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21 February 2005

Home Sweet Home

After an extended period away from Bedford, the squadron’s Tornado GR1 model has returned and has now been put into temporary storage awaiting restoration.

The model is one of a pair owned by 134 (Bedford) Sqn and will eventually take pride of place as a gate guardian to the unit alongside its Tornado F3 brother which is nearing the completion of its own restoration. The GR1 left Bedford last year where it spent some time with 460 (Dunstable) Sqn, who borrowed it for use in the 2004 Dunstable Carnival. 

The tornado will now undergo a full strip down and overhaul. It is hoped that modifications will also be able to be made to bring the appearance of the model more into line with an actual Tornado; this will mainly involve changing the profile of the tail fin, as it is currently very angular in shape. A new taileron (small tail wing) will also need to be made to replace the one that is now missing from the aircraft

The aircraft has a colourful history in that it was involved in aerodynamic development for the real Tornado programme and came to Bedford Air Cadets when the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Thurleigh (RAE Bedford) closed. The RAE did operate a Tornado GR1 out of Thurleigh for the Flight Test Systems department, which sported the Red White and Blue markings of British test aircraft. This became known within the military flying world as ‘Raspberry Ripple’ and in recognition of the test work done by the real Bedford Tornado and our GR1, it will wear this distinctive colour scheme.

Whilst the F3 guardian sits on its own undercarriage the GR1 will be mounted in a flying pose within the squadron grounds as is the case with full size guardians at some RAF Stations. The current bad weather will prevent immediate work from taking place, but this delay will act in the favour of the cadets, as it will bring the refurbishment programme into line with the training timetable for project options.