RNAS/RAF Calshot

The closure was primarily due to military and technological evolution. Following World War II, the strategic importance of flying boats and seaplanes, which were Calshot's specialty, declined rapidly. The development of long-range, land-based aircraft with the ability to operate from newly constructed concrete runways made water-based aircraft largely obsolete for military purposes. The closure was part of a broader post-war reduction of military establishments and the Royal Air Force's strategic shift away from seaplane operations.

The site is no longer an airport but has been successfully repurposed. It is now home to the **Calshot Activities Centre**, a large outdoor and adventure sports center run by Hampshire County Council. The original, historic aircraft hangars, which once housed Schneider Trophy seaplanes and Sunderland flying boats, are still standing and form the core of the center. They have been adapted to house a variety of facilities, including one of the UK's oldest indoor velodromes, a large climbing and bouldering complex, and an artificial ski slope. The surrounding area and water are used for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and powerboating. The site is a protected heritage location, preserving a tangible link to its significant aviation past.

RNAS/RAF Calshot has a rich and significant history in British aviation.

- **Foundation and WWI:** Established on 29 March 1913 as Calshot Naval Air Station, it was one of the earliest Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) stations. During World War I, it was a crucial base for flying boats conducting anti-submarine patrols in the English Channel to protect vital shipping lanes to Southampton.

- **The Schneider Trophy:** In the inter-war period, RAF Calshot became world-famous as the home of the High Speed Flight. This unit was responsible for developing and flying the Supermarine seaplanes that competed in the Schneider Trophy races. The UK team, based at Calshot, won the trophy in 1927, 1929, and won it outright in 1931 with the final race being staged on the Solent. The technological advancements made in engine and airframe design for these racing aircraft, particularly the Supermarine S.6B and its Rolls-Royce R engine, were direct precursors to the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and its Merlin engine.

- **WWII and Flying Boats:** Throughout World War II, Calshot remained a key operational and training base for RAF Coastal Command's flying boats, including the iconic Short Sunderland. It played a vital role in maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and air-sea rescue operations.

- **Post-War:** After the war, its operational flying role diminished, and it transitioned to a maintenance unit for marine craft and a base for air-sea rescue services until its final closure.

There are no plans or realistic prospects for reopening RNAS/RAF Calshot as an airport. The site has been fully and successfully repurposed as a major public recreational and sports facility. The historic hangars are listed buildings and are integral to the current activities center. Furthermore, the location on a narrow, environmentally sensitive shingle spit (Calshot Spit) makes it entirely unsuitable for modern aviation operations. Its future is firmly established as a center for recreation and heritage.