In Action
617 Squadron - RAF Lossiemouth
'Dambusters'
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617 Squadron is the lead unit for Storm Shadow a fire-and-forget missile, which is used to destroy command bunkers. It uses terrain matching navigation and GPS positioning to follow at low-level a pre-programmed route to the target. The missile was first used in anger during Operation Telic over Iraq from 2003.
The Squadron disbanded on March 31, 2014 at RAF Lossiemouth, some of its Tornados will transfer to XV Squadron others will go to RAF Leeming for reduction to produce (RTP). |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA412) the last of the pair of Dambuster 70th Anniversary' 617 Squadron specials still flying in June 2015. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD742 '090') as 'Marham 32' still in its old 617 Squadron colours in June 2015. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD740 '088') as callsign 'Voodoo 1' and Tornado GR.4 (ZA412) through the Loop in June 2015. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA492) using callsign 'Gibson 1' for the 70th Anniversary flypast in the Derwent Valley on May 16, 2013. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4s (ZA492 and ZA412) using callsigns 'Gibson 1 and 2' for the 70th Anniversary flypast in the Derwent Valley on May 16, 2013. |
Tornado GR.4A (ZA404 '013') fitted with a pair of 2,250 litre 'Hindenburger' fuel tanks during Ex Fast Mover on February 28, 2013. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD849 '110') low through mid-Wales in April 2014. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD849 '110') low through mid-Wales in April 2013. Tornado GR.4A (ZA404 '013') c/s 'Vandal 1' in June 2013 in mid Wales. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4A (ZA404 '013') during Exercise Fast Mover centred on mid Wales. It had come down from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland to pass through the Lichfield Corridor on its way to Wales. Fitted with a pair of the larger 2,250 litre 'Hindenburger' fuel tanks for increased range it continued home descending over Morcambe Bay to pass through the Lakes where it was photographed in February 2013. The mission was repeated in the afternoon. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZG756 '131') low-level through the Selkirk to Moffat valley in October 2012. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZG756 '131') low-level through the Selkirk to Moffat valley in October 2012. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4s (ZA367 '002' / 'KC-N' and ZG727 '126' / 'AJ-J') at the 65th Anniversary of the Dambuster Raid over the Derwent reservoir on May 16, 2008.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA556 'AJ-C') in August 2005 at low-level through Cumbria. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA462 'AJ-P') callsign 'Vandal', inscribed '1943-2003' on tail in red. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA365 'AJ-Y') and Tornado GR.4 (ZA462 'AJ-P') callsign 'Vandal' inscribed '1943-2003' on tail in red in July 2004. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA549 'AJ-Z') callsign 'Vandal' and Tornado GR.4As flying in company with a 14 Squadron Tornado in July 2004. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA556 'AJ-C') at Marham in June 2005. Tornado GR.4 ZA601 '066' / 'AJ-G') returning to Lossiemouth in January 2008. Tornado GR.4 (ZA607 '070') about to depart St Dizier in June 2011. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD850 '111') in 617 Squadron markings at Marham in 2012. |