Typhoon to the Stan [Archive]

checkerboard6

7th Jul 2010, 10:02

Morning all, just wondering if ever we will see the Typhoon in action in the stan.......... replacing the Tonka's ?

With all the kit on show in Kandahar everyday it would be great to see the Typhoon roaring down the tarmac

TwoStep

7th Jul 2010, 10:14

Apparently we need two squadrons just to sustain QRA even though the Czechs were able to maintain QRA in two countries with 12 Gripens, go figure.:}

Saintsman

7th Jul 2010, 10:24

In these financially challenging times, wouldn't it be cheaper to replace Tornados with Hawks? (assuming we had them)

stickmonkeytamer

7th Jul 2010, 10:43

What about sending the Reds to distract them...

"A woman flying- infidels!".
"No, wait, Dirka Dirka, there is only 8 of them- she has food poisoning, or may be getting corporate hospitality elsewhere"...

Then have the BBMF Lanc finish them off. Imagine the sight of that coming along to bomb them. The Spitfire and Hurricane would be rather useful as well... We kinda won a war that way before didn't we?

SMT

SammySu

7th Jul 2010, 19:01

To be a useful CAS / Combat ISTAR platform one needs:

a. A radio that allows you to talk to anyone, securely.

b. A range of weapons / systems to provide a flexible and graduated response.

c. Platform maturity / reliability.

d. Enough hours allocated to become competent in the conduct of a. and b.

................

Bismark

7th Jul 2010, 21:15

....and an aircraft that is relatively cheap to deploy, requires only "field" conditions and not a mega logistics tail. Tell me, why did we take Harrier out of theatre? And don't say they needed to come out for crew reasons.

insty66

7th Jul 2010, 21:40

...and an aircraft that is relatively cheap to deploy, requires only "field" conditions and not a mega logistics tail. Tell me, why did we take Harrier out of theatre? And don't say they needed to come out for crew reasons.

Coz it woz knackered?

indie cent

7th Jul 2010, 21:52

Checker,

Typhoon is exempt from operations in Afghanistan.

It is part of the "parallel" airforce, which includes PTI's and E3D's.

They do not work weekends* and, as such, are non-deployable.

(*except airshow participation and Vegas.)

.... ;))

rock34

8th Jul 2010, 09:45

It'll all come down to ££££££££££££££££

Chopping flying pay should just about cover it ;).

diginagain

8th Jul 2010, 10:09

It'll all come down to ££££££££££££££££

Chopping flying pay should just about cover it .

Or folding the rocks.......:ok: The EFI will just have to guard itself.

Postman Plod

8th Jul 2010, 10:16

norfolkandchance

8th Jul 2010, 10:20

Rumour here is that Tonka's are being scrapped in the SDR and the harriers are going back into the stan to do the job until Uk pulls out

Wyler

8th Jul 2010, 10:28

Correct.

The politicians are not even being subtle about it.

Low Flier

8th Jul 2010, 12:16

Tiffy would be the right tool for the job if Terry T had an air force.

RileyDove

8th Jul 2010, 13:19

The Harrier's used in 'Stan' were rotated so the notion that they were 'knackered' is rubbish ! It would be the most sensible and cost effective move if they went back in this time of austerity and they are perfectly suited to the job.

rock34

8th Jul 2010, 14:18

Pay me off and it gets my vote. :ok:

I'd love not to have to go back to Afghanistan again. Back onto thread, I just can't see typhoon going out there anytime soon (next 6 years).

Mr Grim

8th Jul 2010, 18:24

SammySu

8th Jul 2010, 19:39

Absolutely, and a fair few more in Rutland, Norfolk and Moray, but the only ones fitting that bill at CGY have a nice red and white fin flash.

:}

Wrathmonk

9th Jul 2010, 07:22

AIUI there was more to it than

The Harrier's used in 'Stan' were rotated so the notion that they were 'knackered' is rubbish

Don't forget the "human" issues as well - JFH is not a big force and was not configured to maintain, within harmony, the AFG deployment (and thats across the board - groundcrew and aircrew). There was also concern, I believe, at the lack of proper deck time they were able to give the RN and on the basis of "use it or lose it" there was a very real risk of the carriers getting canned (and hence there were lots of guest nations on board HM's finest). No point having two big boats if you don't have the toys to put on them .....

wokkam8

9th Jul 2010, 18:02

Tell you what, if the politicians are to be believed and you'll all be out of Afghanistan by 2015, then I'd suggest you need not worry about Typhoon going, but that there are some massive defence cuts on the way in the next few years, and I wouldn't be surprised if the forces are scaled back to cover home defence...

What tosh. The whole point of being in the 'Stan' is that what we are doing out there IS home defence. By wiping out AQ and its ability to home-grow terrorist cells capable of the July 7th London bombings in-situ is what home defence is all about - not launching an airshow jet to escort a Russian Bear away from the UK in the North Sea. If you think that CAS (ie Harrier only) ISTAR and RW platforms are going to be cutback in the SDSR in favour of defending British airspace and continuing to support the outrageously expensive white elephant that is the Typhoon then you are clearly something of a clown.

minigundiplomat

9th Jul 2010, 18:51

Orange wig - Check
Rotating Bow Tie - Check
Floppy Shoes - Check
Hula Hoop holding up Trousers - Check
Small Car with Dodgy Doors - Check

Yep, wokkam8 you seem to have a point. In his defence, we all work for a ringmaster.

Common_Sense

9th Jul 2010, 22:16

Harrier was replaced for numerous reasons. Some of which were airframe and crew fatigue.

Tornado is now in theatre. They work hard, they do a great job.

Typhoon probably has neither the airframes or personnel to deploy to Afghanistan for prolonged periods, whilst maintaining UK QRA and Falklands duties, without impacting it's development.

To suggest that the Typhoon should go to Afghanistan is both pointless (it would cost even more money to replace a perfectly capable platform) and I think also a bit insulting to those crews who are working hard in the tornado force to achieve their task.

Has anybody considered that calling the Typhoon a 'white elephant' or an 'Airshow jet' is infuriating to those working ridiculously hard to make the jet the very best it can (and will) be.

Apologies, but I couldn't help biting.

indie cent

9th Jul 2010, 23:23

Has anybody considered that calling the Typhoon a 'white elephant' or an 'Airshow jet' is infuriating to those working ridiculously hard to make the jet the very best it can (and will) be.

Common, genuinely, thanks for posting. It is not uncommon to see publicity reminding us of the hard work that's going in to make the Typhoon a success. You are correct to point out the Tornado force's hard work and contribution.

The crux is that (and this phrase was used on another thread) the lads in Afg are in the absolute fight of their lives. There are, across all 3 services, people going so far beyond the call of duty and what is considered as "hard work" that it would perhaps make you want to weep. The line that defines out there is often just simple: luck, or fluke.

I'd feel frustrated if my work went unnoticed. Yet, I think you may be extremely lucky if you find a great deal of sympathy posting 'round these parts. Whilst I cannot speak for all, I'd expect many would be asking some pretty pointed questions if the Typhoon community were not working "ridiculously hard" in the current climate...

You may expect some more robust responses than this! But all the same, keep up the ridiculously hard work... we may need it some day.

ic