Location: RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire
Date: 3 May, 2007
A first visit to see aircraft for some months took us to the RAF Typhoon base at RAF Coningsby. With two front-line squadrons (Nos 3 and 11), the OCU (29(Reserve) Sqn) and trials unit (17 (Reserve) Sqn) we were expecting to see lots of the RAF's latest fighter. Unfortunately, the weather didn't want to play in the morning and the monotony was broken by a three-ship from 17(R) Sqn. The afternoon was much brighter and busier. As the sun broke through the base came alive and many more sorties were flown - one by a supposedly-retired Jaguar of No 6 Sqn. The highlight was the departure of two Italian Air Force Typhoons which had stayed overnight after flying a mission with 3 Squadon.
ZJ928/AF of 17(R) Sqn returning in the morning gloom. The aircraft carries a pair of wing fuel tanks and AMRAAM missiles.
ZJ808/BE a Typhoon T2 of 29 (R) Sqn.
3 Sqn aircraft carry WW2-style codes from their days as a Typhoon unit advancing through Europe. ZJ917/QO-G.
Newest Typhoon squadron is No 11. ZJ932/DA wears the famous duelling eagles tail markings.
ZJ922/QO-C of 3 Sqn.
First of the star visitors to taxy for departure was MM7281/4-14.
Followed by sister aircraft MM7277/4-1.
One of a number of visiting Tornados was ZG713/G-123, a GR4A of No II (AC) Sqn at Marham.
41 (R) Sqn Tornado F3 ZE785 leading out GR4 ZA611 for an afternoon sortie.
Visiting from Lossiemouth was unmarked Tornado GR4 ZA602.
ZJ916/QO-U returning home.
ZJ922/QO-L on short finals.
Typhoon F2 ZJ928/AF departing later in the afternoon.
Although Jaguar operations officially ceased on 30 April, 6 Sqn's XX840/EY made a pleasant surprise as it taxied for departure.
Tornado F3 ZH553/RT of 56 (R) Sqn arriving with a thud.
