Press Release

134 (Bedford) Squadron
Air Training Corps
Shortstown
Bedford
MK42 0TH

1 April 2004

Gate Guardian Rolled out.

134 (Bedford) Sqn has rolled out its new gate guardian following a long-term restoration project by the cadets and staff.

In tradition with the Royal Air Force, the guardian represents a link between the unit and the aircraft type. The plane which is a one 5th scale Tornado F3 started life as a drop test model and was built in the 1980’s when the Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant) was being developed for the RAF. At the time it was a cheap alternative to wind tunnel testing and can best be described as a large radio controlled glider that was launched at height by helicopter.

Although the tests took place at NASA’s Dryden test site in the American desert; the model which is believed to be one of three was brought back and stored at RAE (Royal Aircraft Establishment) Bedford. Following the closure of the RAE airfield the Tornado along with one of its brothers was transferred into the custody of 134 (Bedford) Sqn ATC. There it remained in a deteriorating condition for a number of years before the decision was taken to restore the model as a project.

The restoration has taken some time but has included a complete strip down of all the surfaces, repair work to some of the panels and also the manufacture of semi-scale undercarriage. In addition the surrounding area required preparation with a timber boarder, stone chippings and paving for the jet to rest on.

The final paint scheme choice represents ZH554, an aircraft operated out of RAF Coningsby by the Fast Jet & Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit. AWO Oliver Browne, the project manager said, “This scheme was chosen because it relates to continual testing and research work on the aircraft type, a modern theme that represents the models original purpose”. It is also the aircraft in which the squadron cadet of the year, Cpl Alex Scully flew recently.

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