DIO increases power to RAF Lakenheath

DIO has increased power to RAF Lakenheath ahead of schedule to allow F35 construction to be continued.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has increased power to the RAF airbase a year ahead of schedule to allow F35 construction ahead of the aircraft’s arrival to continue. The increased power will support the buildings planned to create new infrastructure ahead of the F35’s arrival.

Kier VolkerFitzpatrick were awarded the contract for construction of infrastructure to make the airbase ready for the arrival of F35 aircraft in 2021. The US 48 Fighter Wing Civil Engineering Squadron (48CES) worked with DIO to determine what additional power was required.

Keith Maddison, DIO USVF Programme Director, stated: “This work has gone incredibly smoothly.  We are pleased that this complex power upgrade has been completed ahead of schedule so that all other construction can continue as planned.”

“This is an excellent example of how DIO works well with its partners, how we can be agile and respond innovatively to challenges.”

“We are grateful to 48 Fighter Wing Civil Engineering Squadron and to UK Power Networks for working together to minimise disruption both to local residents and to those on the base.”

The work to provide additional power included the installation of a 24km cable across a railway and roads by UK Power Networks. The work was designed to minimise disruption through work with utility providers and highway departments.

The power supply will provide the base with 15 megawatts of electricity for the new construction at the airbase in Suffolk. The construction includes hangars, accommodation, and maintenance facilities to prepare for the arrival of the aircraft.

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