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In Action
41(R) Squadron - RAF Coningsby

On March 31, 2006 the Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit (FJ & W OEU) was renamed 41(Reserve) Squadron. Previously 41(F) Squadron operated the Sepecat Jaguar from RAF Coltishall before its disbandment. 41(R) Squadron operates the Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4 and the Harrier GR.9.
The role of 41(R) Squadron is the development of operational tactics and the evaluation and exploitation of weapons, avionics and software in preparation for their use by the front-line. The Unit's tasks are carried out in close liaison with approved defence manufacturers, research institutions and front-line squadrons.
On approach to Coningsby (Image 062_8135w4)
Tornado GR.4 (ZA611) of 41(R) Squadron carrying a Raytheon Paveway II 1,000 lb (454kg) Precision Laser-Guided Bomb

 
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Left to right: Two 41(R) Squadron Tornado GR.4's (ZA611 and ZD739) return from their solo sorties, the crew of ZA611 had jumped clear when their aircraft stopped on the runway after landing. Tornado GR.4 (ZA609) departs Coningsby. April 2007.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZG508) and Tornado GR.4's ZA611 arriving at Coningsby and ZD739 is about to take-off. November 2006.
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Tornado F.3 (ZE785) at Florennes AB for TLP 2006-4 in July 2005. Tornado F.3 (ZG731) departs Coningsby in April 2007.

 

The Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit (FJ&W OEU) before it was renamed 41(Reserve) Squadron on March 31, 2006. 

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The FJ&W OEU was formed on April 1, 2004 by the merger of the Strike Attack OEU ( SAOEU) from RAF Boscombe Down, the Tornado F.3 OEU from RAF Coningsby and the Air Guided Weapons OEU (AGWOEU) from RAF Valley.
Left to right: The FJ&W OEU's Tornado GR.4 (ZD715) on one of their frequent low-level sorties from the Welsh hills in LFA 7 in May 2004.

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Left to right: The FJ&W OEU's Harrier GR.7 (ZG857), two shots when flying with unidentified GR.4 below in the Lake District (LFA17) in August 2004. Final shot is of Harrier GR.7A (ZD465/55A) operating with the FJ&W OEU (ex 4 Squadron) since August 13, 2004 but devoid of any squadron markings, again in the Lake District.

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Left to right: The FJ&W OEU's Tornado GR.4's, the first is ZA611 the second remains unidentified. The Jaguar GR.3 (XZ113) when with the SAOEU it was finally retired in December 2005.

  

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