On This Day, 1988: Sheila Scott died on 20 October 1988, leaving a legacy of solo world flights, polar exploration and record-breaking…
Read the entry →Modern RAF Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
C-17 Globemaster III Enters RAF Service with No. 99 Squadron
Modern RAF
On 23 May 2001, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III entered RAF service with No. 99 Squadron, transforming Britain’s heavy airlift capability.
Read the article →Nicky Smith Becomes the RAF’s First Female Helicopter Pilot
On 16 October 1992, Nicky Smith graduated at RAF Shawbury as the RAF’s first female helicopter pilot, marking…
Handley Page Victor Retires from RAF Service
On 15 October 1993, the Handley Page Victor retired from the RAF after 36 years, ending a career…
First Poseidon MRA1 Lands at RAF Lossiemouth
On 13 October 2020, City of Elgin became the first Poseidon to land at RAF Lossiemouth, establishing the…
RAF Tankers Support US Carrier Strikes over Afghanistan
On 9 October 2001, RAF tankers supported US carrier strikes in Afghanistan as reconnaissance and surveillance crews flew…
Joint Helicopter Command Is Formed as a Tri-Service Command
On 5 October 1999, Joint Helicopter Command was created at Wilton to unify Britain's battlefield helicopter capability in…
RAF Chinooks Aid Sierra Leone Rescue Mission in 2000
On 10 September 2000, RAF Chinooks supported the rescue mission in Sierra Leone, showing the value of rotary-wing…
31 Squadron Leaves RAF Brüggen, Ending RAF Germany
On 21 August 2001, 31 Squadron left RAF Brüggen, ending the RAF’s last permanently based fast-jet presence in…
Jaguar GR1As Depart for the Gulf in Operation Granby
On 11 August 1990, RAF Jaguar GR1As left the UK for Thumrait as Britain built the early air…
First VC10K Tanker Delivered to the Royal Air Force in 1983
On 25 July 1983, the RAF received its first VC10K Mk.2 tanker conversion, strengthening long-range refuelling capability.
RAF Opens More Aircrew Roles to Women in 1989 Reform
On 20 July 1989, the RAF opened female aircrew service to all non-combat flying specialisations, marking a major…
Concorde Undergoes Return-to-Service Tests at RAF Brize Norton
On 18 July 2001, a modified Concorde began RAF Brize Norton trials ahead of the supersonic airliner’s return…
Operation Cheshire Begins with RAF Sarajevo Airlift
On 3 July 1992 RAF Hercules of the Lyneham Wing began Operation Cheshire, the sustained humanitarian airlift into…