Static Display Photo Gallery

Panavia Tornado IDS 4649 "Flying Monsters"

German Air Force (322 Squadron, Fighterbomberwing 32, Lechfeld Air Force Base)

This elaborately decorated Panavia Tornado is one of four from Germany which visited RAF Leuchars for the 2003 airshow. Three, including this one, were on static display.

Panavia Tornado IDS 4347 from TRW 51 "Immelman" was scheduled to take part in the flying display, but was unable to do so due to an accident on the practice day. During its practice run, the aircraft made a low pass over the base. As it passed over the base, I saw four or five pieces of debris falling to the ground. Contrary to some reports in the press, the aircraft carried on with its practice routine (which included aerobatic manoeuvres) as if nothing had happened, and did not immediately abort its routine.

Meanwhile, an emergency had been declared at the base, with fire engines and ambulances racing into action. When the runway was cleared of debris, the aircraft landed safely, and the emergency vehicles were not required. The incident was caused by a loose panel from the fuselage just behind the cockpit canopy being torn off the aircraft.