Typhoon codes

[xrig]

Since the Typhoons moved from Leuchars I have not been seeing as many as I would like but on a recent visit to Lossiemouth I noted they now use their serial numbers as tail codes. My question is when did this start and for what reason. I hope someone can help. Thanks Jim

[Steven]

It started last year I believe. The reason is similar to that of when the RAF Tornado's lost their marks - pooling of the fleet and combat operations.

[Ghastly Whisper]

or somebody making a change to get promotion

[xrig]

Thank you for the replies.
Jim

[RJ51]

The use of the last three of the serial as a code on the Typhoon fleet started in March this year. The reason, I am led to believe, is that on a Lossiemouth based Squadron they had two aircraft with the same code. Some work was required on one of the two aircraft then 'sharing' that code. The work was carried out. However, when the aircraft was next required for a sortie it was found to have the same fault which was supposed to have been fixed.
As you have guessed when it was looked into the work had been done on the 'other' aircraft with the same code.

The use of the last three of the serial will avoid this confusion which can only be welcomed.

However, this change, and the seemingly relentless removal of Squadron insignia on both the Typhoon and the dwindling number of Tornados, does not bode well for the enthusiast interested in aircraft identified as belonging a specific squadron in our reduced front line.

[Agent K]

I would have assumed that maintenance, flight and aircraft documentation would already have been held against aircraft registration rather than tail code? which is unique and thus avoiding any issues in the first place.

Agreed that the lot for the enthusiast is far worse than when I started as a kid in the 70's with now fewer relentlessly dull grey Tornados, Typhoons and soon F35's.

At the very least if the squadron commanders aircraft were done properly, rather like the anniversary aircraft of the past few years it would be something.

[plmc135]

The use of the last three of the serial as a code on the Typhoon fleet started in March this year. The reason, I am led to believe, is that on a Lossiemouth based Squadron they had two aircraft with the same code. Some work was required on one of the two aircraft then 'sharing' that code. The work was carried out. However, when the aircraft was next required for a sortie it was found to have the same fault which was supposed to have been fixed.
As you have guessed when it was looked into the work had been done on the 'other' aircraft with the same code.

The use of the last three of the serial will avoid this confusion which can only be welcomed.

However, this change, and the seemingly relentless removal of Squadron insignia on both the Typhoon and the dwindling number of Tornados, does not bode well for the enthusiast interested in aircraft identified as belonging a specific squadron in our reduced front line.

It started earlier than March, I noted ZK320 being towed from the paint hangars to the TMF with just a code of "320" on the fin on 02/02/17.

[toom317]

[quote="Agent K"]I would have assumed that maintenance, flight and aircraft documentation would already have been held against aircraft registration rather than tail code? which is unique and thus avoiding any issues in the first place.[quote]

Don't know if it is still the same now, but the maintenance book held on the flightline would have an aircrafts tailcode on the cover or spine of the folder. It was normal to say "go and do this, that, or the other to"XX". That's where the confusion may have come from.

When the Tornados were given three number tail codes, ZD996 should have been"116". The next aircraft in the sequence was ZE116 and should have been coded "117". However these two were swapped to avoid any confusion as to which 116 was being referred to.

[Agent K]

Thanks Toom317, interesting stuff.