(Image: Dutch Simba)
In the world of post-war military fighter jets, the Tornado F3 is remembered as one of the less remarkable aircraft operated by the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. Never considered by many to be a true replacement for its ageing but high-performance predecessor the English Electric Lightning – certainly in terms of raw power and performance – or indeed the F-4 Phantom, the air defence variant (ADV) of Panavia’s more impressive interdictor/strike aircraft nevertheless matured into a reliable and respected interceptor.
But a combination of its lackluster reputation and commonality of parts with the still-operational Tornado GR4 meant that the vast majority of F3 airframes were reduced to produce (RTP – spares recovered and scrapped) upon the type’s retirement in 2012. As a result, few survive today, despite efforts by some smaller, private museums to secure one.
(Image: Steven Straiton)
Of the handful of Tornado F3 airframes that did escape scrapping, only two are publicly displayed in museums. One of those aircraft, serial number ZE934 (pictured), can be seen at the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune, near Edinburgh, Scotland.
During its latter days the aircraft was stationed at RAF Leuchars in Fife, then the UK’s northern-most air defence base working around the clock to keep Russian intruders out of the nation’s airspace. But in September 2005, the well-worn jet, which first flew on May 15, 1989, saw its classified avionics equipment removed and was gifted to the museum.
(Image: jambox998)
Speaking at the event, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup today said: “I am delighted to be able to present this Tornado F3 to the National Museums of Scotland. It is particularly appropriate that an airframe which spent so much of its service life in Scotland at RAF Leuchars should have a place in this marvellous endeavour. It will play a great part in helping to tell current and future generations about the aviation heritage of which the museum and the Royal Air Force is so proud.
“The airframe, ZE934, saw active service in the first Gulf War and has been in use constantly since being delivered to the Royal Air Force in 1989. The aircraft has served with both Nos 43 (Fighter) and 111 (Fighter) Squadrons, both based at RAF Leuchars, before being flown by the Tornado Fighter Operational Conversion Unit, No 56(Reserve) Squadron now based at RAF Leuchars.
(Image: Steven Straiton)
“The Tornado F3 will be gradually withdrawn from Service over the next 4 years to make way for the introduction to service of Typhoon. This airframe is one of 16 aircraft being disposed of this year. It has reached the end of its fatigue life and is now surplus to requirements. The airframe has been stripped of all useable spares which will be used to sustain the remaining Tornado F3 and GR4 fleets.”
The Tornado F3 was developed from an ill-fated interim ADV version designated the F2, which infamously suffered problems with its Foxhunter radar and resulted in several aircraft flying around with concrete ballast in their noses while the system’s faults were ironed out. One of two Tornado F2 prototypes still survives today.
Following the presentation of ZE934 to Scotland’s National Museum of Flight, the remainder of the Tornado F3 fleet was gradually wound down, its aircraft retired from service as their safe flying hours expired or a major service was required. Once all useful parts had been removed to sustain still-active Tornado GR4s, their gutted hulks were dumped for scrap.
(Image: jambox998)
A handful of Tornado F3s are understood to remain in RAF storage pending final disposal, while two others serve as gate guards at Leuchars and RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. One can be seen at the RAF Museum in Hendon, London. Another is stored in Wroughton having been donated to the Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, but never displayed.
A final one is even up for sale, having been fully restored by Jet Art Aviation in Yorkshire. Considering what happened to its brethren, this beautifully restored Tornado F3 is nothing less than an endangered species indeed.
Related – Don’t Miss This Exciting Tornado GR1 Restoration Project
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