One of the RAF’s most successful fast jet aircraft has completed 17 years defending British interests in the South Atlantic while continuing to maintain the integrity of UK airspace.
The Tornado F3 fighters of 111(F) Squadron based at RAF Leuchars in Scotland have provided air defence cover from the Faroe Islands to the Falkland Islands by patrolling UK and NATO Air Policing Area One and by providing aircraft and manpower for 1435 Flight at Mount Pleasant Airfield.
Now in its twilight years, armed F3s and their crews nonetheless maintain a quick reaction alert (QRA) capability 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year to counter any airborne threat in two areas on opposite ends of the globe.
In order to fulfil The RAF’s important and enduring duty – notwithstanding current operations in Afghanistan –the defence of the UK and control of the air surrounding the Falkland Islands the F3s have a remit to take off or ‘scramble’ within a few minutes to intercept any aircraft that enters the airspace without proper authorisation.
Tornado F3 Weapons Systems Officer Flight Lieutenant Sarah Carmichael (28), from Edinburgh said flying over such hostile yet beautiful terrain was a major challenge.
She said: “When you are on QRA duty it’s more of a lifestyle than a job and from a flying perspective the weather down here is a major factor as it can change dramatically from minute-to minute.”
The aircraft are supported by a team of military personnel that operate a network of air defence radars and provide air surveillance information as well as the command and control of any scrambled fighters.
Four Tornado F3s will remain based in the South Atlantic until the autumn when they will be replaced by the Typhoon, the RAF’s latest multi-role combat aircraft, on a one-for-one basis.
The handover will be a historic moment for the veteran fighter which first deployed to the South Atlantic in 1988 to replace the Phantom F1.
Squadron Leader Martin Higgins Officer Commanding 1435 Flight said: “In many ways you could regard the Falkland Islands as the ‘spiritual home,’ of the Tornado F3 having served down here for so long.
“Its also significant for 111 Squadron personnel as their predecessors were one of the first units out here to operate Tornados with 1435 Flight and will be the last out.”
The deployed Tornado F3s will then be dismantled in the Falkland Islands before being flown back to the UK where they will be ‘recycled,’ and used as spare parts for the Tornado GR4 aircraft currently operating in support of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, 111(F) Squadron will continue to support UK operations as part of Northern QRA. The Tornado F3 Force will finally stand down in 2011.
