UK RAF troop carrier Voyager planes 'grounded' after 'in-flight issue'

An RAF Voyager plane that got into difficulties has been grounded at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.

Now the RAF has "grounded" its entire fleet of military Voyager transport planes following, what the UK Ministry of Defence calls an "in-flight issue" .

Reporters have been told a Voyager carrying British troops to Afghanistan suddenly lost height and dropped a few thousand feet while in Turkish airspace.

As a precaution the pilot diverted the plane to Incirlik - a US military base in southern Turkey.

About 200 military personnel were on board.

'Paramount concern'
A few passengers suffered minor injuries when the plane suddenly lost altitude last Sunday.

A UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said: "The safety of all our aircrews and passengers is our paramount concern, therefore it's been decided to temporarily pause military registered Voyager aircraft flying while a full investigation is completed."

The version K Mk 2 (EADS Airbus A330 variant) 'Voyager' aircraft only came into service with the RAF last year (2013).

A total of 14 of the planes are being leased for military use under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract that is costing more than £10bn.

Lockheed Tristar refuelling aircraft 

The Voyager finally replaced the aging fleet of Tristar refuelling aircraft flying, but the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft struggled to satisfy the selection criteria during its trials. 

Photograph: UK Ministry Of Defence

The MoD has replaced the RAF's Vickers VC-10 and Lockheed Tristar planes both as a transport plane, and as an air-to-air refuelling tanker.

RAF's Vickers VC-10

The modified Airbus A330 Voyager is now the largest aircraft in service with the RAF.

Only those Voyagers fitted with military Defensive Aid Suites (DAS) or air-to-air refuelling have been affected.

So far the MoD has not given a figure of the number of planes affected, but A330s without the military fit are still being used.

An MoD spokesman said flights would resume as soon as possible, but only "when we are confident it is safe to do so".

It is understood that there are now some delays in flying military personnel to and from Afghanistan.

Those troops returning to the UK for rest and recuperation will be given priority.

RAF Tornado livery marks 100 years of Squadron

The new painted tail of a II (AC) Squadron Tornado revealed at RAF Marham

[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Andy Masson]

Number II (AC) Squadron, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, were formed as a squadron in the Royal Flying Corps at Farnborough on 13 May 1912.

To mark the anniversary a GR4 aircraft has been painted with tail livery that depicts the iconic Bristol Scout aircraft with which the Squadron was equipped during the First World War.

The Squadron badge features a distinctive 'Wake' knot in the centre roundel, derived from Hereward The Wake, the 11th Century folk hero who led opposition to William the Conqueror in the Fens, and which indicates the basic role of the unit as a guardian of the Army.

The roundel is also shown on the fuselage next to the equally distinctive Squadron insignia of the white "triangle, circle, triangle", this having been the recognition symbol used by the Squadron during their service above the Western Front during the First World War.

RAF Marham Station Commander, Group Captain Cooper, stated:

"This is a fitting tribute to 'Shiny Two' and a demonstration of the skills of our Spray and Finishing bay. Royal Air Force Marham personnel look forward to sharing in Number II (Army Cooperation) Squadron's celebrations this year alongside those of 3 Squadron, who enjoy a similar, significant anniversary.

"The potent capabilities of the Tornado and Typhoon could not have been imagined by those early aviators and these events mark an notable occasion in the Royal Air Force's history."

The Squadron will receive their new Standard on 11 May 2012, a significant and historic event which precedes a weekend of celebratory activities, culminating a Service of Dedication in Ely Cathedral on 13 May.

UK RAF: Surplus Aircraft to be Leased out for Private Holiday Flights

The aircraft will be hired by commercial airlines and the RAF Roundel quickly painted over and replaced by commercial flagship colours for civilian use.

If the RAF need them back during a time of crisis they will be painted back again.

It is the first time that aircraft not needed by the military will be leased out to commercial airlines.

The idea is part of new measures to save the Ministry of Defence money.

Fourteen Airbus A330s are being bought by the company AirTanker and these will be leased by the Ministry of Defence.

The deal will cost the taxpayer an estimated £13bn over almost 30 years and is the world's biggest defence Private Finance Initiative.