MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

The illustrious VC-10, crucial for the Falklands retires from service in early 2013

Fifty years in service refueling RAF aircraft in mi-air from Afghanistan to the Falklands

The illustrious VC-10, flown by 101 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton, made its final air show appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) before it retires from Service early in 2013.

Chief Technician Rob Henderson is a ground engineer and has been with101 Squadron for 9 years: “She is a beautiful plane to work on, British, and built like a tank.

“For an engineer it’s very much a hands on airplane.”

The VC10 is celebrating its 50th anniversary (46 years in service with the RAF) and still has an essential role, refueling RAF aircraft mid-air in support of operations in Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands.

The VC10 played a vital role during Operation ELLAMY, Flight Lieutenant Nathan Jones, pilot with 101 Squadron said: “Operations in Libya were exciting as it was very reactionary, it was some of the best flying that I've done, it was great working with all the different nations. It's what you train for. Flying this aircraft is amazing, its real flying; the 'last of the fast'.”

The VC10 took part in a fly-past featuring the TriStar, C-17, C-130 Hercules, Voyager and A400M; all appearing together to represent the present and future of the RAF's air mobility fleet; it's a tribute to those aircraft that have served the RAF for many years and introduces the future face of the RAF's tactical lift aircraft.