K3 and
1 K4 of 101 Squadron; 2 Tristar K1, 4 KC1 and 3 C2 of 216 Squadron;
6 C-17s of 99 Squadron
Also based at Brize Norton is No 1 Parachute Training School, which
includes the RAF Parachute Display Team, the Falcons.
Following the phasing out of the VC10 and Tristar aircraft in 2016
and their replacement by the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA),
the Station will operate the new A400M aircraft which will join
24 Squadron & 30 Squadron who will have moved from RAF Lyneham
when operations cease there in 2012.
As the centre of excellence, Brize Norton will be able to handle
new and greater numbers of aircraft, all of which will require improved
airfield facilities such as parking bays, hangars, an updated and
improved Passenger Terminal and Cargo Warehouse.
To accommodate increased numbers working on the station, Defence
Estates (Housing) has demolished 600 married quarters within the
town and will be building 788 new houses on the same footprint.
The remaining stock of 581 married quarters will be completely refurbished.
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