RAF Langford Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF Langford LodgeNo. 20 Satellite Landing Ground  |
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| Crumlin, County Antrim in Northern Ireland | |||||||||
 RAF Langford Lodge
RAF Langford Lodge
Shown within Northern Ireland
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| Coordinates | 54°37′10″N 6°18′00″W / 54.61944°N 6.30000°W | ||||||||
| Type | Satellite Station | ||||||||
| Site information | |||||||||
| Owner | Air Ministry | ||||||||
| Operator | Royal Air Force United States Army Air Forces |
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| Controlled by | RAF Maintenance Command RAF Flying Training Command |
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| Site history | |||||||||
| Built | 1941 | ||||||||
| In use | 1941-1953 | ||||||||
| Battles/wars | European theatre of World War II | ||||||||
| Airfield information | |||||||||
| Elevation | 100 ft (30 m) AMSL | ||||||||
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RAF Langford Lodge was a special air base near Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was once a station for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Today, a company called RLC (UK) owns the airfield. It is located on the eastern side of Lough Neagh. It is also close to Belfast International Airport. This base was also known as No. 20 Satellite Landing Ground.
Contents
History of RAF Langford Lodge
A Busy Air Depot During World War II
RAF Langford Lodge opened in 1942. It became a very important air depot for the United States Army Air Forces. An air depot is like a big garage and supply center for airplanes. Thousands of aircraft were prepared here. They were then sent to fight in Britain, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
After World War II, the base was used for training. For a short time, it was home to air navigation schools. These schools taught pilots and navigators how to find their way using maps and instruments. For example, No. 5 Air Navigation School RAF used Avro Anson planes here.
A Target in Wartime Plans
During World War II, Langford Lodge was a target for invasion. The German military had a plan called Operation Grün (Green). This was a smaller part of a bigger plan, Operation Sea Lion. Operation Sea Lion was the planned invasion of Britain. In Operation Grün, German paratroopers planned to capture Langford Lodge. They also aimed to take nearby airfields like Aldergrove and Nutts Corner.
An Unexpected Landing
On March 2, 1989, something unusual happened. A passenger plane from Dan-Air was flying to Belfast International Airport. But the pilot made a mistake. The plane landed by accident at Langford Lodge instead!
A Home for Old Airplanes
For some years, parts of the airfield housed a special center. This was the Ulster Aviation Society's Heritage Centre. It displayed old aircraft like the Blackburn Buccaneer and the Hawker Sea Hawk. In 2005, the society moved its collection to a new location.
Langford Lodge Today
Today, Langford Lodge is still active in a different way. It is home to two clubs for model aircraft. These clubs are the Langford Model Aviation and Langford Model Heli Club.
The site also has a very long track. It is 6,200 feet (1,900 m) long. This track is used by a company called Martin-Baker. They test ejection seats for aircraft on this track. The track has been in use since 1971.
See also
- List of former Royal Air Force stations
