Back in the sandpit with a "Tonka"

[Splitpin]

Waking up the camels


This is ZA447 EA, the famous "Mig Eater" " The British participation in the Gulf War was called "Operation Granby" with No. 15 Squadron based at Tabuk AB in Saudi Arabia. One No. 15 Tornado GR.1 was ZA447/EA that was painted a desert pink scheme and flew 40 combat missions making it one of the busiest Tornados. On one airfield denial mission over Iraq ZA447/EA destroyed what was thought to be a MiG-29 so the aircraft was given nose art "Mig Eater". Later it was discovered that it was actually a Mirage F.1. RAF Tornados flew a total of 2,500 sorties."







Tonka was a nickname the RAF gave the Tornado.

[simonh]

I think I read in my book on the Tornado that the RAF tried to use the individual aircraft ID letters when giving the aircraft names as such.
The GR4A variant is the latest or last variant of the type.
Great shots by the way.

[Splitpin]

Thanks very much mate, are there any Tornados still in service?

[simonh]

Not sure. I know the RAF used GR4As over Libya, since then who knows.

[Naki]

Thanks very much mate, are there any Tornados still in service?

The Germans still operate theirs but are destined to be replaced by f-35s and Typhoons in a few years. I believe italy might have a few still in-service but are currently being replaced by F-35s. Not sure about the Saudia Arabian Tornados..probably still in service. There are none in service with the RAF. They were retired a few years ago.

[Aharon]

Great great shots

Love the afterburners

I am realy curious to know why United Kingdom painted its airforce planes in pink color for Gulf Wars when desert tan color would be more appropriate.

Regards,

Aharon

[chopper_nut]

Great great shots

Love the afterburners

I am realy curious to know why United Kingdom painted its airforce planes in pink color for Gulf Wars when desert tan color would be more appropriate.

Regards,

Aharon

It's reheat on Britsh aeroplanes...

For Granby, it was really a stop gap measure. Everything happened so quickly that they just painted the aircraft with what was available. The paint faded quickly and so after a few weeks out there the aircraft all looked different to each other.

[Splitpin]

Thanks again for all the comments and information ... take care all.

[Bugdani]

Wonderful screens shoots!
I love this plane.
A bit rare in belgian's sky.
Only F16 and F35.
I miss the "Mirage" times....