Wisley Airfield

Economic and corporate restructuring. The airfield was operated by Vickers-Armstrongs (later part of the British Aircraft Corporation - BAC) as a flight test centre. With the conclusion of major test programmes for aircraft like the VC10 and BAC 1-11, and the consolidation of BAC's operations at larger facilities like Filton and Warton, the smaller Wisley airfield became redundant and was closed.

The site is closed and derelict. The main runway and some taxiways are still visible but are cracked, overgrown, and in a state of disrepair. For decades, the land was largely returned to agricultural use, with parts of the hardstanding used for a large Sunday market and for vehicle storage. Due to its expansive, open nature and decaying infrastructure, it has also been a popular location for filming TV shows and movies, particularly car-related programmes. The entire site is designated as Green Belt land, which has been a central point of contention regarding its future.

Wisley Airfield, originally known as RAF Ockham, has a significant history in British aviation.

1. **World War II Era (1943-1946):** It was constructed during WWII as a satellite airfield for RAF Hurn. It served as an Emergency Landing Ground and was used by various RAF squadrons, including Canadian and Polish units flying Spitfires and Mustangs. The airfield played a supporting role in the preparations for the D-Day landings (Operation Overlord).

2. **Post-War Flight Testing (1951-1972):** After being decommissioned by the RAF, the site was acquired by Vickers-Armstrongs in 1951. The company needed a new test facility as its original home at Brooklands had a runway that was too short for modern jet aircraft. The runway at Wisley was extended to 2,000 meters (6,562 ft). It became a crucial centre for the development and flight testing of some of Britain's most iconic post-war civil and military aircraft, including:
- **Vickers Valiant:** The first of the three 'V-bombers' to enter service with the RAF.
- **Vickers Viscount:** A highly successful medium-range turboprop airliner.
- **Vickers Vanguard:** A larger turboprop airliner.
- **Vickers VC10:** A long-range jet airliner known for its 'hot and high' performance.
- **BAC 1-11:** A popular short-haul jet airliner.

Its former ICAO code when active was EGTW.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Wisley as an operational airfield. The runway is too degraded, and its proximity to major London airports and residential areas makes it unsuitable for modern aviation.

However, the site has been the subject of intense and controversial redevelopment proposals for many years. The primary prospect for the site is large-scale housing. In June 2023, after a lengthy planning battle and public inquiry, a government planning inspector granted permission on appeal for a major development of 1,730 homes, a school, and other community facilities. This decision overturned the local council's refusal and has paved the way for the former airfield to be transformed into a large housing estate, effectively ending its existence as an open space.