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RAF base in radar fear over windfarm
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A massive wind farm would cripple radar for Tornado jet fighters, defence chiefs say.
The Ministry of Defence have lodged an objection to plans to build 13 giant turbines at Gathercauld in Fife.
They say the 278ft turbines would block the line of sight from the control tower at nearby RAF Leuchars.
And they claim the blades would slice through radar waves, disrupting communications and the plotting of aircraft.
The objections are backed by environment groups and Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell.
A spokeswoman for the MoD said: “There are issues in terms of the height of the wind turbines and them being in line of sight of the radar at RAF Leuchars.
“Turbines cut through radar waves and ATC would not be able to communicate with aircraft or see them on their radar.”
The MoD stopped short of objecting formally and suggested lowering the turbines or coming up with an alternative layout.
The spokeswoman added: “We are not against wind farms. We fully support renewable energy initiatives.
“We would like to work with the developer to see whether adjustments can be made to ensure the wind farm goes ahead.”
Project manager Judith Cornfield, of EnergieKontor, said: “We are going back to consultees to try to ensure that what we finally put forward in our application will keep everyone happy.
“The MoD are a key part of that, particularly in relation to the airfield in Leuchars.
“We will be meeting with them with a view to understanding what is causing the issues, hopefully before we put in for full planning permission.”
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