RAF Coningsby
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RAF Coningsby, is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire. For many years forming part of the UK air defence system, the station currently houses no operational aircraft, but is awaiting the introduction into service of the Typhoon F2.
The base was opened in 1940 as a bomber base. Following World War II the base received Avro Vulcans which were transferred to RAF Cottesmore in 1964. Phantoms arrived in 1966 and stayed until the Panavia Tornado F3 squadrons began to form. To accommodate these new aircraft extensive hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) and support facilites were built.
Coningsby was the first airfield to receive the Tornado ADV and will be the first to receive its replacement, the Eurofighter Typhoon. 56 Squadron was based there until March 2003 but has relocated to Leuchars to allow airfield improvements required for the arrival of the Typhoon. 5 Squadron also flew F3s from Coningsby until its disbandment in 2003.
Coningsby is also the home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, housing the last remaining air worthy Avro Lancaster Bomber in the world.