Are Tornado aircraft still in service?

Tornado has been a vital part of air forces from the day it went in to service in 1979; through a combination of upgrade packages and capability improvements Tornado is just as important today as it was then. The aircraft is currently in active service for the RAF in Iraq and Syria.

How many Tornado aircraft does the UK have?

But following the retirement earlier this year of the last of the Air Force’s beloved Tornados, the UK’s 17 Lightnings are part of a forward available fleet of just 119 fast attack jets, down 43 per cent from 210 in 2007. It leaves the air force smaller than at any time since its creation during the First World War.

What happened RAF Tornado navigators?

The Tornado will be officially retired from service at the end of March and will only be used for training purposes over the UK in the intervening period. This model is available from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

Does the RAF still use Harriers?

Replacement. During 2010, it was announced that the RAF and RN would retire their remaining Harriers by 2011, and in December 2010 the RAF’s Harrier GR9s made their last operational flights.

When did Tornado enter RAF service?

First flown in November 1985, and in training use with No 229 OCU at Coningsby from July 1986, the Tornado F. 3 entered Squadron service (No 29 Squadron RAF Coningsby) in April 1987, that squadron being declared NATO operational in November 1987 after the usual ‘working up’ period to refine tactics etc.

What does an RAF navigator do?

Navigator. The navigator was responsible for keeping the aircraft on course at all times, reaching the target and then the home base. He had to maintain a high level of concentration for virtually the whole of the flight, which could be up to seven hours.

Where were RAF Tornados based?

31 Squadron respectively. On 31 January 2019, the Tornado GR4 flew its last operational sorties in Operation Shader. The eight Tornados formerly stationed at RAF Akrotiri returned to RAF Marham in early February 2019, their duties assumed by six Typhoons.