RAF Lossiemouth welcomed their newest Poseidon MRA Mk1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, ZP806, today. The submarine- hunter, named ‘Guernsey’s Reply,’ is the sixth Poseidon aircraft to arrive at the Moray base and will operate as part of the re-established 201 Squadron.
The aircrafts name honours the close bond between 201, the island of Guernsey and Jurat Herbert Machon OBE who named his Mk XVI Spitfire “Guernsey’s Reply” during World War II.
"I am thrilled to welcome Guernsey’s Reply to RAF Lossiemouth. Not only does this mark a further increase to our maritime air capability here at RAF Lossiemouth but it is also a fitting tribute to the association between 201 Squadron and Guernsey. Everyone on 201 Squadron is very proud of this long-standing association and the history which it represents. As we move forward, we must continue to foster the links which brought us to where we are now, and I am personally grateful to be able to play my small part."
Wing Commander Smolak
Officer Commanding 201 Squadron
The latest addition to the RAF Poseidon fleet will now play a crucial part in the Squadron’s role as the ‘Schoolhouse’ and their mission to train the next generation of Poseidon Aircrew and Instructors. It will also form part of the front line fleet which will total nine aircraft by the end of the year.
The Poseidon is already providing cutting-edge maritime patrol capabilities and working side-by-side with the Royal Navy to secure the seas around the UK and abroad. It is equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. It features an APY-10 radar for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, an electro-optical / IR turret and electronic support measures (ESM).
The aircraft can also be armed with a weapons system that includes torpedoes for engaging sub-surface targets.
Nine Poseidon MRA Mk. 1 aircraft have been ordered for the RAF. The UK Government has invested £470m overall in RAF Lossiemouth, which will future-proof Quick Reaction Alert and Maritime Patrol operations for many years to come.
