1.0     Introduction

RAF Lossiemouth is located in Lossiemouth, Moray, and is commanded by a Group Captain. RAF Lossiemouth is an important fast jet main operating base within the RAF, with both Tornado and Typhoon squadrons to be based there from mid-2014.

RAF Lossiemouth remains the home to the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit, XV (Reserve) Squadron, who train all Pilots and Weapons Systems Operators to operate the Tornado GR4. During the summer of 2014 two Typhoon squadrons, 6 Squadron and 1 (Fighter) Squadron, will relocate to RAF Lossiemouth.

As such RAF Lossiemouth provides a base from which training for current Tornado and (soon) Typhoon squadrons can take place, as well as a base of operations for resident and lodger units.

2.0     XV (Reserve) Squadron

As the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit, XV (Reserve) Squadron’s main commitment is to the training of Pilots and Weapon Systems Operators before sending them onto front-line squadrons. The Squadron has approximately 280 permanent personnel and up to 40 aircrew students at any one time.

XV Squadron teaches ab-initio aircrew straight from their advanced flying training at RAF Valley and RAF Leeming, as well as conducting Refresher Courses for experienced operators returning back to the Tornado GR4 following other tours of duty; additionally, XV Squadron undertakes Fast Jet Cross Over training for pilots and weapons systems operators converting across to the Tornado GR4 from other fast jet aircraft and also trains aircrew officers from other nations Air Forces who are posted to the UK on an overseas 2-3 year ‘exchange tour’ flying the Tornado GR4 with the RAF.

XV Squadron also conducts post-graduate courses. The Squadron delivers the Qualified Weapons Instructor Course, the Electronic Warfare Instructor Course and the Instrument Rating Examiner Course. Each of these courses provides advanced qualifications to front line aircrew.