Ministry of Defence
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TriStar retires after 30 years' service
The Lockheed TriStar has flown its last operational mission with the Royal Air Force.
On 24 March, 2 TriStars of 216 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton flew an air-to-air refuelling mission over the North Sea before one of them conducted flypasts at airfields associated with its history.
During its service, the TriStar, fondly known as ‘Timmy’ by its crews, has formed the backbone of long range air transport and air-to-air refuelling, participating in nearly every British conflict since it was brought into service.
The fleet of 9 aircraft were acquired as a direct result of the Falklands conflict and the need to provide support to forces in the South Atlantic and to bolster the air-to-air refuelling fleet.
In more recent times TriStars have provided air-to-air refuelling for fast jet aircraft operating over Afghanistan and Libya, and provided a vital airbridge, transporting troops and cargo to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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