Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire 617 Squadron, the squadron was formed under great secrecy in March 1943 on Avro Lancaster heavy bombers.
It is commonly known as the “Dambusters”, for its actions during Operation Chastise against German dams during the Second World War.
The Squadron reformed with the Vulcan at RAF Scampton on 1 May 1958 as part of RAF Bomber Command’s V-bomber force. The squadron’s Vulcan B2s served mainly in that low-level penetration role until retired in December 1981.
From 1983 it operated the Panavia Tornado in the ground attack and reconnaissance role until March 2014.
The Dambusters reformed in April 2018, at RAF Marham in June 2018 operating the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning – the first UK squadron with this advanced V/STOL type.
The unit comprises both RAF and Royal Navy personnel, and operates from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
It was fairly obvious which aircraft to use to portray the squadron!