Lynx Helicopter Glamping Pod Heating, RAF Wainfleet

The Goal

At the former RAF Wainfleet site in Lincolnshire, local farmer and site owner Will Roughton set out to convert a decommissioned Westland Lynx military helicopter into a fully functioning glamping pod.

The British Army used the aircraft for more than 40 years. Today, Will is repurposing it as a unique holiday attraction alongside a renovated 1970s control tower and three restored RAF bunkers.

He needed a compact and reliable heating system for the small internal space. It also had to fit within the aircraft structure and run efficiently between guest stays.

Our Solution

Through our subsidiary Heatmat, Heatcom Group specified a 150 W Combymat electric heating system. The system suited the tight, curved interior of the helicopter body.

The system included:

• 3.0 m² of 150 W Combymat, delivering a total output of 450 W
• 6 mm foam insulation
• 6 mm plywood sub-base
• Electrical conductive tape for secure fitting
• A WiFi-enabled NGTouch thermostat for remote control

The installer fitted the heating mats over foam insulation to reduce heat loss. Laminate flooring was planned as the final finish.

The WiFi thermostat allows Will to adjust temperatures remotely based on guest arrival times. This is a key advantage for glamping operations.

7Core Electrical Wholesale in Skegness supplied the materials. Homestead Property Lets Ltd installed the system.

The Result

The helicopter pod now has a warm and comfortable interior. The space highlights the original cockpit controls and includes a sofa-bed, mini fridge and TV.

Heatmat’s system provides:

• reliable warmth in a small and highly unconventional space
• low running costs
• remote management via NGTouch WiFi
• suitability for holiday accommodation cycles

Heatcom Group, through Heatmat, has supplied underfloor heating for many unique glamping-style structures. These include shepherd huts, cabins, holiday homes and bespoke installations like this one.

The project demonstrates Heatcom’s ability to deliver heating solutions for unconventional and unique spaces.