Tornado GR4 last flight

[BVRAAM]

What now for them,
Hang on, there's still a few more planned ceremonial sorties yet....

Hopefully all 3 specials are serviceable because I will be there to say my own goodbye to our nation's old friend....

[Cubanate]

Farewell Tornado. Shame they couldn't have flown over INV on their way to/from Tain/Lossie. Many ex-Service personnel at the airport where, for years, Tornados did practice approaches and occasional diversions, the airport provided weekend land away post displays, etc. and INV used to receive 4-ship flypasts at Christmas.

[BVRAAM]

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier's special patch.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/366x750/52598297_10155669202372574_2201290822190628864_n_463b9703f88 382c9fa836e83f7cae372fc83a644.jpg

[weemonkey]

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier's special patch.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/366x750/52598297_10155669202372574_2201290822190628864_n_463b9703f88 382c9fa836e83f7cae372fc83a644.jpg

very nice...but I can't be bothered trying to work out the relevance of the dates.

Not mine however...

KEEPERS OF THE 'FIN'

A reminder to you men, you heroes who flew it,
There's another bunch who also knew it.

The scruffy young 'pantrash' out manning the line,
Strapping in or on headset, come rain or come shine.

The Riggers and Fairies in a constant fight,
Who's bit kept failing that last CSAS BITE.

The Sooties, late nightshift, a forlorn hope,
Birdstrike, Vib Caption, Failed Boroscope.

"Thanks to the Armourers" came the Aircrew's response.
Even though most of their bits need only work once.

Our patches are not 'Thousand hours' or higher.
Our badges are scars from Locking Wire.

Take pride in the honour it was to have flown it
But remember, you borrowed! It was the groundcrew that owned it.

[just another jocky]

The dates he started and ended flying the GR (we were on adjacent TTTE courses).

And only 2000hours? A mere pup! :}

[SATCOS WHIPPING BOY]

Ah so an AVM as lead and a Gp Capt as the no.2 probably explains why No. 3 seemed reluctant to stay in close ;-)

Whatever is said, it was a bloody good show all round. I remember seeing the very first tornados flying around as I was a kid and they played their part in me joining the military.

[BVRAAM]

Correction from earlier, it seems Cab was in the back of Sir Stephen's jet.

Seems like a rather scary flight to sign off, with the CAS not being particularly current or the Stn Cdr only having a few hundred hours on the jet himself without a QFI qualification on type?

[SATCOS WHIPPING BOY]

Correction from earlier, it seems Cab was in the back of Sir Stephen's jet.

Seems like a rather scary flight to sign off, with the CAS not being particularly current or the Stn Cdr only having a few hundred hours on the jet himself without a QFI qualification on type?
Perhaps, but a decent amount of "Top-cover" :)

[Onceapilot]

Good pics! And, great to see Sir Steve still building his hours. Mind you, he did steal a couple of those hours doing an IRT on me in ZA612 over 30 years ago! :eek:

OAP

[Odanrot]

So let me get this straight, the Chief of the Air Staff, a previous Tornado pilot, Sqn Cdr, Stn Cdr current on the jet but only as a VSO, has an ex Harrier Pilot, now Tornado Stn Cdr as his nav, with NO back seat qualification leading a three ship of Tornados.

CAS is (was) a very talented pilot, he worked for me as a young man. I would love to see the auth sheet. Load of Bo££ocks.

[Easy Street]

For CAS and the Marham staish to fly together, the staish would have to have qualified as a rear-seat pilot with less than two years on the jet, which would be highly unusual for a full-time squadron flier regardless of previous experience, let alone someone who probably flies once per week tops and has no background on the jet. Either that, or CAS would have to be signed off to fly with a passenger in the boot. Both scenarios are highly unlikely.

Anyway, there’s no need to pontificate further, so to turn this back into a fact-based discussion, see here, taken from Tw@tter. Hint: that is not the Marham staish behind CAS.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1500x2000/75d4e73c_2e27_4735_9b5d_fb94de66171d_2bce12d9bd3ee38eb2db21e 67faaade17c1f97c4.jpeg

[frodo_monkey]

That’s not Cab, and is a backseater (and a mate of mine).

[Odanrot]

Excellent. BS defeated- he’s a mate of mine too.

[orca]

The dit about Cab sitting behind CAS was clearly duff from the outset.

[Vendee]

KEEPERS OF THE 'FIN'

A reminder to you men, you heroes who flew it,
There's another bunch who also knew it.

The scruffy young 'pantrash' out manning the line,
Strapping in or on headset, come rain or come shine.

The Riggers and Fairies in a constant fight,
Who's bit kept failing that last CSAS BITE.

The Sooties, late nightshift, a forlorn hope,
Birdstrike, Vib Caption, Failed Boroscope.

"Thanks to the Armourers" came the Aircrew's response.
Even though most of their bits need only work once.

Our patches are not 'Thousand hours' or higher.
Our badges are scars from Locking Wire.

Take pride in the honour it was to have flown it
But remember, you borrowed! It was the groundcrew that owned it.

I do like that.

[weemonkey]

I do like that.
Yes.

I did not use the last couple of lines of the original, its much more fitting without. ;)

[Easy Street]

Yes.

I did not use the last couple of lines of the original, its much more fitting without. ;)

Indeed. The best squadrons I’ve served on have been the ones where air and ground crews collectively refer to themselves as “we”. Those where it’s “them” and “us” have been sh*t places to work, with results to match. And it’s such an easy thing for good leadership to fix!

[1.3VStall]

Easy Street - absolutely spot on! IX(B) has always been known as "our squadron", from LAC to ACM (as Peachy testifies). Its is no accident that IX(B) Sqn has the best, all-ranks squadron association in existence; it is a family.

[ivor toolbox]

Since when did the Buccaneer have wing sweep.

Yes, the Bucc did have swept wings, just not adjustable :)

Ttfn

[TEEEJ]

Here is Sqn Ldr Jim Sills, the Senior Engineering Officer from IX(B) Sqn.

We are expecting the 9 Tornado aircraft to take off from Marham at approximately 1400 on Thursday. The flypast of RAFC Cranwell will take place at approximately 1515. The 9 aircraft will then return to Marham at approximately 1520 to conduct a series of passes, more information to be revealed tomorrow.

We do not have any public viewing areas here at Marham and all of the land surrounding us is privately owned. The land owners at White Road and at the fence line opposite the entrance to White Road, just off the A1122 have kindly agreed to let people park and view from their land. Donations will be requested for the charity Moth in a China Shop on arrival, parking is at your own risk and you are to be aware that this is working farm land, please be respectful of the farm workers and their machinery.

Video at following links

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=784629311909638

https://twitter.com/RAFMarhamMedia/status/1100374976648146951

[1.3VStall]

I sincerely hope someone will post a decent vid of this final 9-ship on YouTube.

[langleybaston]

Glad it is PM ..... I am in with a chance. All I need is the route so I can preposition!

[BVRAAM]

Who is preparing for the Tornado Warning with a possibility of Lightning on Thursday, then?

I am so looking forward to going to Marham.

The predicted weather looks pants but it may change. I hope it changes. It's going to be a bittersweet day.

I am like a big kid all over again, I am not a spotter at all, I've only done this once before as an adult (plenty as a kid) but I am making the exception for the mighty Fin!

[TEEEJ]

See following for Marham and Cranwell flypast routes.

https://twitter.com/RAFMarhamMedia/status/1100707437328371712

https://twitter.com/RAFMarhamMedia/status/1100707068988801024

Also at Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/RoyalAirForceMarham/

[Vendee]

Well despite starting the thread, I actually missed the three day nationwide flypast due to family bereavement but today I did manage to get to Marham for the 9 ship flypast. I avoided Marham itself with its crowds and knowing the surrounding area quite well, I found a spot about 1.5 miles south of the airfield and on the published route. The weather was quite grotty but I did get to see the mighty Tonka in the air one last time.


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7898/47239972771_6f03dc8906_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7897/40274863163_8bbea02f55_b.jpg

[Buster15]

Well despite starting the thread, I actually missed the three day nationwide flypast due to family bereavement but today I did manage to get to Marham for the 9 ship flypast. I avoided Marham itself with its crowds and knowing the surrounding area quite well, I found a spot about 1.5 miles south of the airfield and on the published route. The weather was quite grotty but I did get to see the mighty Tonka in the air one last time.


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7898/47239972771_6f03dc8906_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2eYrd6a)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7897/40274863163_8bbea02f55_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24mXcEt)

Sorry to hear about your family bereavement and well done for the excellent pictures of the mighty Tornado.

What were your emotions when you saw and heard these fantastic jets flying overhead.
A day to feel sad or a day to feel proud. I hope it is the latter.

When we read about the so called defeat of IS; whether that is indeed the case or not, we can take great pride in the GR4 role in that. No just the precise airstrikes but the huge amount of information gained by the RapTor reconnaissance pod.

[Vendee]

What were your emotions when you saw and heard these fantastic jets flying overhead.
A day to feel sad or a day to feel proud. I hope it is the latter.



A bit of both really. Sad to see it go but proud to be a part of it. It also made me feel rather old because as a young airman, I remember this "state of the art" aircraft coming into service like it was yesterday.........only it wasn't yesterday :(

[Kitbag]

A bit of both really. Sad to see it go but proud to be a part of it. It also made me feel rather old because as a young airman, I remember this "state of the art" aircraft coming into service like it was yesterday.........only it wasn't yesterday :(

Me too. I first touched one as a newly qualified jelly tot in 1982. The old girl has done this nation proud, she had a difficult birth as the RAF came to terms with modern technology, those rebellious teenage years eventually saw her mature into a beguiling and capable mistress after she had the boob job (stretching a point but the GR1 to GR4 mods were significant in recent years).

I worked long hours on her in her youth to keep her ready for the unthinkable. Thankfully she was never called upon to do that, but she has risen to every other challenge she, and the people who made her work have served this country well. I never thought as a youngster, handing over yet another snag to the day shift, that I would miss her, but I shall.

Weemonkey's poem; perfect

[bobward]

Having spent most of the day at RAF Marham today I'd like to post a big thank you to everyone involved in todays flypasts. The fact that several hundred people turned up today shows how much affection the spotter's world has for both the jet and the people who made her work. Having OC Marham turn up on the fence to brief the spotters on the route was a really generous gesture on his part which we appreciate.

So, good bye Tonka. and thanks to all involved with her over close to 40 years. You'll be missed.

[BVRAAM]

I was there all day yesterday, and I stayed until the airfield closed. The location where I was, went from about a thousand people and several hundred cars at its peak, to only a few cars and about six of us remaining when the second F-35 of the 2nd and last pair of the day shut its engine down.

I didn't get the best view of the elephant walk at the end because I opted to not go to the centre line, but the angle wouldn't have been great anyway - the RAF photographers had that privilege and it is one they earned.

It was a bittersweet day, a moment of happiness and a moment of sadness that the end is near. The engineers should be incredibly proud of themselves to get 11 out of 12 available jets airborne this late in to their service life, it was an outstanding achievement. The U/S jet was actually the Bat special, but as the Squadron would say: There's Always Bloody Something!
Oh, and it wouldn't be the Tornado if at least one of the 11 jets didn't have an IFE during the event and had to RTB early! It lost something on the runway as well, and I saw it being towed back to the HAS Site after the others had taxied in.
To everybody at RAF Marham who made this happen yesterday, thank you so much. I think the nation can be incredibly proud of you and I hope your hangovers aren't too terrible this morning after that massive hangar party last night!

I think it's now time to reflect over the many years of constant operations and Cold War deterrence that the Tornado Force has served on - both the GR Force and the Air Defence Force - and to remember those who sadly did not return home. Thank you all.

[ETOPS]

Found some video of the 9 ship..............

https://twitter.com/i/status/1101142852480978944

[RAFEngO74to09]

More videos of the 9-ship here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqW1-usnJDY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUNvT1d0Wyc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhLzUV0ROE4

[1.3VStall]

Got a bit of dust in my eye watching those vids!

[orca]

Did some dust get in Number 9’s eye or was he using the references Number 3’s been using recently?

[The AvgasDinosaur]

To all ‘Team Tonka’ wherever whenever you served.
A heartfelt THANK YOU one and all.
Be lucky
David

[Easy Street]

Did some dust get in Number 9’s eye or was he using the references Number 3’s been using recently?

Amidst all the positivity and good will that Tornado retirement activities have generated, it’s painfully obvious that some in the ex-Harrier community just can’t let SDSR10 go.

[Peter G-W]

But he is right though.

[Easy Street]

But he is right though.





No, he isn't. Yesterday's performance was filmed by hundreds of people from all sorts of angles and most of them are going to look 'wrong' somehow. Not only did the Tornados put in a highly polished flypast over a Cranwell parade in what look like rubbish conditions: they had the confidence to put in a manoeuvring performance in Diamond 9 at Marham, and very presentable it looked too. That deserves a measure of respect rather than petty criticism, IMHO.

https://youtu.be/QcKV3dNwNNA
https://youtu.be/qx-ZMhjToq8

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/810x539/0_phr_hmb_01032019rafcranwell_78cb2e8750984eabbbb427bd37cd6c 50776751a7.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1280x720/maxresdefault_85a2494d4fb5951f9e6c5543b0aa46e2e8a0b1d3.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/768x512/l_dsc2425_768x512_a96f0eb8ca7f651e9fe6157e0d478ace3b063ef6.j pg

[BVRAAM]

Another thing one should keep in mind: they aren't the Red Arrows. Diamond 9's are not their "bread and butter" like a professional display team. They did incredibly well considering they have not had an entire winter to rehearse that formation.

[SATCOS WHIPPING BOY]

For those who are interested and who use facetube then pop onto the R.A.F MARHAM AIRCRAFT SPOTTERS GROUP (https://www.facebook.com/groups/rafmarhamaircraftspottersgroup/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf) ( link may not work for all as it is a closed group and you would need to request access.) where there are some fabulous photographs, not so much of the flights, but of the post-flight celebrations.

Regrettably I was in on the wrong side of the country to get any photos but from what I have seen then the guys did the us all proud.

[Pure Pursuit]

Did some dust get in Number 9’s eye or was he using the references Number 3’s been using recently?

You absolute baffoon.

The Marham guys did an incredible job, fair play to them. Tornado GR1/4 has had a career that I don’t think any other fast jet can hang it’s hat on.

There are very few things that make me proud to serve in the RAF these days. That flypast is one of them. Well done guys.

[BVRAAM]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x641/52836989_1391423031000775_104376488500920320_n_f3acc08a7740e 450f7bee87aa75afce4a17171b5.jpg

[Buster15]

You absolute baffoon.

The Marham guys did an incredible job, fair play to them. Tornado GR1/4 has had a career that I don’t think any other fast jet can hang it’s hat on.

There are very few things that make me proud to serve in the RAF these days. That flypast is one of them. Well done guys.


Very well said. Everybody involved has much to feel extremely proud of. I never really thought that Tornado would turn in to such a brilliant workhouse because of its complexity but it became so flexible and adaptable.
Awesome piece of kit.

[Vendee]

The Marham guys did an incredible job, fair play to them. Tornado GR1/4 has had a career that I don’t think any other fast jet can hang it’s hat on.

There are very few things that make me proud to serve in the RAF these days. That flypast is one of them. Well done guys.


I agree entirely. Only a few weeks ago these crews were flying ops over Syria. They are not display pilots but what they put on for us this week was just wonderful and a worthy tribute to one of the best strike aircraft to serve with the RAF.

[just another jocky]

You absolute baffoon.

The Marham guys did an incredible job, fair play to them. Tornado GR1/4 has had a career that I don’t think any other fast jet can hang it’s hat on.

There are very few things that make me proud to serve in the RAF these days. That flypast is one of them. Well done guys.


Very well said Sir!

I wonder how long it will be before the nay-sayers realise just how pathetically trivial they are and resort to complaining we can't take banter which merely highlights how misplaced their tone was in the first place.

I have some photos from the hangar party which if I can remember to do it, will post here.

[Onceapilot]

Well said JAJ. Overall, I have been very impressed with the FINale. Some nice, composed and professional flying, IMO. :D

OAP

[weemonkey]

A bit of both really. Sad to see it go but proud to be a part of it. It also made me feel rather old because as a young airman, I remember this "state of the art" aircraft coming into service like it was yesterday.........only it wasn't yesterday :(
Ditto. Time to pass the mantle and remember the good times...

[BVRAAM]

Bad reporting on the usually pretty good Torygraph though......
There wasn't 9, there was 10 in this image. And it was taken ~15 minutes after they all landed.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/846x606/image_649bc9f08dd10d13751146ac62616e7594237cc7.png

[weemonkey]

There are some nice tributes going around but I like this one due to the topography and video quality.
Of course we will all have our own favourites I just like this one.

u8lAuxhNTM4

[Lyneham Lad]

There are some nice tributes going around but I like this one due to the topography and video quality.
Of course we will all have our own favourites I just like this one.


What a brilliant video - many thanks for posting the link! :)

[Pure Pursuit]

Oh my word... That last Tonka NAILED it!!! 🤘

[RAFEngO74to09]

A few more of the Mach Loop compilation tribute videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VATEDutilpU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB6Q-y4TqtQ

[Timelord]

I’m not sure that publicising some of these videos is entirely wise. Some of those aircrew still hope for careers!

[NDW]

My photo doesn’t really match the exemplary videos and other photos posted on this thread but I just wanted to add a personal thanks to all Tornado crews who frequented Norwich Airport on practice approaches. I’ll miss the sight and sound of the Tonka from the VCR.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/58e50b17_9622_4fb7_83fa_66265af338f5_30a01be62f16228447f734a 8c93de16001b262fb.jpeg
​​​​

[Easy Street]

For a good couple of years before the general ban on the Mach Loop, the Tornado Force had been clamping down on unprofessional flying of the type seen in those videos. There was a small handful of crews responsible for most of it and they were counselled appropriately. Frankly I wouldn't be surprised if the Loop ban is made permanent; it had effectively become a venue for unauthorised display flying. Which is what non-SOP flying (reheat, aggressive valley flying in 67 wing, Typhoons twinkle rolling etc) for the benefit of an external audience actually is.

[Timelord]

This thread has, quite rightly, become a tribute to the courage, professionalism and service of all those associated with the Tornado. Let’s not spoil it by a debate on flying discipline, but let’s not have any more “Mach loop “videos.

[Vendee]

This thread has, quite rightly, become a tribute to the courage, professionalism and service of all those associated with the Tornado. Let’s not spoil it by a debate on flying discipline, but let’s not have any more “Mach loop “videos.

"like" 👍

[BVRAAM]

I’m not sure that publicising some of these videos is entirely wise. Some of those aircrew still hope for careers!




It's not the responsibility of the general public to protect professional military pilots from repercussions of their unprofessional conduct in a tax payer funded asset. If those in high risk environments cannot be held to account, then it becomes toxic - somebody will die if it's allowed to escalate. This covers many professions, not just aviation. It's better to lose a career than it is for a child to lose a mother or father......

[Easy Street]

It's not the responsibility of the general public to protect professional military pilots from repercussions of their unprofessional conduct
Agree with this.
This thread has, quite rightly, become a tribute to the courage, professionalism and service of all those associated with the Tornado. Let’s not spoil it by a debate on flying discipline
Agree with this also... but unaddressed, those videos could undermine exactly that sentiment. I feel that raising the point was justified precisely to show that a professional attitude to supervision was in place. I agree that's as far as it need go on this thread.

Back on the positive note, some more videos are being posted of the nine-ship. This one has a more distant viewpoint than the earlier ones, but shows them rolling into and out of each of their formation passes. Very slick indeed for a group of non-display crews.

Edit: posting the clip below to start mid-way (as youtu.be/F1sSRWWcprg?t=190) isn't working for some reason... unless you like to see lots of takeoffs then go straight to 3:10s.

https://youtu.be/F1sSRWWcprg?t=190

[weemonkey]

Thank **** for that

[Dominator2]

May I say how well the 9 ship was lead and flown. Having done more than a few over the past 45 years it is no mean feat.

The leading was well planned and very well executed. Despite a few wobbles the formation hung on very well.

The one low point was the VRIAB with 10 second intervals. I know that a Fan Break would have been out of the question, however, 2 seconds or even 5 seconds would have been so much slicker.

From an Old and Bold Fighter Pilot - Well Done :D

[Easy Street]

The one low point was the VRIAB with 10 second intervals. I know that a Fan Break would have been out of the question, however, 2 seconds or even 5 seconds would have been so much slicker.

I asked exactly this of those 'in the know' and it's to do with Marham being on its short runway while the main is resurfaced. The runway multiple occupancy rules have been tightened, which makes sense... Tornado is very good at stopping when everything works, but bloody awful when it doesn't. So only one aircraft at a time on the runway short of the cable, and probably some consideration too of getting clear of the cable pull-out area before being collected by the next jet barrelling past. When on the main runway, 4 seconds is the norm.

Another great little clip:

https://twitter.com/sallyacb275/status/1101160250630172672?s=20

[Steve Bond]

Thanks Tonka, my years of looking after your engines added up to the most enjoyable tour in my 22 years in the RAF!

[BVRAAM]

I absolutely hate the fact the Tornado is retiring. I get it, I understand it and I agree with it. But I don't like it. Farewell old girl. Here's one of mine:


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1333x892/eb2041635c1e7ac8548d8f74f7894636_6cffe9441fac1f5ae57296ebebe 32b3bad7da878.jpg

[Easy Street]

Nice videos... in the first, looks like the two jets in the spine of the diamond are sitting forward, but you can't tell that in the external views - presumably they've been whipped there? As with the other clips, a massive thumbs-up for the smoothness and stability during the roll-in. Well done the Grey Arrows! :D

https://twitter.com/RAFMarhamMedia/status/1102528065039728642

[Easy Street]

https://youtu.be/maVPLN2fjUo

[langleybaston]

That video shows to me, a mere earthling, what hard work went into the formation.

Hat off to the aircrew, the aircraft, the maintainers and the station. Thank you so much.

[Out Of Trim]

Damn, I couldn't be there!

I would have kept a Squadron of F3s and GR4s as a kind of Reserve or Air National Guard..

[just another jocky]

Hangar Party pictures as promised:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1125/imag0528_d7ce23ff912eaf9cd1d7e5859773e9d09045d11e.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1125/imag0529_4883f45f9a7d209b4536be44f4bbf8b2af6eeb46.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1125/imag0533_74334e0bfb4d0a4aa1d617e79ced60e9d1936069.jpg

[Buster15]

Damn, I couldn't be there!

I would have kept a Squadron of F3s and GR4s as a kind of Reserve or Air National Guard..

That is far too sensible an idea. It appears to me that they could not even wait until the end of March to retire them as planned.

[andrewn]

That is far too sensible an idea. It appears to me that they could not even wait until the end of March to retire them as planned.

Thats an interesting comment and one that had struck me as well. If you go back a few years there was definitely precedent for types to be retained and flown right up until OSD and sometimes beyond. The Lightning is one example, where in the case of both 5 and 11 squadrons they flew on well past the formal squadron stand downs. Nowadays I expect it comes down to MAA regs and the nature of the support agreements in place with BAES, in that ANY extension of flying past 31st March would probably come at a eye-watering cost!

[MMHendrie1]

I heard one of the ‘Diamond 9’ was ZD848 (BC). She would have been 34-years old.

That had me dusting off my logbook to reveal 41 sorties between Aug 85 and Aug 88 which read like a history of RAFG operations at the height of the Cold War:

SSPs (remember them?); laydown and dive at Nordhorn, Vliehors and Siegenburg; ‘bounce’ sorties on the North German plain; multiple low-level attack formations; MALLET BLOW; air combat training (including one memorable sortie when the SPILS failed and the aircraft departed; we were within a second or two of ejection); WPC at Capo de Frasca; ACMI at Deci; dissimilar air combat (2 + 1 v 3); OLF at Goose Bay; and the highlight, RED FLAG.

Some amazing memories.

But mostly very precious memories of a fine bunch of people not all of whom saw their children grow up. How many I wonder? We should remember them all.

Maybe we need another thread as a tribute to those who gave their lives during the 40 years of Tornado.

[Buster15]

I heard one of the ‘Diamond 9’ was ZD848 (BC). She would have been 34-years old.

That had me dusting off my logbook to reveal 41 sorties between Aug 85 and Aug 88 which read like a history of RAFG operations at the height of the Cold War:

SSPs (remember them?); laydown and dive at Nordhorn, Vliehors and Siegenburg; ‘bounce’ sorties on the North German plain; multiple low-level attack formations; MALLET BLOW; air combat training (including one memorable sortie when the SPILS failed and the aircraft departed; we were within a second or two of ejection); WPC at Capo de Frasca; ACMI at Deci; dissimilar air combat (2 + 1 v 3); OLF at Goose Bay; and the highlight, RED FLAG.

Some amazing memories.

But mostly very precious memories of a fine bunch of people not all of whom saw their children grow up. How many I wonder? We should remember them all.

Maybe we need another thread as a tribute to those who gave their lives during the 40 years of Tornado.

Excellent idea. Tornado was and by the way still is a massive programme with FlightGlobal saying that around 250 remain in service.
However, for the UK all the skills and knowledge and memories will rapidly fade away and soon be forgotten.

I worked on the engines during the development, production and in service working very closely with the RAF and I have many friends who did the same.
It would be a great shame for these memories not to be recorded somewhere.

[Imagegear]

One noted today over Oakham, coming back from the Mersey area, over Rutland Water, before doing an approach at Lakenheath, presumably went back to Marham.

[Easy Street]

It appears to me that they could not even wait until the end of March to retire them as planned.

How do you come to that conclusion?

They are still flying this week, so those aircrew are now current until beyond 31 March. There comes a point when no more routine flying is needed to sustain the required capability until the end of the funded period. My understanding is that the aircraft remain ‘on the hook’ for operations until the end of March; they just don’t need to fly them routinely for much longer. That is sensible risk management.

[langleybaston]

I remember being shown a Tornado engine, in pristine condition. I am not an engineer, but was struck by the sheer beauty, almost filigree in detail.

[BVRAAM]

That is far too sensible an idea. It appears to me that they could not even wait until the end of March to retire them as planned.

Really?
One of my mates photographed them taking off today so that isn't true at all.

They will also try to get one airborne for the second (and final, final...) Enthusiast's Day on Friday.

If I didn't have so much work to do over the next few weeks I'd take some time off to try to capture the Bat special. Sadly it's not to be - no more time off for me until the summer.

[57mm]

IIRC, the squadrons' disbandment is on 14 Mar; will Tornadoes fly on that occasion?

[BVRAAM]

One jet will be involved in a flypast over the disbandment parade on March 14th, but any flying after that is TBD. I'd have presumed there wouldn't be any more flying after that date.

[superplum]

Flying today in respect of another great loss:

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/tornado-flypast-for-funeral-of-veteran-and-former-west-norfolk-mayor-vic-stapley-1-5922444

[BVRAAM]

Today just sucks.

[N707ZS]

Presume RTP at RAF Leeming will also close soon.

[BVRAAM]

Presume RTP at RAF Leeming will also close soon.

It already has.

[rlsbutler]

The RUSI has a decent academic obituary of the Tornado here;

https://rusi.org/multimedia/panavia-tornado-farewell?utm_source=RUSI+Newsletter&utm_campaign=ecce2944a2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_23_04_44_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0c9bbb5ef0-ecce2944a2-46338801

The video lasts 13:50 minutes. A lot of experienced aircrew talking heads.

[typerated]

Should really have been strangled at birth.

And we should be watching the last flight of the Buccaneer Mk3 - Now that would have been sad!

[just another jocky]

Should really have been strangled at birth.

And we should be watching the last flight of the Buccaneer Mk3 - Now that would have been sad!

That post shows so much empathy, thanks.

[frodo_monkey]

Should really have been strangled at birth.

And we should be watching the last flight of the Buccaneer Mk3 - Now that would have been sad!

You’re entitled to your opinion... but you’re wrong. The Tornado is arguably the most significant and long-lasting fast-jet in the history of the Royal Air Force.

[typerated]

You’re entitled to your opinion... but you’re wrong. The Tornado is arguably the most significant and long-lasting fast-jet in the history of the Royal Air Force.

Of course I was taking the pi** a bit,

The Tornado did superb service. In many ways it was the right machine at the right time.
It is amazing though that it has lasted after GW1 when low level largely lost its attraction - It's not the machine you would chose to be a medium level bomber is it!

If you think I am being disloyal to the blokes that flew them - I'm not. Just realistic I think that they would have done an even better job with a upgraded Bucc or Strike Eagles!

As at the end of the day it is just a lump of metal - which is brought to life by the men that operate them. I am privileged to have seen some superb skill being displayed by Tornado crews at times - Especially the 617 crew that dropped the very low boomer over me :)

[Jetset Jimbo]

Hi all,

My dad Russ Pengelly was a test pilot on Tornado and was killed flying prototype P.08 in June 1979. I failed to get into the RAF due to an allergy to cats and aside from 15 years instructing in gliders and about 150h on SSEP a few years ago i'm not involved in aviation. The Tornado has always been part of my life and I'd wanted to see her fly one last time but the past few months at work has been 7d/w and at least 15h/d, so i've missed pretty much everything going on in life. I think I missed the last flight a few days ago from skimming this thread but if anyone knows differently then please let me know as I'd dearly love to see one fly to say goodbye.

Kind regards
Jim

[Jetset Jimbo]

I heard one of the ‘Diamond 9’ was ZD848 (BC). She would have been 34-years old.

That had me dusting off my logbook to reveal 41 sorties between Aug 85 and Aug 88 which read like a history of RAFG operations at the height of the Cold War:

SSPs (remember them?); laydown and dive at Nordhorn, Vliehors and Siegenburg; ‘bounce’ sorties on the North German plain; multiple low-level attack formations; MALLET BLOW; air combat training (including one memorable sortie when the SPILS failed and the aircraft departed; we were within a second or two of ejection); WPC at Capo de Frasca; ACMI at Deci; dissimilar air combat (2 + 1 v 3); OLF at Goose Bay; and the highlight, RED FLAG.

Some amazing memories.
I had to google SPILS - that must've been interesting! How low were you when you managed to recover it? Is 41 sorties in 3 years a fairly typical amount of flying? Seems like it would be hard to maintain currency with that amount of flying?

Dad was a Tornado test pilot - he was killed in June 1979 flying a prototype when I was a little boy. A thread to remember all those who gave their lives to Tornado would be a good thing to my mind.

EDIT: Someone pointed out that the gentleman was referring to 41 sorties on a particular airframe rather than type. I know air forces around the world are struggling to pay to keep pilots training sufficiently but I figured things can't have been that bad in the 80s. I need more sleep - and perhaps some reading lessons :-]

[Bob Viking]

I know we all like to reminisce and have fond memories of our previous aircraft but can you honestly say you would have wanted to see Buccaneers (of any state of modification) in RAF service in 2019?!

I agree that Strike Eagles would have been awesome but buying off the shelf is never attractive to governments.

Lets face it, despite the banter, the Tornado did a sterling job for four decades but even a solid workhorse such as that has to pass into history eventually.

It was Gulf War videos of the GR1 in action that cemented my future career choice so it’ll always have a special place in my heart, even if I never got to fly it.

Now I look back at those same videos and cherish the Jaguar segments instead of course.

BV

[typerated]

BV,

New build Buccs in the 80's with Tornado avionics - why not?
What advantage would Tornado have had over these (apart from dash speed when clean)? I can think of lots of disadvantages!

Interesting the USAF is looking to buy new F-15s - which could well see them past 2050... maybe slip to 2060??? Surely not eagles getting near 100 years since first flight??

So Buccs at 2019 does not sound so bad?

[Just This Once...]

I liked the Banana as much as the next guy but the mythical idea of stuffing it with a complete set of Tornado avionics is just that. Even if it did all fit you would still have a Bucc wrapper with the all the limitations therein. Also not sure why anyone would bring a hypothetical aircraft to a thread dedicated to an aircraft that was flown in UK service for 40 years!

[Timelord]

And you would have needed an entirely new flight control system if you wanted auto TF. Bravo Tornado and all who flew , maintained and operated it. RIP those who gave their lives in it.

[LOMCEVAK]

New build Buccs in the 80's with Tornado avionics - why not?
What advantage would Tornado have had over these (apart from dash speed when clean)? I can think of lots of disadvantages!



The one considerable advantage that the Tornado had over the Buccaneer was the type of stores that it could carry. In the bomb bay the Buccaneer was limited to 1000 lb bombs with Mk 114 or 117 tails, BL755 and WE177. Paveway II, missiles (Sea Eagle and Martel) and the targeting pod all had to be carried on the wing which inevitably would mean losing the underwing tanks (3000 lbs of fuel) and/or the ECM pod. It did have ALE40 under the engine bays for chaff and flares rather than the BOZ pod on the wing but let's not get into their relative effectiveness. The Tornado carried A-A missiles and/or ALARM on the shoulders of the inboard pylons which could never have been done with the Buccaneer underwing tanks; the Bucc carried AIM9s on the outboard wing pylons only. It could never have carried JP233 or Raptor and probably not Paveway III. Does that answer your question?

Do I have the background to justify the above? Flew Buccs overland and maritime, on Ops and was a QWI. Then flew Tornado for 30 years in flight test.

Rgds

L

[Bob Viking]

I think a few others, far more knowledgeable on Tornado than I, seem to agree with my sentiment.

I can can relax and enjoy the rugby now.

BV

[Just This Once...]

My knowledge pales in comparison to Lomcevak's but the main ingredient that kept the Buccaneer relevant for so long was the guile and cunning of the crews and the legendary support and miracle working provided by the groundcrew.

The list of basic things the Bucc didn't have were inconvenient but when the aircraft was dressed for ops the stores limitations hit home. If you were happy to have little or no chaff then you could go without a chaff pod, otherwise you lost a pylon. Add an ECM pod and you lost another of your 4. Just a single sidewinder took another. Leaving you with one pylon and fuel in the bay and/or door. Hang a Pave Spike off this last pylon gave you zero offensive weapons, not even a gun.

Mixed loads in a 4-ship got you so far and in gulf war 1 some creative fits with ALE40 chaff/flare, ECM, Sidewinder, pod and a single asymmetric slipper tank looked odd, but did the business. When the air threat subsided the crews went without the Sidewinder and therefore could carry a single LGB and self-designate.

I would offer that it was the crews, both air and ground, and the character of the Buccaneer that made it all special. Same for the Tornado - when I look back at my time on the GR version I only ever think of the people I was with, but the aircraft was a flexible and dependable part of that mix.

[Onceapilot]

Dad was a Tornado test pilot - he was killed in June 1979 flying a prototype when I was a little boy. A thread to remember all those who gave their lives to Tornado would be a good thing to my mind.


Hi Jimbo. Very sad to read you lost your Dad in that accident. You will no doubt know that he was making an important contribution to an aircraft that became part of daily life for many of us, and which has performed admirably through four decades of service. Unfortunately, that enterprise came at a great personal cost to some, and their loved ones. But, the efforts of people like your Dad made the Tornado a tremendous tool for the job that it had to do. Best wishes.

OAP

[BVRAAM]

I know we all like to reminisce and have fond memories of our previous aircraft but can you honestly say you would have wanted to see Buccaneers (of any state of modification) in RAF service in 2019?!

I agree that Strike Eagles would have been awesome but buying off the shelf is never attractive to governments.

Lets face it, despite the banter, the Tornado did a sterling job for four decades but even a solid workhorse such as that has to pass into history eventually.

It was Gulf War videos of the GR1 in action that cemented my future career choice so it’ll always have a special place in my heart, even if I never got to fly it.

Now I look back at those same videos and cherish the Jaguar segments instead of course.

BV


Nobody said we had to like the fact the Tornado is now gone, however. I certainly don't.

Fighters are more my thing but the Tornado is one of the jets that cemented my passion for aeroplanes. I'll always love it.

[Buster15]

Hi Jimbo. Very sad to read you lost your Dad in that accident. You will no doubt know that he was making an important contribution to an aircraft that became part of daily life for many of us, and which has performed admirably through four decades of service. Unfortunately, that enterprise came a great personal cost to some, and their loved ones. But, the efforts of people like your Dad made the Tornado a tremendous tool for the job that it had to do. Best wishes.

OAP

Very well said and I echo your words and feelings.

[BEagle]

The P.150, a development of the Buccaneer, was proposed in 1968. It was to have had a thin wing, modified radar, a fully revised digital inertial nav/attack system and would have been powered by Spey engines with reheat. Whether it would have been as successful as the Tornado is hard to say.

Although TSR.2 would have had considerably more range than Tornado and would have been far superior at high level, it wouldn't have had the excellent all round versatility of Tornado. But it looked much nicer!

[BVRAAM]

The P.150, a development of the Buccaneer, was proposed in 1968. It was to have had a thin wing, modified radar, a fully revised digital inertial nav/attack system and would have been powered by Spey engines with reheat. Whether it would have been as successful as the Tornado is hard to say.

Although TSR.2 would have had considerably more range than Tornado and would have been far superior at high level, it wouldn't have had the excellent all round versatility of Tornado. But it looked much nicer!

I thought you needed 20/20 vision to be a pilot! ;)

TSR.2 is one ugly beast. The Tornado by comparison is stunning. The F.3 even more so.... a lean, mean, fighting machine.......

[Buster15]

The P.150, a development of the Buccaneer, was proposed in 1968. It was to have had a thin wing, modified radar, a fully revised digital inertial nav/attack system and would have been powered by Spey engines with reheat. Whether it would have been as successful as the Tornado is hard to say.

Although TSR.2 would have had considerably more range than Tornado and would have been far superior at high level, it wouldn't have had the excellent all round versatility of Tornado. But it looked much nicer!

You should have gone to Specsavers.

[typerated]

Must have funny glasses

Tornado - Fin too big or the Fuse too short?

[NutLoose]

TORNADO (http://www.tornado-data.com/index.html)

[gareth herts]

I hope no one minds this post (it's non-commercial) but tonight we have posted a collection of Tornado stories as our latest feature to help mark the aircraft's retirement.

There are some good yarns here and I am very grateful to everyone who helped out.

Farewell Tornado ? Tornado Tales | GAR - We've got aviation covered (http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2019/03/18/farewell-tornado-tornado-tales/)

[just another jocky]

Must have funny glasses

Tornado - Fin too big or the Fuse too short?

Any aircraft can look bad from certain directions.

This angle in bat wing always looked good to me...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x1066/32217230197_2053e685c6_h_6404da4fb07d020fdd2bf04fc03e87eb299 dbff2.jpg

[1.3VStall]

So when is the last UK Tornado flight going to be? The airframes destined to be used at Cosford for techie training are surely going to be ferried in there - aren't they?

[safetypee]

‘Form follows function’; Tornado ‘functioned’ - extremely well, thus ‘form’ was correct for that function.

[Harley Quinn]

So when is the last UK Tornado flight going to be? The airframes destined to be used at Cosford for techie training are surely going to be ferried in there - aren't they?

I would imagine if they're not delivered by 31 Mar then the only way to get them to Cosford (or anywhere else) will be on the back of a lorry.

[Bob Viking]

It was pretty tight for the Jags to land at Cosford (3700’) with a brake chute it was possible to stop in 2000-2500’ and the temporary cable made it legal but it definitely focused the mind.

How would it be for a Tornado? Is reverse thrust enough to stop in that distance without relying on the cable?

If indeed they are destined for Cosford, my feeling is that they will be road moved but I’m happy to be proven wrong.

BV

[just another jocky]

How would it be for a Tornado? Is reverse thrust enough to stop in that distance without relying on the cable?






Stoppable using thrust reverse & wheelbrakes in <2500ft, depending on weight/headwind/pilot.

I doubt there's the appetite for that risk though.

[Just This Once...]

Stopping a clean GR4 in that distance with TR would be no problem at all. If Rev/Rev doesn't appear for whatever reason it would be rather tense.

An approach end cable engagement is more reassuring.

[safetypee]

How times have changed -‘appetite for risk’. I remember the day that an ‘expired’ Vulcan was landed on the grass at Halton.
Well if ‘it’ gets damaged, then it’s a suitable subject for training recovery and repairs.
But not necessarily a situation befitting the valued service of a Tornado.

[KarlADrage]

So when is the last UK Tornado flight going to be? The airframes destined to be used at Cosford for techie training are surely going to be ferried in there - aren't they?
It's already happened, apparently. The singleton for the disbandment parades last Thursday was it. The end.

Any further 'deliveries' will indeed be conducted by road.

[Easy Street]

But not necessarily a situation befitting the valued service of a Tornado.

This is key. To my mind the Tornado Force have handled this whole episode exquisitely. Events for public consumption followed by an immaculate parade, flypast and dinner to round off the aircraft’s service. There were around 1,000 there to witness the last see-in, having moments before exited from the parade. Any more flying after that would just be rather undignified and there is no way those flypasts would have been authorised as part of a delivery sortie. So why fly any more? All things must come to an end and this was a really superb way to do it.

[Krystal n chips]

How times have changed -‘appetite for risk’. I remember the day that an ‘expired’ Vulcan was landed on the grass at Halton.
Well if ‘it’ gets damaged, then it’s a suitable subject for training recovery and repairs.
But not necessarily a situation befitting the valued service of a Tornado.




The Vulcans and the Comet were all used for ground run training at one time so their " arrival " didn't have any long lasting damaging effects.

There's an irony, as others have said, about getting the airframes to Cosford, if that's the intention, because in a different era, BA landed a 707 and a 1-11 there plus a few other large airframes were also flown in. However, the VC10 carried out 2, presumably trial approaches, and then went home to Brize before coming back later by road.

[Easy Street]

There's an irony, as others have said, about getting the airframes to Cosford, if that's the intention, because in a different era, BA landed a 707 and a 1-11 there plus a few other large airframes were also flown in. However, the VC10 carried out 2, presumably trial approaches, and then went home to Brize before coming back later by road.

Why would there be any irony there? It depends on what the ODM says the stopping distance is in the intended and possible emergency conditions. There is no way that a Tornado can be stopped 'brakes only' at Cosford with any amount of diversion fuel on board. That makes a safe landing contingent on deployment of thrust reverse or engaging an arrestor cable. Systems aren't engineered to the same levels of assurance in combat aircraft as in airliners, and Kandahar 2009 reminded us that while cables may be good enough as a contingency for rare failures or when there's no acceptable operational mitigation, they are not infallible. If the 707 had a good primary and secondary stopping option then all power to its elbow.

If it was all done on the hope that a simplex system worked as intended then I can only point to the steep decline in accident rates per flying hour since the era of such exploits and say that I am not in favour of returning to those days.

[Bob Viking]

Now you’ve done it. Pure heresy I tell you.

The accepted facts on here are that everything was far better in the good old days.

I absolutely agree with you by the way.

BV

[Flyeruk]

How times have changed -‘appetite for risk’. I remember the day that an ‘expired’ Vulcan was landed on the grass at Halton.
Well if ‘it’ gets damaged, then it’s a suitable subject for training recovery and repairs.
But not necessarily a situation befitting the valued service of a Tornado.


Does anyone have any pictures of that event?

[tartare]

I thought you needed 20/20 vision to be a pilot! ;)

TSR.2 is one ugly beast. The Tornado by comparison is stunning. The F.3 even more so.... a lean, mean, fighting machine.......

I always thought the TSR2 looked very Thunderbirds - espec. with those downturned wingtips.
By contrast - the mighty fin's fin was, well, a little too mighty.
Why?
Would it have yawed like a bastard if it was any smaller?

[Krystal n chips]

" If it was all done on the hope that a simplex system worked as intended then I can only point to the steep decline in accident rates per flying hour since the era of such exploits and say that I am not in favour of returning to those days "

Which actually supports what I said with the my use of the word irony given these arrivals were in a different era and one I am far from nostalgic for.

[TEEEJ]

Does anyone have any pictures of that event?

https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/496550-vulcans-sixty-year-anniversary-tour-where-isn-t-going-2.html#post7438788

https://www.pprune.org/7437087-post14.html

http://97th.org.uk/images/vulcan.jpg

[BVRAAM]

The Station Commander made it absolutely clear that there will be no more Tornado flying after March 14th, when I met him in February, which surprised me because I knew they had to remain Combat Ready until the 1st of April..
Jets that are being preserved will be delivered to their final destinations by road.

[just another jocky]

Stopping a clean GR4 in that distance with TR would be no problem at all. If Rev/Rev doesn't appear for whatever reason it would be rather tense.

An approach end cable engagement is more reassuring.

Trials were done many years ago. Fit included tanks & outboard pods (simulating RTB from a war sortie) and the average stopping distance was, I think, around 2200ft using pre-selected full thrust reverse technique with max braking. Not sure of the wind conditions, but the conclusion was that an average sqn pilot should manage <2500ft. Yes, a Rev caption would arouse ones interest which is why it was only considered as an option returning to a base that was operating MOS following an enemy strike.

Peacetime runway minimas when I was there were 6000ft plus a cable or 7500ft without.

[Just This Once...]

JAJ, I only intended to agree with you and yes, relying on TR is a fools errand. In the mid-90s a bunch of heavyweight landing profiles were looked at again due to op requirements as well as the repeated NWS issues. PATR made no discernible difference to average landing roll when compared to just PALD with manual TR. For short runways the app end cable was the most assured means of recovery and for a brief period we did repeated engagements at Marham to produce data for wear rates. As an aside, the II(AC) jets operating from the line had repeated problems dropping the hook; a problem that went away with the move to the HAS site and the routine shutdown hook-drop.

I gather the F3 used the app end cable on the short runway at MPA with reasonable frequency, taking away variables with TR, NWS and the howling crosswind.

[Onceapilot]

Hmm, saw the Jag display jet land and turn off at 1800' on 27 at Bruggen in '86. Tyres deflated. ;)
I think it is wise to practice with lots of margin and save your luck for a rainy day. Would be pretty poor show to crash a jet at Cosford, OTOH I am sure an average Tonka pilot would be fine, especially with a temporary RHAG. :)

OAP

[Tiger G]

This is key. To my mind the Tornado Force have handled this whole episode exquisitely. Events for public consumption followed by an immaculate parade, flypast and dinner to round off the aircraft’s service. There were around 1,000 there to witness the last see-in, having moments before exited from the parade. Any more flying after that would just be rather undignified and there is no way those flypasts would have been authorised as part of a delivery sortie. So why fly any more? All things must come to an end and this was a really superb way to do it.

Although I hear what you are saying in that respect, I still think there should have been some opportunities for the togs to get their pics of the newly painted Tornado's in their natural environment..........at very low level in the loop / Lakes / Moffat, wings swept, burners in (optional !). The fact that the jets and crews weren't given that opportunity is absolutely criminal in my humble opinion :mad:

Memories fade, but photographs last a lifetime !!

[typerated]

Although I hear what you are saying in that respect, I still think there should have been some opportunities for the togs to get their pics of the newly painted Tornado's in their natural environment..........at very low level in the loop / Lakes / Moffat, wings swept, burners in (optional !). The fact that the jets and crews weren't given that opportunity is absolutely criminal in my humble opinion :mad:

Memories fade, but photographs last a lifetime !!

Whats a 'Tog'?

Tornado's were bombing round the low level system for best part of 40 years - I think you had a bit of a chance to get a photo or two.

[Tiger G]

Whats a 'Tog'?

Tornado's were bombing round the low level system for best part of 40 years - I think you had a bit of a chance to get a photo or two.

A "tog" is a plane spotter. The people who's photographs have helped immortalize this iconic jet.

The Tonka's painted up especially for the disbandment didn't go through the loop, as there has been a ban on low level sorties through there since last year. Hence there are no decent pics of them doing what they do best :(

[Jerry Atrick]

'Tis only a rumour, but I have been told the BAE maintenance contract extends beyond April 1 and some may go to Boscombe? Maybe it isn't grounded just yet.

[BVRAAM]

A "tog" is a plane spotter. The people who's photographs have helped immortalize this iconic jet.

The Tonka's painted up especially for the disbandment didn't go through the loop, as there has been a ban on low level sorties through there since last year. Hence there are no decent pics of them doing what they do best :(

Of course, the Mach Loop isn't the only LFA in the UK and I recall both the Goldstar and the Bat going LL in the Lake District. I certainly saw photos of the Goldstar jet.

That is until a very senior officer banned TGRF from low-level completely in January, hence why the camo jet never went LL in that scheme.

[Treble one]

Dont ETPS/Qinetiq have a GR4 for their courses?

[frodo_monkey]

Dont ETPS/Qinetiq have a GR4 for their courses?

No, was borrowed from the FL.

[typerated]

A "tog" is a plane spotter. The people who's photographs have helped immortalize this iconic jet.
:(


Pure gold - I never realised how important they were.

Hope they get paid well for this important work :)

[Alchad]

Pure gold - I never realised how important they were.

Hope they get paid well for this important work :)

I did it for free, great hobby in retirement.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/am1b7941_9466ed6ac31090f212d6431c58857c7d633768ca.jpg

[Evalu8ter]

Jerry,
I fail to see the rationale for GR4s going to Boscombe unless there a very specific reason for a trial (possibly weapons/sensor related); AFAIK it could be operated under a QARL with BAES support, but there would need to be some very big cheques signed! QQ have been brutal in chopping their ex-military fleet to save money, and to rationalise their aircraft as civil-registered wherever possible.

[Treble one]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1137x640/fb_img_1551605922457_8c78e8c297e4ce6f17b3bebc1af368aea1bbd88 2.jpg
A remarkable display at near minumums on a filthy day.

[NutLoose]

Same at Cosford Treble, some of mine, nice scheme.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4198/35127144632_c1b07ec30b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Vw4NhG)
Tornado side on pass (https://flic.kr/p/Vw4NhG) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4225/35127161242_f351b25c4a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Vw4Te5)
Tornado gear down roll (https://flic.kr/p/Vw4Te5) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4252/34483633823_9a64249fd7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UxcCWK)
Tornado high speed pass (https://flic.kr/p/UxcCWK) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4254/35163706371_f6fe88603f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VzibPv)
Tornado pulling G rear (https://flic.kr/p/VzibPv) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4236/35127151992_9ffa707728_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Vw4QtA)
Tornado pulling G (https://flic.kr/p/Vw4QtA) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

[Treble one]

Thank you for your 'considerably better than mine' photos NutLoose. A fine looking aircraft expertly flown.

[NutLoose]

Yours is just as good as mine, don't put yourself down like that :)

[Chris Kebab]

'Tis only a rumour, but I have been told the BAE maintenance contract extends beyond April 1 and some may go to Boscombe? Maybe it isn't grounded just yet.
..where did your rumour originate from Jerry?

I would say the chances of a GR4 flying at Boscombe is a choice between "not a cat in hell's chance" and "absolutely not a cat in hell's chance"!

[Vendee]

Yours is just as good as mine, don't put yourself down like that :)

Some very nice photos from Alchad, Treble one and Nutty.

[Treble one]

Yours is just as good as mine, don't put yourself down like that :)

Thank you.

[Treble one]

Some very nice photos from Alchad, Treble one and Nutty.
Thank you. Good photos peppering the thread. Thanks for sharing everyone.

[gareth herts]

Thank you. Good photos peppering the thread. Thanks for sharing everyone.

Here are 500+ more (all for free!) from the very beginning to the very end.

Enjoy!

Farewell Tornado ? Tornado Tails | GAR - We've got aviation covered (http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2019/03/19/farewell-tornado-tornado-tails/)

[Thunderbird167]

Errmmm, preserved isn't how I would describe all of those on the list

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/858/41830668030_eea1e3dc15_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26Jr7fj)
Panavia Tornado F3 - ZE204 (https://flic.kr/p/26Jr7fj) by Liam Daniels (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54184803@N05/), on Flickr

Very much preserved now as it went on display at the North East Airl Land and Sea Museum in Sunderland in September 2021
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x1200/ze204_nelsam_aug_2021_606355e4024c18a14ba66f570eab4dd4dddfc5 23.jpg

[dctyke]

What happened to the pitot probe in the 2nd pic?

[typerated]

Got to get below the motorway?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965609048_662b5552ee_h.jpg