In Action
31 Squadron - RAF Marham
'Goldstars'
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Following live firing trials with Brimstone equipped GR.4s of 41(R) and 31 Squadron at the China Lake range in 2005, 31 Squadron was declared fully operational with the missile to become the lead unit with the weapon.
Brimstone has been developed utilising both high altitude dive and low-level attack profiles. It is a fire-and-forget missile for use against armoured targets on the ground. Target designation can be made using the Head Up Display (HUD) and through the Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD) pod. The missile when fired from as far as six miles (10km) from the target drops to a cruise height and using its own terrain avoidance radar proceeds to the target. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA548) using callsign 'Marham 06' of 31 Squadron inscribed '31 Sqn 100th Anniversary 1915-2015' in March 2016. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD709 '078') using callsign 'Marham 63' through mid Wales in November 2014. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA542 '035') low through the Mach' Loop in June 2010. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZG750 '128') in the Lakes during February 2013. Tornado GR.4A (ZA395 '009') in mid Wales in June 2013 it is fitted with a pair of the larger 2,250 litre 'Hindenburger' fuel tanks for increased range. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA542 '035') in mid-Wales in June 2010. Tornado GR.4 (ZA393 '008') the second of a pair low through the Lakes in September 2010. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA564 '053') in special 'Goldstar' colour scheme at low-level in mid-Wales in December 2008. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZD851 '112') in mid Wales in May 2012. Tornado GR.4 (ZD709 'FA') in August 2006 in the Lake District. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZD709 'FA') in it's old 31 'Goldstar' Squadron markings
but with 12 Squadron 'FA' tail code again indicating a move from Marham to Lossiemouth. |
Low-level in the Lake District, two images of each, Tornado GR.4 (ZA550 'DD') and Tornado GR.4A (ZA370 'DB') in September 2005. |
Left to right: Anonymous 31 Squadron Tornado GR.4 in August 2004 and Tornado GR.4 (ZD709 'FA') in October 2005 both transiting through the Lake District. Tornado GR.4 (ZA550 'DD') in February 2006 low-flying in the Lake District. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA472 '031') flying at not so low-level through LFA 7 in April 2013. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA447 'DE') of 31 Squadron from RAF Marham in July 2005. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA452 '021' and ZD790 '099') and Tornado GR.4A (ZA395 '009') at Marham in February 2011. |
Tornado GR.4 (ZA458 '024') in 31 Squadron markings departing just before a snow storm in January 2008. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA458 '024' x2) at Lossiemouth in January 2008, GR.4 (ZA553 'DI') with Brimstone anti-tank missiles at Marham in June 2005. |
Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA393 '008') at Marham in 2012.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA398 '010') landing at Lossiemouth in January 2008.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA591 '058') at Brno air show in September 2006. |