DESPITE not having a base for aircraft in the town, the skies above Oswestry can be quite busy with helicopters from time to time.
With an RAF base in Shawbury and Sleap Airfield nearby, there is often the opportunity for aerophiles to catch a glimpse of some rare aircraft.
From air ambulances to military aircraft, here are some of the helicopters which have been spotted above Oswestry over the past 12 months.
Chinook
Chinook. Picture by David Mottram (Oswestry Advertizer Camera Club)
THIS is likely the most distinctive helicopter seen flying over the area, with its unique noise and appearance.
Chinooks flying over north Shropshire will more than likely be flying to or from RAF Shawbury.
According to the RAF, it is used in a variety of environments and can be operated from land bases or ships.
A description on the RAF Shawbury website reads: “The aircraft may be armed and is fitted with a suite of self-defence equipment allowing it to operate across the battlespace.
“Chinooks are primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield casualty evacuation.”
Griffin
Griffin. Picture by Rob Evans (Oswestry Advertizer Camera Club)
THERE are a number of variations of the Griffin, which are all equipped with night-vision goggles and a Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret.
These helicopters tend to be based in Cyprus, but have been spotted at RAF Shawbury and in the skies over north Shropshire in recent times.
The RAF Shawbury description says: “Owing to the hot, arid climate of its Cyprus base, the HAR2 regularly employs its crucial fire-fighting capability across the region.
“Other capabilities include search and rescue.”
Puma HC2
Puma HC2. Picture by RAF Shawbury
ALSO spotted over Oswestry is the Puma HC2 – an RAF medium support helicopter.
Capable of carrying 16 passengers or 12 fully equipped troops, according to the RAF Shawbury website.
Alternatively, it can carry two tonnes of freight, and is used by the medical emergency response team.
Juno/Jupiter
Juno. Picture by Rob Evans (Oswestry Advertizer Camera Club)
THE Juno and Jupiter helicopters often fly from RAF Shawbury and are two of the helicopters seen most often from Oswestry and nearby areas.
Both are military versions of Airbus helicopters and are used to train military helicopter crews from the RAF, Royal Navy and British Army.
A winch system is fitted to the side of the Jupiter and both aircraft are Underslung Load (USL) capable and are fully Night Vision Device (NVD) compatible.
Midlands Air Ambulance
Midlands Air Ambulance
ANOTHER which is often seen flying over Oswestry, and occasionally to areas in and around the town, is the Midlands Air Ambulance.
The charity-operated service funds three air ambulances and operates across Shropshire and five other Midlands regions including Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
One of the helicopters is based at RAF Cosford, while the remaining two are based at Strensham and Tatenhill.
The helicopters carry life-support medical equipment to traumatic incidents including road-traffic collisions.
G-EMSS
G-EMSS. Picture by Neil Evans (Oswestry Advertizer Camera Club)
THE G-EMSS is hard to miss in the sky, distinguishable by its bright yellow appearance.
It is and Airbus helicopter used by both the Wales Air Ambulance and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
It has previously landed at RAF Cosford.
Merlin
Merlin. Picture by Rob Evans (Oswestry Advertizer Camera Club)
THE Merlin, which is based at the Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) in Yeovilton, was spotted in Nesscliffe in January.
It is part of the Royal Navy’s aviation branch and was seen to be using the training camp in Nesscliffe.
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