RAF Bitteswell

The closure was the result of economic and industrial changes within the British aviation industry. The site was operated post-war by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft (later part of the Hawker Siddeley Group and then British Aerospace). As production and support contracts for the aircraft being assembled and maintained at Bitteswell (notably the Argosy transport) came to an end, and the British aircraft industry underwent significant consolidation, the facility was deemed surplus to requirements. The site was subsequently sold for commercial redevelopment.

The site has been completely transformed and is now unrecognizable as an airfield. In 1987, development began to turn the site into Magna Park, Lutterworth. Today, it is one of Europe's largest and most successful dedicated logistics, distribution, and business parks. The runways, taxiways, and nearly all original airfield buildings have been removed and replaced by massive warehouses and distribution centers for major national and international companies. The road network within the park partially follows the old perimeter tracks, but otherwise, very little physical evidence of the airfield remains.

RAF Bitteswell has a significant two-part history.

1. **World War II Era (1941-1945):** Opened in June 1941, it initially served as a satellite airfield for the nearby RAF Bramcote. Its primary role was as an Operational Training Unit (OTU) for bomber crews. No. 18 OTU, flying Vickers Wellington bombers, was a key unit based here, training crews for night bombing operations. Later, it also hosted No. 29 OTU.

2. **Post-War & Cold War Era (1946-1982):** After the war, the airfield's most prominent role began when it was taken over by the manufacturer Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft (AWA). It became a vital center for the final assembly, flight testing, modification, and servicing of numerous key British military aircraft. Aircraft that were central to operations at Bitteswell include:

- **Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.11/12/13/14:** Night fighter variants of the Gloster Meteor.
- **Hawker Sea Hawk:** A carrier-based jet fighter-bomber.
- **Hawker Hunter:** A transonic jet fighter.
- **Gloster Javelin:** An all-weather delta-wing interceptor.
- **Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy:** A military transport and freighter aircraft, which was a major program for the site.

This post-war activity made Bitteswell a crucial component of Britain's Cold War aviation industry.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening RAF Bitteswell as an airport. The site has been permanently and extensively redeveloped into the strategically important Magna Park logistics hub. The land value, existing infrastructure, and the scale of the commercial development make any return to aviation use completely unfeasible.