An iconic RAF aircraft is set to fly over Wiltshire this week to mark its retirement from service.
The Hercules aircraft is retiring from service after over 50 years, having first been introduced in December, 1966.
To celebrate its years of service, three Hercules aircrafts will be flying over all four nations of the UK on Wednesday, June 14, visiting several locations of significance in Wiltshire.
These locations include West Down Camp at the Salisbury Plain, MOD Lyneham, Royal Wootton Bassett and the Defence Academy of the UK in Shrivenham.
Since entering RAF service with the 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, the historic aircraft has operated across the globe, supporting the UK’s military and humanitarian relief operations.
47 Squadron and the Hercules will continue to deliver on defence operations until June 30.
A transition to the 22-strong Atlas A400 fleet has been ongoing for some time, with ground support staff now being relocated to similar roles around the force.
Details and timings of the Wiltshire leg of the Hercules’ farewell route can be found below.
4.22pm - MOD Boscombe Down
4.25pm - Salisbury Plain (West Down Camp)
4.32pm - MOD Lyneham
4.36pm - Royal Wootton Bassett
4.39pm - Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham
The tour will depart RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at 10am, and return at 5.05pm.
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