Tornado F3 Presented To East Fortune Museum

British Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup was in attendance at the National Museum of Scotland in East Fortune Tuesday to present a Tornado F3 long-range fighter, preceeded by a fly-by of 2 Tornado F3s from No. 56(Reserve) Squadron.

The Tornado supersonic fighter is a potent weapons system platform and continues to spearhead the UK' air defense. Sir Jock said the aircraft makes an excellent addition to the Scottish National Aviation collection.

"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," Sir Jock said. "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.

The Tornado F3 will be gradually withdrawn from Service over the next 4 years to make way for the introduction of the Typhoon fighter. The donated airframe is one of 16 aircraft being disposed of this year.

Tornado F3 Specs:

• Engines: Two Turbo-Union RB199s
• Length: 61ft 3in (18.68m)
• Wingspan: 45ft 7in (13.90m) at 17 degree sweep; 28ft 2in (8.60m) at 68 degree sweep
• Top Speed: 1,480mph (2,333km/h) at 40,000ft (12,492m)
• Crew: Pilot and Weapons Systems Operator

FMI: www.mod.uk