ICAO Code EGNO/
Last Validated
City Warton
Position 53°44'42"N 002°53'00"W
Runway(s) 07/25
Elevation 54 ft

General

Warton airport is one of the main airports of BAE Systems At this airport the final assembly of the Hawk and Typhoon aircraft is being performed. The airfield is also used for the relevant test and delivery flights od these aircraft. The factory is also involved in the continuing modifications to above mentioned aircraft but also for the Tornado. Warton started out as an air depot airport for the USAAF during the Second World War. Thousands of aircraft arrived here from the USA and were delivered all over Europe.

Layout

The airfield has a east-west runway, with on both ends a large stopway, unused for landings and takeoffs. North of the runway are the primary buildings. To the southeast is a test facility.

Getting There

BAE Warton is located near to Warton and Freckleton villages on the Fylde peninsula in Lancashire, England. It is south of the A584 between those cities. Preston is the city closest to it. From Preston, located along the M61, take the A677 at exit 31 and then take the A584 towards Freckleton.

Around the Airport

1East side approach

This is the main spot for Warton. Take some steps with you because there is a large wooden fence around the perimeter. To arrive at this spot leave the A584 at the first roundabout after entering Freckleton. Drive onto the Lytham Road, take the first left onto the Kirkham Road, then the first right onto the Preston Old Road to take the second right onto the Naze Lane E. Follow this road along the aerodrome perimeter to arrive at the spot. From here you will have a good view of the landing aircraft to the west. As the aircraft have to backtrack the runway to the beginning it will give you ample time for photographing. But this is also the spot with easterly winds. All aircraft will pass the taxi track after landing so they have to backtrack the runway to exit the runway via this taxi track.

2View of hangars

If you drive further along the road, you will come to a spot where you will have a good view of some hangars. There is also a Tornado outside.

3View from the west

For a view onto the Typhoon production hangar and the preserved Lightning you will have to continue along the A584. When passing the large factory at your left and a extended camping site at your right, there will be a road to the left called Bank Lane. Take this road to drive along the perimeter. Park your car at any convenient place and have a look onto the aprons including the preserved Lightning.

4West side approach

It is also possible to reach the approach to runway 08. Follow the road from spot 3, Bank Lane. After the built-up area go left at the T-junction and park your car. Walk into the field. Please note that your are very close and the wooden fence is in your way because the aircraft will be very low already. So bring a step ladder and short lens!

Landings at spot 1 with a Hawk Mk129 still in full primer but intended for the BahrainAF. Photo Nathan Daws

Even large aircraft, like this SaudiAF C-130H, have to turn at the end of the runway. Photo Nathan Daws

Frequencies

311.300 / 130.800Tower
129.525Radar
311.300 / 336.475Approach
129.525 / 130.800Approach
121.725ATIS

Based Operators

BAE Systemsvarious

Preserved

XS928/ADLightning F6, 5sq colours, next to the Flight Test building.
WT520Canberra PR7, nose/front fuselage only, visible from spot 3 at Air Cadets site.
ZA101/G-HAWKHawk 100, stored outside near spot 2.
ZA411Tornado GR1, dumped outside near ZA101

More Info

BAE SystemsBAE Systems

Other Airfields

Aberdeen-Dyce  
Barkston Heath (RAF)
Benson (RAF)  
Biggin Hill  
Birmingham
Boscombe Down (QinetiQ)
Bournemouth (Hurn)  
Bristol - Lulsgate  
Brize Norton (RAF)  
Cambridge
Cardiff (Rhoose)  
Chester (Hawarden)  
Coningsby (RAF)
Cranwell (RAF)  
Culdrose (RNAS)  
Durham Tees Valley (Teesside)  
East Midlands  
Edinburgh  
Fairford (RAF)  
Farnborough
Fife (Glenrothes)
Glasgow - Prestwick  
Glasgow Intl (Abbotsinch)
Lakenheath (RAF)  
Leeds Bradford  
Leeming (RAF)  
Leuchars  
London - City  
London - Gatwick  
London - Heathrow
London - Luton  
London - Stansted
Lossiemouth (RAF)  
Manchester (Ringway)
Marham (RAF)  
Middle Wallop  
Mildenhall (RAF)
Newcastle  
Northolt (RAF)  
Norwich  
Odiham (RAF)  
Southampton - Eastleigh  
Southend
St. Mawgan - Newquay Cornwall Airport  
Syerston (RAF)  
Valley (RAF) - Anglesey
Waddington (RAF)
Wales Low Flying Area 7
Warton
Wattisham (RAF)  
Wittering (RAF)  
Yeovilton (RNAS)  

Send Updates

Do you have updates? Or is something not listed correctly? Please let us know! You can help us and other spotters with your information.
Invalid Input
Invalid Input

0/255

Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Subscribe to Scramble

As a member you get access to all our
premium content and benefits learn more