Dominie retires

Operated by 55 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Cranwell <http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcranwell/>, the Dominie provided training for all rear crew in the RAF. However the cancellation of the Nimrod MRA4 and a reduction in the number of Tornado GR4s has resulted in the RAF ceasing any further Weapons System Officer (formerly Navigator) training following graduation of the current course. It has also removed the requirement to train Weapons System Operators in the Sensor Operator role for the next few years.
The HS125 Dominie was originally procured in the 1960s to train Navigators, in particular for the V Force. The aircraft has been in service for over 45 years and over that time has been based at former Royal Air Force bases Stradishall, Finningley and Manby. Initially 22 aircraft were built, with 55 (Reserve) Squadron operating the last remaining seven aircraft.
"The Dominie has been a work horse of the Royal Air force since 1965, during which time it has been used to train many generations of aircrew," said Group Captain David Waddington, the Station Commander at RAF Cranwell. "It moved to Royal Air Force Cranwell in 1996 when Royal Air Force Finningley closed, so it has been a familiar sight over the skies of Lincolnshire for many years now. "Retiring any aircraft from service is always a poignant moment, but it is also a time to commemorate the outstanding service the Dominie has provided to the Royal Air Force for over 45 years."
To mark the retirement of this venerable aircraft 55 (R) Squadron flew a final six-ship formation over RAF Cranwell on Thursday 20 January 2011.
55 (R) Squadron will be reorganised as a ground training unit and where airborne training is required the King Air aircraft, operated by 45 (R) Squadron at RAF Cranwell, will be used.