Scampton Holdings Limited

Of all the RAF Bomber Command airfields, RAF Scampton is perhaps the best known and most historically important. It originated as a First World War training aerodrome and Home Defence Flight station but closed within two years of the end of the First World War. Selected under the RAF Expansion Scheme, it was built up again in the 1930s, and its squadrons were in action from the first day of the Second World War, including in the ‘Dambusters’ Raid on the Ruhr Dams by Scampton’s 617 Squadron for which the base has become famous. During the Cold War, Scampton was also one of only two V-Bomber airfields where the Blue Steel ‘standoff‘ missile was deployed from 1962. The mighty Avro Vulcan bomber continued to operate from RAF Scampton until the early 1980s when it was retired from service. This history has continued into the 21st century, when Scampton became the home of the Red Arrows, now synonymous with the skies above Lincolnshire. Although the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) has now relocated to RAF Waddington, the links to Scampton, both emotionally and operationally, remain strong, with the airspace above Scampton remaining in use for Red Arrows training sorties. The overall vision for Scampton Holdings Limited (SHL) is to strengthen and develop the foundations within Lincolnshire for existing business areas and maximise future opportunities and economic growth for Lincs. and the wider East Midlands. We aim to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in Space & Satellite Technology, Aerospace, Defence, Innovative Technologies (Business Incubator), Education and Heritage. As we approach the 80th Anniversary of Operation Chastise this year on 16th May, we are strongly reminded of the historical significance of RAF Scampton, whilst at the same time looking ahead and creating the blueprint for the next 50 years of the site's mission and societal and economic relevance.