Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Typhoon's scramble from Leuchars for the first time..

  • 04-01-2011 10:04pm
    #1
    Steyr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,266 ✭✭✭


    Multi-role Typhoon aircraft from Number 6 Squadron have scrambled for the first time from RAF Leuchars in support of the Station's primary Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North mission.

    Whilst passing an important milestone in itself, by successfully completing Quick Reaction Alert duties at RAF Leuchars for the very first time at the end of December 2010, Multi-role Typhoon aircraft from Number 6 Squadron were scrambled on 2 January 2011.

    The primary mission for RAF Leuchars in Fife is to maintain QRA (Interceptor) North which requires air and ground crews to be on high alert to scramble 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect UK airspace. Currently, the QRA role sits with the Tornado F3 aircraft of 111(Fighter) Squadron but, in March 2011, the responsibility is set to pass to No 6 Squadron.

    Wing Commander Roddy Dennis, Officer Commanding No 6 Squadron said:

    "Since the Squadron reformed at RAF Leuchars in September 2010, our air and ground crew personnel have been on an intensive training programme preparing for our Typhoons to assume the Quick Reaction Alert role. Our aim was to assume responsibility for QRA over the festive period and I am delighted to say that we did so successfully.

    "This is a critical step towards 6 Squadron taking over the Leuchars QRA mission from 111(F) Squadron in 2011. I am proud of the way my personnel have met mission challenges so far and we look forward to taking on the air defence role of the Northern UK on a full-time basis."

    As well as familiarising themselves with the engineering, aviation and flying rules at Leuchars, 6 Squadron's training has encompassed a number of proving operations for both air and ground crews. With safety a primary concern, engineers, armourers and pilots alike have been put through their paces – day and night - successfully completing a number of assurance exercises prior to taking on their first QRA shifts on 28 December 2010 as the Squadron ramps up towards the full mission handover in March.

    Air Officer for Scotland and Station Commander RAF Leuchars, Air Commodore Harry Atkinson added:

    "2010 has been a year of enormous achievement for RAF Leuchars as the Station has completed its transition to support the multi-role Typhoon and I am delighted that 2011 commences with this outstanding success. The fact that No 6 Squadron has taken up QRA responsibility for the first time and whilst doing so successfully completed their first QRA launch, is testament not only to their hard work but also to the support of 111 (F) Squadron and personnel across Leuchars.

    "No 6 Squadron have achieved these QRA milestones despite the early onset of winter and I am proud of the way the Station has met recent challenges, epitomising the RAF's adaptable and capable reputation. The hard work will continue into 2011 as we prepare for a successful handover of the full-time QRA mission from Tornado to Typhoon."


Advertisement