AIR defence took a major step forward with the introduction of the advanced Tornado fighter at RAF Coningsby; it was reported on July 4, 1985.

The new plane would give a huge boost to NATO defences, particularly against the threat from the Soviet bloc across the North Sea. In 1984 there were 150 interceptions of Russian aircraft and the sophistication of the Tornado would improve cover dramatically.

The high technology jet, carrying a whole new generation of radar, would replace the Phantom which had been the backbone of Coningsby for nearly 20 years, said Group Captain Mike Elsam, the station commander. "The Phantom had been our primary asset but the F2 is a very significant introduction. It is very agile, with a good range and excellent low level and turning performance.

The plane's capabilities were dramatically demonstrated in a joint display with a Spitfire from Coningsby's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the high speed jet showing off its incredible turning power.

The pilot, Wing Commander Rick Peacock-Edwards, whose father was a Battle of Britain veteran, also demonstrated the unmatched take-off and landing ability, climbing vertically on full power and bringing it to a shuddering halt on the runway in only 1,100 ft.

By the end of the year, 16 F2s would be on duty at Coningsby and it had already proved its deadly purpose with a 100 per cent success rate in interception during training.

Aircrews were eager to transfer, not only because of its flying performance but because, for once, the designers had taken into account some creature comforts.

On a four-hour patrol, the seating position became important, as many navigators in Phantoms would testify.

It was so quiet inside the Tornado cockpit that the crew could chat without the intercom, and independent sound tests showed that it was also less noisy outside – a welcome relief to residents living nearby.

Anxious to avoid any chance of their firepower being wiped out in a ground attack, the RAF would keep their new pride and joy protected in new hardened aircraft shelters.

These reinforced concrete low level hangers could store two planes.

The introduction of the F2 also marked the disbanded 229 Operational Conversion Unit, after a 10-year break.

Based at Coningsby, the squadron's task was to train fighter crews for the technological wizardry built into the F2, which was virtually flown by computer.