The final Tornado F3 left BAE Systems' base in Warton, near Preston, following the upgrade of software in the last of the aircraft which will now serve with the Royal Air Force.

The fighter version of the jet is being used in warzones including Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, BAE delivery programme manager Sean Tait, who is based at Warton, said it would not be the last piece of work the company carried out on the F3s in Lancashire.

He said: "Whilst it was sad to see the last Tornado F3 leave Warton on its fly-by to thank all those involved in the programme over the years, the Tornado UK team at BAE will remain heavily involved.

"Through the Availability Transformation: Tornado Aircraft Contract contract the team will be supporting the RAF's fleet of F3 aircraft through to its out-of-service date in 2011."

The last aircraft made its departure from Warton last Thursday and flew to RAF Leuchars in Fife, Scotland, where it will be stationed.

The design team at Warton has been involved in the development of the F3 variant since its development from the Tornado GR1 Interdictor Strike into the fighter aircraft used by the RAF and the Royal Saudi Air Force.

During the early production cycle of the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Tornado F3 acted as an "enemy" chase aircraft or a target during Typhoon flight trials or training exercises.

However, production of the latest aircraft off the BAE production line has now reached a level which allows other Typhoons to act as chase aircraft.

All flight-testing and final assembly of the F3 has taken place at Warton with the UK element of manufacturing taking place at both Warton and Samlesbury.

The RAF has ordered 72 jets, the RSAF 24 and the Italian air force has leased a further 24 aircraft.

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