RAF's 1 Sqn reforms with Eurofighter Typhoon

Sept. 17, 2012  By Craig Hoyle -- FG

London - The UK Royal Air Force has activated its fourth frontline unit to be equipped with the Eurofighter Typhoon, with its historic 1 Sqn having reformed with the type at its Leuchars air base on 15 September.

First formed in 1912 and having been disbanded in 2010 following the early retirement of its BAE Systems Harrier GR9s, the unit joins 6 Sqn in flying the Typhoon from the Scottish base.

Both Leuchars-housed units will sustain the provision of the UK's northern quick reaction alert mission, with 6 Sqn also to help "develop the multirole capabilities of Typhoon", says station commander Air Cdre Gavin Parker. It is led by officer commanding Wg Cdr Mark Flewin.

The RAF's 3 and 11 squadrons also operate the Typhoon, from the service's Coningsby base in Lincolnshire, which is also home to its 29 Sqn operational conversion unit and 17 Sqn operational evaluation unit for the type.

"Our Typhoon force will continue to grow, ultimately to five squadrons, and when combined with the Tornado force and, in due course, with our [Lockheed Martin F-35B] Lightning II force, the Royal Air Force will be well placed to face the challenges of the future," says chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.