The first British pre-production aircraft was the Panavia Tornado XZ630, which flew on March 14, 1977, and took part in weapons release trials at the A&AEE at Boscombe Down
The article showcases some exclusive photos taken in 1988 of British Aerospace (BAe) Test Pilot Keith Hartley conducting the “cockpit habitability trial” in his open-top Tornado XZ630.
As BAE Systems explained on Twitter:
“In 1988, our test pilot Keith Hartley flew at 500 knots in a Tornado aircraft with the canopy off, testing the emergency escape procedures of the jet; just one example of the lengths we go to test the safety of the planes we build for the RAF.”
The first British pre-production aircraft was the Panavia Tornado XZ630, which flew on March 14, 1977, and took part in weapons release trials at the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down.
Noteworthy Pre-production Tornados incorporated many refinements over earlier prototypes that would be incorporated into production aircraft.
Former Lightning and Tornado F3 pilot Ian Black said: “While the first ten aircraft could be considered true prototypes, the first real Tornado for the RAF flew in March 1977 (XZ630) and it was quickly assigned to the A&AEE at RAF Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.”
The Panavia Tornado XZ630 was retired to ground duties in 2004, following a successful career as a test aircraft. Since then, it has served as the gate guard at RAF Halton’s Recruit Training Squadron Parade Square. It was restored to resemble a GR4 from 31 Squadron, also known as the “Goldstars,” which is presently stationed at RAF Marham. Serco contractors did the refurbishment work.
1968 saw the start of the Tornado’s development as a collaboration between West Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom to create a low-level supersonic aircraft. The variable-sweep wing aircraft was created by Panavia Aircraft, a new tri-national company based in Germany. On August 14, 1974, the first prototype took to the air.
Since the day it entered service in 1979, the Tornado has played a crucial role in the air forces. The Tornado is a formidable aircraft known for its ability to fly in any weather condition, at low levels, at any time of day or night, and with a top speed of 1.3 Mach and an extensive range of integrated weapons.
The Royal Saudi Air Force purchased the Tornado, which they are still using today.
Photo by Kate Yates, BAe Heritage Centre
