RAF Germany high - vis tail trials

[F3]

In the late '80s following a spate of mid - air collisions over Germany the RAF experimented by painting the tails of some jets in high - vis colours red, blue(?), white + yellow as I recall. Here is the only pic I have of this applied to a XV Sqn. Tornado GR1 which visited Leeming in Aug. '90 during the Gulf War work -up. I did, however also see a IX Sqn. example with white fin on approach to Cottesmore the previous year. I am wondering if anyone else has any pics of these which they would like to share.
These should not be confused with the 75th. Anniversary schemes which were also then appearing or the squadron colours applied to a number of IV Sqn. Harriers for a goodwill visit. If you have any please feel free to add to this thread.

RAFG - EA XV Sqn. (hi - vis sch) Aug' '90 Leeming by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[james baker]

9 SQ GR 1 VISITING CBY SPRING 19912 ND TRY by james baker, on Flickr

Hi Micheal only ever shot this 9 SQ jet departing Coningsby circa spring 90 heading back to Bruggen ?very interesting topic hope you get more replys regards James

[paddyboy]

Cracking pair of Tonka togs

Thanks for posting guys

Paddyboy

[F3]

9 SQ GR 1 VISITING CBY SPRING 19912 ND TRY by james baker, on Flickr

Hi Micheal only ever shot this 9 SQ jet departing Coningsby circa spring 90 heading back to Bruggen ?very interesting topic hope you get more replys regards James

Thanks very much James. Wonder if that's the one I saw going into Cottesmore in '89. Rather surprised these schemes lingered on post Gulf War.

[F3]

The jet in the high vis scheme was followed out by this one in a 75th. Ann. scheme. Hence my comment on the need to avoid confusion. 15 yrs later when XV was the OCU they painted the 2 display ships in a similar scheme but this was the original.

RAFG - Tornado GR1 ZA549 EZ XV Sqn. Ann. '90 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[The Phantom]

Great photos of hardcore Tonka action

[Drinkmat]

Nice Tornado photographs. I'd be very interested to see photos of the Harrier conspicuity trial aircraft from those days.

[F3]

Nice Tornado photographs. I'd be very interested to see photos of the Harrier conspicuity trial aircraft from those days.

These are much rarer as the RAFG Harriers did nt get over here like the Tonkas did but here's one in the background of a pic I found and scanned earlier.

RAFG - Harroer GR3 XZ 130 H 3 Sqn. Gutersloh by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[paddyboy]

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[mark edwards]

I posted these on another thread last year which doesnt seem to work anymore. Probably more appropriate here anyway. This is 'EA' at Laarbruch in the summer of 1989. I didnt realise the reason for the red tail until today so thanks for that.

Tornado 1 by Mark Edwards, on Flickr

Tornado2 by Mark Edwards, on Flickr

Tornado 6 by Mark Edwards, on Flickr

Tornado 4 by Mark Edwards, on Flickr

Tornado 3 by Mark Edwards, on Flickr

[tommc]

ZA446 at Laarbruch

[TAFFEVANS]

I think it was only 15Sqn who took part in the trials from Laarbruch with 'F' 'EA' & lastly ZA468:EN. ZA468 didn't last long though as it was written off 20.7.89 on take-off from Laarbruch en-route to the UK (St Athan I think) for a major overhaul! Photo taken 25.1.89
Tornado GR1 ZA468.EN 15Sqn Laarbruch 25.1.89 w.o.20.7.89 by Hywel Evans, on Flickr

[F3]

Thanks for that Taff. Did nt realise XV Sqn. had 3 different a/c with red tails altho' a couple of the other pics posted did give cause to wonder. All useful info. Pity that nearly all the pics posted so far are of the red tail as i'd be very interested in seeing one of a yellow tail.

[Evergreen 44]

Happy memories of seeing RAF special colour tail Torns and also German F4s through the 'gap' low level route near Leeming / A1around that time.
I think the Germans did similar conspicuity trials for low-level work in Canada out of CFB Cold Lake as they had the same vis. problem.
It was the first time we could tie them back to specific a/c with sightings/photos.
Happy days.

[Maurits37]

Nice colorful Tonka shots! I remember some more RAFG Tonka sqns did have white and red tails, ZA395/N from 2sqn was a white one as well ZD740/DA from 31sq, ZD845/AF from IXsq got a red tail in 89.

[tornado17]

I was at Bruggen at the time these tails appeared. I remember one of the mid airs was with a West German AF Alpha Jet. Shortly after, we had an Alpha at Bruggen whereupon it was placed at various angles to a Tonka to find where the blind spots were.

[F3]

I was at Bruggen at the time these tails appeared. I remember one of the mid airs was with a West German AF Alpha Jet. Shortly after, we had an Alpha at Bruggen whereupon it was placed at various angles to a Tonka to find where the blind spots were.

Interesting. I think it was that mid air which led to these trials.

[tornado17]

I think it was now I've thought about it more and I believe it was fatal for the Tonka crew unfortunately. My mate was one of the crash site guards and I remember him saying they had trouble with locals wanting to photograph the site close up.

[Aquattro]

After the 13 Jan 1989 collision of Tornado GR.1 ZD891 with a Luftwaffe Alpha Jet, a total of 10 RAFG Tornado received coloured tails.
Anyone can help me with photo proof of the following?
- ZD709/AH of 9 Sqn (white tail)
- ZD792/CF of 17 Sqn (red tail)
- ZA552/X of 2 Sqn (white tail)

Many thanks!

[haveblue]

Can't remember seeing any of these hi-viz tails, but they did look good adding that splash of colour. Thanks for posting.