Tuesday, 23 December 2008
RAF Jaguar GR3A XZ117
This picture is my Xmas 2009 treat for you.
RAF Jaguar GR3A XZ117 coded "ES" in 6 Sqn colours is shown here overshooting RNAS Yeovilton back in November 2006 just a few months before the type was withdrawn from RAF use. Although wearing 6 Sqn colours this aircraft was operating with the QinetiQ test fleet at Boscombe Down.
I love the way the undercarriage gear is turning as it rotates to fit into the wheel well.
The Jaguar entered service with the RAF back in 1973 and this particualr Jaguar was built at BAe Warton and first flew on 29.4.1976 and so is 30 years old in this photo. The aircraft has a build number of S 118 - UK single seater 118.
XZ117 was modified to Jaguar GR3A standard and this included updating the aircraft's twin Adour turbofan engines with the Mk106 engine so giving greater fuel economy and more power in high ambient temperatures.
I first saw this Jaguar when it was brand new as it was displayed in the static park at International Air Tattoo held at RAF Greenham Common on 31.7.1976 - at that time it was coded "E" of 41 Sqn.
Link to photo of XZ117 41 Sqn "E" taken at RAF Greenham Common on 31.7.1976
XZ117 - RAF Service
first flew 29.4.1976
delivered to RAF 28.5.1976
seen with 41 Sqn coded "E" 31.7.1976
seen with 54 Sqn coded "GG" in 1992
seen with 6 Sqn coded "EP" 23.7.1999
seen with 41 Sqn coded "FB" in 4.2006
seen with QinetiQ coded "ES" 6.11.2006 and 29.6.2007
believed withdrawn from use and parked at Boscombe Down by 2007
The Jag fleet was finally from the RAF in 2007.
Sunday, 14 December 2008
RAF Fairford in
At the end of September 2008 the first members of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing ( EAW
140 EAW lead by Wing Commander Torben Harris will have the duty to bring “fast jet
For the purpose of this exercise 140 EAW deployed to the normally vacate southern
This area was to represent a disused bare base and the job of 140 EAW was to turn this
Everything had to be put in place ranging from the basics such as securing a supply of
Once the Deployed Operating Base ( DOB ) had been built and was operational the air
To help represent the
Deployed Tornado GR4/GR4A aircraft at Exercise Crown Condor table
ZA473 no Code 12 Sqn
ZA543 Code "FF" 12 Sqn - Special 12 Sqn tail markings 1915-2005
ZA556 Code "047" - no Sqn markings
ZD843 Code "106" 15 Sqn
ZD847 Code "108" - no Sqn markings
ZD850 Code "111" - no Sqn markings
ZG727 Code "126" and "AJ-J" 617 Sqn markings - Note GR4A
ZG729 Code "127" 13 Sqn markings - Note GR4A
The Swedish deployment was led by Lt Col Anders Segerby wing commander of F17
The primary mission of 171 Sqn is reconnaissance and air to surface operations. The unit
Deployed JAS 39C / D Gripen aircraft at Exercise Crown Condor table
39209 JAS39C code "209" 2 missile markings under cockpit
39210 JAS39C code "210" PRI tail marking - Priority use re flight hours
39221 JAS39C code "221" Small “Red Flag” badge on tail
39229 JAS39C code "229"
39230 JAS39C code "230" PRI tail marking - Priority use re flight hours
39267 JAS39C code "267"
39823 JAS39D code "823"
The aircraft and crews from 171 Sqn are part of the Swedish Air Force Rapid Reaction