Royal Naval Air Station, Culdrose Airfield, Cornwall

Details

Accessibility

According to Google:

RNAS Culdrose's main access is for its personnel and approved visitors who need a Sports Recreation Pass to use facilities like the gym. The station is located near Helston, Cornwall. To access the facilities, a mandatory induction is required before using any equipment or amenities

Brief description

"RNAS Culdrose is a significant base for the Royal Navy's maritime Merlins. As one of Europe's largest helicopter bases, it employs 3,000 people and is a major contributor to Cornwall's economy, injecting £100m annually."

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/locations-and-operations/bases-and-stations/rnas-culdrose 

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose (RNAS Culdrose, also known as HMS Seahawk; ICAO: EGDR) is a Royal Navy airbase located beside the town of Helston, situated on the Lizard Peninsula in southern Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.

The airbase is one of the largest helicopter bases in Europe. This location serves as the primary operational center for the Merlin Helicopter Force, which constitutes the Royal Navy's fleet dedicated to anti-submarine warfare and is composed of two Fleet Air Arm front line AgustaWestland Merlin HMA2 helicopter squadrons: 814 Naval Air Squadron and 820 Naval Air Squadron. The former is typically associated with a Royal Navy frigate specialised in anti-submarine warfare, while the latter refers to the airborne unit tasked with safeguarding the carrier strike groups of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Additionally, the airbase hosts 700X Naval Air Squadron, recognised as the Royal Navy's specialist unit for drone operations.

The airbase also serves as an important training centre for the Fleet Air Arm. New Merlin HMA2 aircrew and engineers receive training at 824 Naval Air Squadron before they move on to one of the frontline squadrons of the Merlin Helicopter Force. It also serves as the base for 750 Naval Air Squadron, which is responsible for training Royal Navy Observers and Royal Air Force Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs). There is also a number of non-flying units at RNAS Culdrose including 1700 Naval Air Squadron which delivers engineering, aviation, and logistical assistance for operations and exercises globally, both at sea and on land. The airbase is equipped with a substantial Air Engineering Training School, which includes a dedicated Survival Equipment Section. Additionally, it houses the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations, the institution responsible for training all personnel involved in aircraft handling."

Address

RNAS Culdrose
Helston
TR12 7RH

+ RNAS Culdrose public viewing area

Mawgan

Helston

TR12 6BB

Email

Phone

2025-

01326 552000

Website

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/bases-and-stations/air-stations/rnas-culdrose

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/locations-and-operations/bases-and-stations/rnas-culdrose. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNAS_Culdrose_(HMS_Seahawk). 

Directions

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

Amenities

RNAS Culdrose public viewing area

Mawgan

Helston

TR12 6BB

+ According to Google:

RNAS Culdrose's main access is for its personnel and approved visitors who need a Sports Recreation Pass to use facilities like the gym. The station is located near Helston, Cornwall. To access the facilities, a mandatory induction is required before using any equipment or amenities