Well the Tornado GR1 is officially historic now so I thought I’d share a couple of photos with the Jet boys and girls amongst you!
These were taken today at the Defence and Distribution centre near Bicester, Oxfordshire. The aircraft is Tornado GR1 ZA319.
Standing there looking at this machine got me reminiscing, and I realised that it was the Tornado that got me hooked with the aviation bug. I remember long ago the first one I saw was P.02 XX946 and even though I was young the memory of it roaring down a wet runway is still fresh in my mind. So I couldn’t help feeling a bit sad to see this aircraft’s flying days have come to an end, but consoled myself with the fact that the GR4 will be around for many years to come.
Enjoy, Plazz
By: Plazz - 19th August 2004 at 21:28
adwwebber,
The Tornado Prototype P.02 XX946 moved from Hendon to Cosford on the 3rd of March 2003. And the Tornado in my original post is GR1 ZA319 at Bicester. Sorry for any confusion caused.
Regards Plazz
By: adwwebber - 19th August 2004 at 00:15
So which aircraft is at Bicester you both claim different ones XX946 isnt at Cosford
By: Plazz - 18th August 2004 at 19:35
These are the complete airframes on display around the UK. There are dozens of grounded Tornadoes in various states of disrepair around the country but most are not viewable by the public.
Tornado GR1 XZ630 is on the gate at RAF Halton.
Tornado GR1B XZ630 is at Duxford.
Tornado F3 ZE760 is on the gate at RAF Coningsby.
Tornado GR1 ZA457 is at Hendon.
Tornado GR1 ZA407 is earmarked for the gate at RAF Marham.
Tornado GR1 ZA319 is on the gate at the D&D Centre, Bicestor.
Tornado P.02 XX946 is at Cosford.
Tornado GR1B ZA475 is on the gate at RAF Lossiemouth.
Plazz
By: adwwebber - 17th August 2004 at 23:19
If they are, i’ll be there helping ! Maybe we ought to start a preservation group now in anticipation ?
By: Dez - 17th August 2004 at 22:43
Do you think in 40 years we will be bringing em in and replacing them with Fibre glass replicas! 😉
By: adwwebber - 17th August 2004 at 22:36
I certainly am sad to see this. Concieved in the same year as me, the Tornado has always been one of my favourites.
Maybe in a few more years i’ll be posting some of my many pics of them on here.
Odd she isnt in her original wrap around scheme. Never mind, almost certainly the first of many Tornado gate guards to come.
I presume she is stripped of most of her inards and engines and certainly looks better for a coat of paint.
Can anyone clarify for me how many examples are now musuemed or preserved now ?
Isnt there an F2 nose at Elvington, certain i saw it there last year with a Bucc canopy on it.
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August 17, 2004 at 9:35 pm