RRH Neatishead

Summary

Operating Country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Location 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Status Active
UsageMilitary only
Year built1941
Operating OrganizationRoyal Air Force
Units
  • Radar Flight (South)

Description

Remote Radar Head Neatishead (RRH Neatishead) is an operational air defence radar site of the Royal Air Force, located approximately 11 kilometres north-east of Norwich in Norfolk, England. Originally established in 1941 during the Second World War as Royal Air Force Station Neatishead (RAF Neatishead), its initial function was as a 'Control and Reporting Centre' (CRC) for the south of the United Kingdom. The base has operated various radar systems over its history, including Type 7 GCI, AN/FPS-6, Type 80 'Green Garlic', Type 84, Type 85 'Blue Yeoman', 3 Decca (later Plessey) HF200, and R15 radar. In 1966, a fire in the bunker resulted in three civilian firefighter deaths and caused the station to close for eight years, reopening in 1974 after a major rebuild. The Type 85 radar was decommissioned in 1990 and replaced by the Type 93. In 2004, activities were substantially reduced, and by 2006, the base was downgraded to Remote Radar Head (RRH) status. It is currently operated by the Royal Air Force, controlled by RAF Boulmer, No. 1 Group (Air Combat), and forms part of the UK's Air Surveillance And Control System (ASACS) and the larger NATO air defence. The main unit stationed there is the Radar Flight (South). RRH Neatishead is adjacent to the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum. Future plans include moving the Lockheed TPS 77 radar equipment from RRH Trimingham to the Neatishead site by the end of 2023 due to coastal erosion and interference from offshore wind turbines.

Location & Details

Map of RRH Neatishead
Coordinates52.7142°N, 1.4708°E
Wikipedia and other open sources.