RAF Tornado GR.4 ZG771 at the Ulster Aviation Society!

Описание: Words taken from the Ulster Aviation Society Website...

Meet the magnificent Tornado GR.4 ZG771 fastjet, a true icon of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and a proud member of our Heritage Collection.

​The Tornado GR.4 ZG771 (nick-named "the Tonka") has a rich and storied history, serving with distinction in the RAF for several decades, and is an extraordinary aircraft that has captured the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.

 This exceptional aircraft played a vital role in various military operations, showcasing its impressive speed, agility, and firepower. 

​It soared through the skies, protecting the nation's interests and ensuring the safety of countless lives. Today, it stands as a symbol of the RAF's strength and dedication.

​To the Ulster Aviation Society, the Tornado GR.4 ZG771 is a cherished gift from the RAF, a testament to the enduring bond between our organisations. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to preserve and share this remarkable piece of aviation history with the public.

​The aircraft has become one of the star attractions of the UAS’ Heritage Collection, drawing visitors of all ages, from young families seeking adventure to aviation enthusiasts eager to experience its awe-inspiring presence.

The dedicated Tornado Cockpit nose, another prized possession of the UAS, is an essential part of our outreach efforts. Our dedicated Events team of volunteers takes it on the road, venturing out to shows and events to provide a unique experience for the local public.

Visitors have the incredible opportunity to step inside the Tornado Cockpit Nose, feeling the thrill of sitting pilot's seat and imagining the exhilaration of commanding the skies in the real aircraft next to it in the hangar.

​While the Tornado GR.4 ZG771 stands proudly in our collection, its restoration journey is not yet complete. We still need to reinstall the powerful pair of Turbo-Union RB199 jet engines (below), ensuring that the aircraft is restored to its full glory.

The media has taken notice of our remarkable Tornado GR.4 ZG771. Its presence at the UAS garnered significant news coverage, capturing the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 

​The story of its acquisition and restoration has been featured in local and national publications and its arrival brought a TV film crew from UTV for the day, sharing the excitement and significance to a wider audience.
Whether you're a curious tourist looking for something to do for a few hours on your trip, an avid aviation enthusiast, or simply someone with a thirst for exploration, we invite you to visit the Ulster Aviation Society and experience the magic of the Tornado GR.4 ZG771 fast jet.

Originally meant to be delivered in April 2020 but scuppered due to the first Covid-19 lock-down and subsequent pandemic, the Ulster Aviation Society finally took ownership of Tornado GR.4 ZG771 on 29th September, 2021, after it was generously gifted by the RAF.

The ground reconnaissance aircraft arrived by road from England, carried in parts by a convoy of five lorries to its new home to the UAS' home in Maze Long Kesh.

A specialised JARTS (Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron) unit were tasked with rebuilding it over a week to allow its front-of-house display at the UAS' hangars.

Championed by Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth, former head of the RAF’s Tornado Force, and patron of the UAS who originally came from Donaghcloney in Co. Down.

​"From a heritage standpoint, it’ll be good to see the Tornado there, considering all the good that the Aviation Society does. It’s an aircraft that provided 40 years of good service to the country,” he said.

​“To me, this was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Very few GR.4's have been delivered to museums in the UK and ZG771 is the first one to be ‘gifted’ to a non-national collection.

Manufacturer: 
Panavia Aircraft GmbH​

Model: 
Tornado GR.4

Operating Life: 
1991 ~ 2019

Registration: 
ZG771

UAS Location: Hangar 1

Maximum Speed:
1,500mph at 30,000 ft / 
Mach 2.2 / 921mph
near Sea Level

Range: 860 miles

Engines: 
2 x Turbo-Union RB199-34R MK 103

Service Ceiling:
50,000ft (15,240m)

Ordnance:
27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon (180 rounds);  AIM-132 ASRAAM Air-to-Air missiles

Length & Height:
16.72m (54ft 10") x 5.95m (19ft 6")

Variable-sweep Wing:
25 degrees ~ 67 degrees

Wingspan 25-deg.:
13.91m (45ft 8")

Swept Wingspan 67-deg.:
8.60m (28ft 3")​

Rate of Climb: 
77m/s (15,100ft / min)​