Looks like the Bear is coming out of hybernation...


RAF Typhoons Intercept Russian Bombers in First QRA Mission

(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Aug. 21, 2007)

Typhoon F2s took on their first operational duties on 29 June 2007, when they assumed responsibility for the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) element of UK and NATO air defence in the southern part of the country at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

Typhoons, the RAF’s newest fast jet aircraft, currently cover the UK Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) commitment together with Tornado F3 aircraft (which are based at RAF Leeming and RAF Leuchars).

Over the next nine months, the Typhoons will progressively replace Tornado F3s, the aircraft which have performed this duty for many years.

The first operational unit is Number 3 (Fighter) Squadron, which received its first Typhoon in March 2006, and is the lead squadron for developing RAF Typhoon air defence operations.

3(F) Squadron cover the QRA commitment with Typhoons from Number XI Squadron, which are also based at RAF Coningsby.

QRA procedures entail aircraft being held at continuous ground readiness, so that they can take off within minutes - without pre-warning - to provide air defence.

-ends-



An RAF Typhoon from Number XI Squadron shadowing a Russian Bear-H aircraft over the North Atlantic. (UK Ministry of Defence photo)

Typhoons are now on constant readiness at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, to respond to any aircraft acting suspiciously or intruding illegally into UK air space, and will be joined by others at RAF Leuchars, Fife, Scotland, in due course, when Typhoons equip the squadrons based there.

QRA duty, what joy what fun.


Cry Haddock! Let slip the Cod of War! Captain Birdseye.

USAF Exchange Pilots Fly RAF Typhoons

(Source: US Air Force; issued July 1, 2008)

The Cutting and Pasting of large slabs of news reports is an unneccessay waste of bandwidth.

Please post again, using only the URL, and your introductory comments.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: IrishGuard,

RAF Typhoons Declared Ready for Ground Attack Role

(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued July 1, 2008)

The Cutting and Pasting of large slabs of news reports is an unneccessay waste of bandwidth.

Please post again, using only the URL, and your introductory comments.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: IrishGuard,