Tornado's at Exercise Frisian Flag 2017, Leeuwarden Airbase

[Wildweasel52]

Hi folks,

Some sneak previews of the Tornado GR.4 from the Marham Wing preparing for take off.
In my opinion still a beautiful aircraft and sadly not a very long life ahead


Cheers,
Reinier

1. Tornado GR.4, Marham Wing rolls towards runway.
Panavia Tornado GR.4, RAF, Marham Wing by Reinier Bergsma, on Flickr

2. Two Tornado GR.4's from the Marham Wing ready to rumble.
Panavia Tornado GR.4, RAF, Marham Wing by Reinier Bergsma, on Flickr

3. Tornado GR.4 from the Marham Wing waits clearence for take off.
Panavia Tornado GR.4, RAF, Marham Wing by Reinier Bergsma, on Flickr

4. A Tornado GR.4 from the Marham Wing moments before touchdown at Leeuwarden airbase.
Panavia Tornado GR.4, RAF, Marham Wing by Reinier Bergsma, on Flickr


Cheers!
Reinier

[F3]

V.nice pics of an iconic aircraft which will soon be consigned to the dustbin of history in the UK. Think they look naked w/out squadron markings.

[david14]

Nice to see the RAF participating at FF for the second year running. I suppose, the issue is that some of these jets have been in front line service for over 30 years - and the nature/requirements of the combat role have changed significantly

[slogen51]

Loving shot one.

They are legend but 30 years is a long time - for how long were phantoms and Lightnings in RAF service - a lot less i bet.

[grimly aviation pics]

[quote="Wildweasel52"]Hi folks,

Some sneak previews of the Tornado GR.4 from the Marham Wing preparing for take off.
In my opinion still a beautiful aircraft and sadly not a very long life ahead


Cheers,
Reinier

Dont suppose you have call signs for the week do u reinier

[slogen51]

Today Monday 3/4 they used Norman - one went tech on the runway in the morning sortie so Norman was a three ship and a pair in the afternoon.

[tonkatom]

Fantastic set

[jaydean]

Are these ex 15 Sqn Tonkas not assigned to a squadron now then?

[captain scarlet]

Very nice

[sschofield]

Today Monday 3/4 they used Norman - one went tech on the runway in the morning sortie so Norman was a three ship and a pair in the afternoon.

Was also a 3-ship on the Thursday morning, possibly for the same reason? (And I think only 2 flew on Thursday afternoon!)

[Stroudy]

Excellent pictures. Probably the most capable (admittedly old) precision bomber in the world now ironically at the peak of its performance in terms of modifications and ability... yet typically about to be binned. Listening to the pilots at a 41 Sqd tour last year singing its praises and weapons capabilities made me realise how much life its got left, what it can do compared to everyone elses bomb trucks and how waay far behind it the Typhoon is right now.

The RAF should keep one flying.

[josh sykes]

Excellent set of pics ..

[paddyboy]

Hi Buddy

Awesome pics

Not sure if she is beautiful, but.......

She's a WARRIOR

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[slogen51]

They may not be beautiful but they are loud!

Great pics

[Knife 04]

Very nice pictures in some sunshine!

She's a WARRIOR

That about sums them up - good description Mr W!

All the best

Darreb

[MattMckie]

Great set of pics!

[panta615]

Goldstars finest. Love it.

Dave

[Wildweasel52]

Thanx everybody for watching and the kind feedback. Let's make some more nice shots and movies of this humble bird while we still can!

[LTFT5]

Hi Reinier,
Again apologies I seemed to have missed this great post.
Stunning photography of this classic jet.
All the best
Andy

[Wildweasel52]

hahaha, apologies accepted Andy:-)