Three VC10 aircraft are set to make their final flight, from RAF Brize Norton to Leicestershire and into retirement.

The three planes have spent a total of almost 125,000 hours in flight since they started operational life over 45 years ago.

They have flown as transport and air-to-air refuelling planes and have seen service in the Falklands, Kosovo, both Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.

The retirement is part of a planned phasing out of the VC10 fleet before they are replaced by Voyagers.

RAF Brize Norton’s remaining nine VC10s, which are part of 101 Squadron, will be gradually withdrawn until the final aircraft are taken out of service in March 2013.

Wing Commander Kev Brookes, who is in charge of 101 Squadron, said: “They are a true testament to the excellence of British design and engineering.

“The VC10 will always be remembered by the pilots, both civilian and military, for its positive handling and smoothness of flight, yet with its reserve of power it would still handle like a fighter.”