RAF Typhoon Display Team Bids Farewell to ‘Moggy’
RAF Coningsby, UK – In a poignant transition that marks both an end and a beginning, the Typhoon Display Team has announced the departure of one of its most cherished aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon ZJ913, affectionately known as “Moggy.” As the aircraft prepares to leave 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby, it embarks on a new chapter at RAF Lossiemouth, where it will serve as a Ground Training Aircraft (GTA), ensuring its legacy continues in the training of the next generation of engineers.
The Typhoon Display Team expressed mixed emotions in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of Moggy’s departure. Having dazzled audiences throughout an intense display season, adorned in its striking D-Day-themed livery, Moggy has certainly earned its retirement from active display duties. The aircraft’s new role at RAF Lossiemouth symbolizes a transition from the skies to the ground, where it will continue to contribute to the Royal Air Force’s mission by shaping the skills of future engineers.
Eurofighter Typhoon ZJ913 “Moggy”
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The Eurofighter Typhoon, a testament to multinational collaboration between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, has been a cornerstone of modern aerial combat since its first flight in March 1994. Deliveries to partner nations commenced in August 2003, and the aircraft quickly proved its mettle in combat, notably during operations over Libya in 2010 and 2011. The Typhoon has undergone continuous upgrades, with plans for a cutting-edge radar system and a potential touchscreen cockpit, ensuring it remains at the forefront of military aviation technology. Its versatility is further highlighted by its capability to carry a wide array of weaponry, including the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, regarded as one of the finest in the world.
The Royal Air Force operates three generations of the Typhoon, known as Tranches One, Two, and Three. While Tranche Two and Three aircraft predominantly equip frontline squadrons and have been upgraded to similar standards, Tranche Three aircraft boast the additional capability of using conformal fuel tanks when necessary. The older Tranche One aircraft, which cannot be easily upgraded to the same standard, are primarily used for training and the air defense of the United Kingdom, with plans for their retirement set for 2025. The RAF’s Typhoon fleet is strategically deployed across RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, RAF Lossiemouth in Morayshire, RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands, and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where they conduct daily combat missions over Syria and Yemen and support NATO air policing along the Ukrainian border.
Flight Lieutenant David Turnbull, known by his callsign “Turbo,” has been the face of the Typhoon Display Team this year. As a Qualified Pilot Instructor with 29 Squadron, Turbo showcased Moggy’s capabilities across the UK, Europe, and even as far afield as Canada, leaving a lasting impression on aviation enthusiasts worldwide. The Typhoon Display Team, utilizing aircraft from 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby, plays a vital role in training RAF and allied nations’ pilots in the art of flying and fighting in the Typhoon.
As Moggy transitions to its new role at RAF Lossiemouth, the Typhoon Display Team takes pride in the achievements shared with this remarkable aircraft. While its departure from 29 Squadron marks the end of an era, Moggy’s continued service as a GTA ensures its impact will be felt for years to come, inspiring and educating those who will carry the torch of excellence in aviation engineering.
