View Full Version : End of RAF Tornado
Corporal Clott
25th Mar 2013, 22:18
It seems that with the announcement of RAF Marham becoming Lightning II's new home, then the venerable Tornado or "Fin" is to be pensioned off earlier than planned in 2019.
I look forward to the end of RAF Tornado bash for former aircrew - it should be quite an event if it is ever held! :ok:
CPL Clott
Lima Juliet
25th Mar 2013, 22:25
I had to go through an end of Tornado party at Leuchars - I bet St Andrews is a better night out than Kings Lynn!!! :yuk:
from LJ: I had to go through...
:)
sisemen
26th Mar 2013, 01:34
Nah. You 'avin a larf? It's only 5 minutes ago since they were greeting the arrival of the first one for TWCU at Honington. (I wuz there!)
Courtney Mil
26th Mar 2013, 09:28
Maybe F-35 has to be in service and actually working before they throw away the capability and retire GR4/A early.
ACW418
26th Mar 2013, 09:33
Courtney,
But that is logical. Since when have our present betters!!! used that.
ACW
Courtney Mil
26th Mar 2013, 09:35
I see your point. What was I thinking?
L4key
26th Mar 2013, 18:42
Reaching for the Skies - Fighters (part 2) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cmV3P68keE&feature=youtu.be&t=5m13s)
Was this anyone here? :ok:
Apologies for posting, I'm not military personnel, but I'd like to say how this oft maligned aircraft is an absolute dream machine for the 10 year old me. This video about sums it up and I'm in awe of all of you who worked hard enough to make this kind of thing your day job.
So sad it's going before long, just hope they keep one flying so my son can properly appreciate it a the age of 10 too!
-He might do better at following in your footsteps than I did!
Lima Juliet
26th Mar 2013, 19:06
L4key
Thanks for posting the link. I haven't seen that footage since I was a student on 65 Sqn (229 OCU). Not too sure about the Fighter Controllers in No 1 Uniform and the pilot that has left his MDC pin during the scramble (you can see it in the take off sequence).
Thanks again, you've made my night! :ok:
LJ
NutLoose
26th Mar 2013, 19:39
One hears the last three F3's departed Shawbury for spares recovery.
scarecrow450
26th Mar 2013, 19:42
One hears the last three F3's departed Shawbury for spares recovery
They've been taken to Manston to let the baby firemen play with them !
Lima Juliet
26th Mar 2013, 20:14
Oh, and the Stn Cdr at Manston is an ex-F3 mate. How ironic!
scarecrow450
26th Mar 2013, 21:06
Wonder if they'll let him light the first one ? Or look after one as an unofficial gate guard ?
Stitchbitch
26th Mar 2013, 21:29
Vid pilot was the first pilot I met on 56 just before he went to Leuchars and I went to 29 Sqn..happy days squipping on the Fin..:ok:
The tail of ZE165 was driven down the M6 on the back of a truck today. Something interesting to look at when you're stuck in traffic
Geehovah
27th Mar 2013, 18:28
Interesting to see that some of the video was of an F2 with only 2 SRAAM pylons. Early footage. As for the pilot; one of the long timers in the F3 Force. I might even tell the story of why he's my hero in my 3rd book!
just another jocky
27th Mar 2013, 18:40
Shiney....he's not changed much. :}
matkat
27th Mar 2013, 19:05
LJ you certainly got the St.Andrew's thing right:ok:
Courtney Mil
27th Mar 2013, 21:18
Good to see Shiney again. Good man.
CoffmanStarter
27th Mar 2013, 21:32
Hi LJ ...
Oh, and the Stn Cdr at Manston is an ex-F3 mate. How ironic!
Have we reopened the old place ... I thought the last Statish was Wg Cdr M G Richardson in 1996 :ok:
Cheers ...
Coff.
Lima Juliet
27th Mar 2013, 21:57
Coff
Not sure of the exact title but he is a Wg Cdr, he is an ex-F3 mate, he is the Stn Cdr and I think it is called MOD Manston these days...
... the main job being looking after the Fire Services' Central Trg Establishment.
LJ :ok:
CoffmanStarter
28th Mar 2013, 07:40
LJ ...
MOD DFTC ... That makes sense ... I appreciate the need for Fire Training ... But it's a very very sad place :(
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w94/rdfb2/manstonaircraft_4.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w94/rdfb2/manstonaircraft_5.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz112/bengibbs/DFTDC/DSCF7992.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w94/rdfb2/manstonaircraft_1.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w94/rdfb2/manstonaircraft_9.jpg
Just a few pics ... Also a Victor, Vulcan, Buccaneer, Shackleton and more ...
Best regards ...
Coff.
stuminisprite
28th Mar 2013, 07:56
not the last ones. there are several f3's being kept serviceable at the moment in sunny north yorkshire! :ok: gr4 oos date expected 2019 still.