Tornado's and Lightning's
Crews found themselves transported back to the past yesterday morning, for the start of The Beaujolais Run® 2022. In the company of two Squadron Leader Tornado aces and the Panavia Tornado itself they were returned to the days of the Cold War. The Hardened Aircraft Shelters became a feature in themselves with the ability to keep aircrew safe from NBC attack and also to be able to start the jet inside them before the doors were opened!
It was then bang up to date with a visit to the highly restricted home of the F35B Lightning and the UK equivalent of ‘Top Gun’ - 207 Squadron.
After a tour of the high security enclave, it was off to see the plane itself- some 1300mph and £100 million worth of 5th generation fighter. Showcased capabilities included its ability to STOL(Short Take Off and Land) and hover. ‘Runners were literally blown away by the privileged access they had to this cutting edge aircraft.
On release from RAF Marham they were flown overhead by the RAF and USAF as they headed South for Eurotunnel to hop the channel for a relaxed dinner and Day One of the fun navigational trial.
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