The Hawker Siddeley 125 Dominie aircraft, the oldest aircraft in the Royal Air Force (RAF), is to retire from service at the end of January.

Operated by 55 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Cranwell, the Dominie currently provides training for all rear crew in the RAF. However the cancellation of the Nimrod MRA4 and a reduction in the number of Tornado GR4s has resulted in the RAF ceasing any further Weapons System Officer (formerly Navigator) training following graduation of the current course. It has also removed the requirement to train Weapons System Operators in the Sensor Operator role for the next few years.

The HS125 Dominie was originally procured in the 1960s to train Navigators, in particular for the V Force. The aircraft has been in service for over 45 years and over that time has been based at former Royal Air Force bases Stradishall, Finningley and Manby.

Initially 22 aircraft were built, with 55 (Reserve) Squadron operating the last remaining seven aircraft. To commemorate the outstanding service provided by this venerable aircraft the Squadron will fly a number of formations towards the end of the month culminating in a final flypast at RAF Cranwell on 20 January 2011.

Source: RAF Press Release

Photo: M. van Leeuwen ZAPP