Tornado final weeks info

[LN Strike Eagle]

Seen a message on Twitter saying that yesterday was the last flight for 10 of the 11 jets involved, including the camo, 31 and Marham tails.

Anyone able to verify that? Strikes me as a little odd when there's still an enthusiast day and the final disbandment parade to go? Especially considering two planned flights for it on the UK tour were scrubbed last week?

Anyone know for sure?

[saint1]

Just posted a short clip of yesterdays Diamond 9 in the video section for those interested or couldn't make it on the day

[XR713]

That's Look East for you, normally totally inaccurate and only interested in sensationalism.

[Blackjack56]

The amount of people who turned up proves just how loved the Tonka is,a brilliant day and well organised,thank's to the land owner and of course the RAF but a shame we missed the good weather by one day,still it didn't dampen our spirits did it?.truly the end of an era.

[lardyboy999]

I'm hoping there will be a few flying next week, as that's the only darn time off I've got.......


Ha, it's says "darn" rather than what I typed.....sums it up.

[planenutter]

I'm hoping there will be a few flying next week, as that's the only darn time off I've got.......


Ha, it's says "darn" rather than what I typed.....sums it up.

Likewise. The only time I could get off was next week. I'm down from Kendal next week for 5 days and hoping I might catch one more.

[PeteHemsley]

According to the CO, only 1 jet flying on the 8th and 1 on the 14th

[planenutter]

According to the CO, only 1 jet flying on the 8th and 1 on the 14th

That's a shame. Looks like I've missed my opportunity to catch my last glimpse of one.

[DavidT]

Following the retirement of the RAF Phantom in the early 90s, Flt Lt. Mark Mainwaring of 74 Sqd produced for sale two excellent videos as a tribute to its passing.
Is it a forlorn hope that someone at Marham, with the same access, might have done something similar, covering the last months of the Tornado.
Bet it would sell out in a blink.

[JulesG]

Following on on comments on what next for the old ladies. The CO as he walked the impressive line of viewers, mentioned that 2 or 3 frames for Cosford to join the Jags, plus 1 for the museum. One will top a pole at Honington. When asked about the rest and they will to RTP, he confirmed that that is the plan further commenting that decommissioning aircraft for museums is expensive and costs tax payers money. He also confirmed that all for RTP will be roaded out..... As above, maybe a handful of sorties but for operational reasons couldn't comment before the singleton farewell flight on 14th. He also noted his last Tonka flight was on the 3 ship tour earlier in the week, and he will miss them.


Again, congrats to the RAF for the organisation, and the kind farmer for providing parking and access to the fence line. Sad to see the spoilers blocking field access and the dangerous parking, whilst those that walked across fields and trampled crops shame on you.

[saint1]

Thurs 28th was the last Tornado flight for many of those crews Clip of Camo ZG752 put in Video section of forum for those interested.

[Blue Diamond]

Thurs 28th was the last Tornado flight for many of those crews Clip of Camo ZG752 put in Video section of forum for those interested.

Been fairly busy today though. Four airframes flew a total of six missions between them.

[saint1]

Thurs 28th was the last Tornado flight for many of those crews Clip of Camo ZG752 put in Video section of forum for those interested.

Been fairly busy today though. Four airframes flew a total of six missions between them.

Nice, make the most of it though, 9 days left in service

[Vulcanone]

Slightly longer if you take into account the official RAF Out of Service date is 31st March

[Campbell89]

Slightly longer if you take into account the official RAF Out of Service date is 31st March

Pretty sure the Station Commander confirmed the last Tornado flight is on 14th March. Could be wrong though, wouldn’t be the first time!

[saint1]

Slightly longer if you take into account the official RAF Out of Service date is 31st March

True in theory, but won't be flying right up to OSD!

[Vulcanone]

Even if they don't fly after the Sqns disband on the 14th. They are still (technically) available till the 31st should the need arise.

[Mike@Heathrow]

Seen doing an approach & low fly-by at East Midlands yesterday mid-afternoon was ZA587, probably the last time I will see this type flying,after starting seeing them in Germany at Bruggen & Laarbruch.

[tornado43]

ZD716 currently up around north of York 11.35 am local.

[Pat Murphy]

ZD716 currently up around north of York 11.35 am local.

Just Pd'd to Liverpool and flew straight over my house near St Asaph