RAF Alconbury - TR-1 Facilities - 'Magic Mountain'

RAF Alconbury began the Second World War as a satellite airfield for nearby RAF Wyton before becoming home to units of the United States Army Air Forces. Among the first American units to arrive was the 93rd Bombardment Group, equipped with B-24 Liberator bombers. From Alconbury, the group flew the Eighth Air Force’s first operational B-24 mission over occupied Europe, attacking the steelworks at Lille.

During the Cold War, the station took on a new strategic role. In 1983, the USAF permanently based TR-1 reconnaissance aircraft at Alconbury, requiring extensive redevelopment of the northern side of the airfield to support their specialised intelligence-gathering mission.

The works included the construction of five Ready Sheds, thirteen extra-wide Hardened Aircraft Shelters, a new Squadron Headquarters, the large Avionics and Photo Interpretation Centre, together with extensive concrete aprons and taxiways. These facilities were purpose-built to support the operation and maintenance of the highly specialised aircraft and reflected the importance of the base during the final decade of the Cold War.

Much of the Cold War infrastructure has since been demolished as the former airbase has been redeveloped. One notable exception is the Grade II listed Magic Mountain TR-1 Facility, believed to be the last military bunker of its type to be constructed in Britain. It remains an important reminder of RAF Alconbury’s role in NATO’s Cold War reconnaissance operations.

Link to Subbrit Article.