No. 17 Squadron RAF
| No. XVII Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| 17 Squadron badge | |
| Active | 1 February 1915 |
| Role | Air defence (Operational Evaluation) |
| Garrison/HQ | RAF Coningsby |
| Motto(s) | "Excellere Contende" (Strive to excel) |
| Equipment | Eurofighter Typhoon |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol | A Gauntlet |
No. XVII (Reserve) Squadron (17 Sqn) of the Royal Air Force operates the Typhoon T.1 and F.2 from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. It is the Operational Evaluation Unit for the type and is called the Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit (TOEU). [1]
On initial entry to RAF service the squadron was reformed "as a Reserve Squadron" on 1st September 2002 at BAE Systems' Warton airfield where a special facility had been constructed. The Squadron relocated to RAF Coningsby on 1st April 2005 and was officially re-formed at its new base on 19th May 2005. [2] No. XVII(R) Squadron was joined at RAF Coningsby on 1st July 2005 by No. 29 Squadron, thus bringing to the end the Typhoon's "Case White" entry into service programme. An initial operational capability is expected to be established in 2007 by No. 3 Squadron. [1]
In recent history the squadron has played a major part in the RAF forces in Germany operating Canberras, Phantoms, Jaguars and the Tornado. The squadron temporarily disbanded in 2002.
Typhoon squadrons
Operational
- No. XVII Squadron (Operational Evaluation Unit) - RAF Coningsby
- No. 29 Squadron (Operation Conversion Unit) - BAE Warton
Future
- No. 3 Squadron RAF - Operating Typhoon at RAF Coningsby, due to be declared operational in 2007.
- No. 11 Squadron RAF - Current Tornado F3 squadron - Reforming at RAF Leeming (Tranche 1)
- No. 6 Squadron RAF - Current Jaguar GR3 squadron - Reforming at RAF Leuchars (Tranche 2)