http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=9E7C7546-5056-A318-A8E5F4EEB538657426 January 2011
Leuchars Marks Typhoon Milestone
Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.
Number 6 Squadron based at RAF Leuchars has represented the RAF in marking 100,000 in-Service flying hours achieved by Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Wing Commander Roddy Dennis, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron at RAF Leuchars receives a plaque commemorating 100,000 in-Service flying hours from John Fearnley (left), representing Eurofighter GmbH.
Wing Commander Roddy Dennis, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron, received a plaque on behalf of the RAF and its Typhoon squadrons from John Fearnley, a representative of Eurofighter GmbH, to officially commemorate the milestone, which was achieved in January 2011.
Leuchars became the RAF’s second Typhoon Main Operating Base in September 2010 with the stand up of 6 Squadron. Since then the squadron have been preparing to take up the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North mission – Leuchars’ primary air defence role.
Wing Commander Dennis said:
“100,000 flying hours is a significant milestone for Typhoon and we at 6 Squadron are proud to have played our part in reaching it. The Squadron is privileged to operate this highly capable aircraft and we are fully focused on making the best possible use of it as we continue with our preparations to take responsibility for the QRA operational task at RAF Leuchars.”
Typhoons from 6 Squadron mark the 100,000 flying hours milestone.
Air Officer for Scotland and RAF Leuchars Station Commander Harry Atkinson added:
“This is an important achievement in the ongoing development of Typhoon. Ultimately, this multi-role aircraft will be able to deliver the full spectrum of capabilities to support the RAF’s operational tasks both at home and abroad for decades to come.
“At Leuchars, this will mean being the first line of air defence for the Northern UK. The Typhoons of 6 Squadron will take responsibility for delivering QRA as the Tornado F3 leaves RAF Service in March 2011.The delivery of this operational task requires contributions from many sections across RAF Leuchars and is testament to the team ethos and efforts of all personnel involved.”
