QRA

[Jason36]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MoD_Boscombe_Down

In October 2007, it was announced that RAF Boscombe Down would become a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) airfield from early 2008, offering round-the-clock fighter coverage for the South and South West of UK airspace.

Was front line aircraft ever based there for this.

[EGDR]

I don't believe so, reading the source article I can see why Wiki says what it says, but BD along with the other airfields the article mentions were only designated as alternate operating locations for QRA should a need arise, rather than permanent stations. Boscombe Down gained the designation after St Mawgan was wound down.

[Jason36]

Thanks

[A&AEE]

We only had QRA for the London Olympics. All the briefings stated it would be Typhoons, but in the end it became Tornado F3s’.

[Mark]

Weren't the F3's retired the month before?

[A&AEE]

They were definitely there. Biggest problem was which was the save way to point them when arming - Porton Down, Boscombe Down new estate, suddenly it’s crowded.

[DavieB]

No operational F3s in 2012 (final sqn sortie 2011) - but Boscombe still had three (?) that finally flew into that scrapheap in the sky in mid 2012, but they were nothing to do with Olympics QRA.

[mushbuster]

Last ever flight of the last flying RAF F3s was on 9 July 2012 from Boscombe to Leeming where they were disposed of. ZE203, ZE961 and ZE794 were the final 3 that made that trip to the breakers. The 2012 Olympics started 2 weeks later. Boscombe are reported as flight testing the Meteor missile, perhaps that was what the forward firing munitions bearing issues were.
Photo of the final flight here https://www.flickr.com/photos/79734127@ ... otostream/