The visit was an opportunity to further enhance Dr Lewis's appreciation for the RAF'S UK Air Defence role, having participated previously in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

On arrival, Dr Lewis and party was met by Squadron Leader Andy Gow who acted as escort for the visit, before moving to the station conference room for a brief on the Tornado F3 force.

The visit then moved on to the Tornado Simulator, where Dr Lewis was given the chance to participate in a simulation mission, experiencing the near reality of air combat as seen from the aircrew perspective.

After a meeting with Air Officer Scotland and the station commander, Air Commodore Clive Bairsto, Dr Lewis moved on to Engineering Wing, where he toured Aircraft Maintenance Flight, talking to the engineers who service the aircraft.

Other areas visited included Air Traffic Control (ATC), where again the MP spoke with personnel and was provided with a brief on the running of ATC.

Conclusion of the tour was a visit to 111 (Fighter) Squadron where Dr Lewis was provided with a brief by both aircrew and engineers on life on an operational squadron, which culminated in the MP trying out the cockpit of a squadron jet.

Dr Lewis said: My visit was organised with outstanding hospitality and it was a pleasure to meet people fulfilling a wide range of roles at Leuchars – including those engaged in air traffic control, deep maintenance of the Tornado, the Quick Reaction Alert crews and the simulator team. The briefings were first class and I am grateful to Air Commodore Clive Bairsto for inviting me.

With transition to the Typhoon, RAF Leuchars will continue to be a powerful component in the overall structure of the UK's defence forces.

Dr Lewis added: ''My visit was organised with outstanding hospitality and it was a pleasure to meet people fulfilling a wide range of roles at Leuchars.''