RAF Fast-Jet Combat Squadrons - 80% Reduction Since Gulf War I
RAF Fast Jet Squadrons - 1991
From memory - and including corrections from others - RAF front line fast jet squadrons in 1991, excluding OCUs which had a reserve squadron role, were:
Tornado GR1: 2, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 27, 31, 617 - total 11
Tornado F3: 5, 11, 23, 25, 29, 43, 111 - total 7
Jaguar: 6, 41, 54 - total 3
Harrier: 1, 3, 4 - total 3
Phantom FGR2: 19, 56, 74, 92 - total 4
Buccaneer: 12, 208 - total 2
Total: 30
In addition to the above, there were the following OCUs:
Tornado GR1 TWCU: 45(R)
Tornado F3: 229 OCU / 65(R)
Jaguar: 226 OCU
Harrier: 233 OCU
Buccaneer: 237 OCU
and 1435 Flt in the Falklands with 4 x Phantom FGR2
plus some pretty fast Canberra as well !
Tornado GR1: 2, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 27, 31, 617 - total 11
Tornado F3: 5, 11, 23, 25, 29, 43, 111 - total 7
Jaguar: 6, 41, 54 - total 3
Harrier: 1, 3, 4 - total 3
Phantom FGR2: 19, 56, 74, 92 - total 4
Buccaneer: 12, 208 - total 2
Total: 30
In addition to the above, there were the following OCUs:
Tornado GR1 TWCU: 45(R)
Tornado F3: 229 OCU / 65(R)
Jaguar: 226 OCU
Harrier: 233 OCU
Buccaneer: 237 OCU
and 1435 Flt in the Falklands with 4 x Phantom FGR2
plus some pretty fast Canberra as well !
Last edited by RAFEngO74to09; 2nd Mar 2014 at 01:44. Reason: amended
Ok, let's re-do EngO's post for 1991:
Tornado GR1: 2, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 27, 31, 617 - total 11
Tornado F3: 5, 11, 23, 25, 29, 43, 111 - total 7
Jaguar: 6, 41, 54 - total 3
Harrier: 1, 3, 4 - total 3
Phantom: 19, 56, 74, 92 - total 4
Buccaneer: 12, 208 - total 2
Total 30 Front Line Combat Ready Fast Jet Sqns
In addition to the above, there were the following OCUs:
Tornado GR1 TWCU: 45(R)
Tornado GR1 TTTE
Tornado F3: 229 OCU (65 Sqn)
Phantom: 228 OCU (64 Sqn)
Jaguar: 226 OCU
Harrier: 233 OCU
Buccaneer: 237 OCU
Total OCUs 7 Front Line Limited Combat Ready Fast Jet Sqns
and 1435 Flt in the Falklands with 4 x Phantom FGR2 - let's call it 1/2 a Sqn
So in 1991, the UK could raise 37.5 Fast Jet Sqns
How many today in 2014?
4x Typhoon
3x Tornado GR4
1x Typhoon OCU
1x Tornado GR4 OCU
1435 Flt in the Falklands
9.5 Sqns in total in 2014 versus 37.5 Sqns in 1991 - that's ~25% left!!!
So in answer to the OP's question - it's reduced by 75%. However, on 1 Apr 14 we lose 12 Sqn and that will be pretty close to 80%
LJ
Tornado GR1: 2, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 27, 31, 617 - total 11
Tornado F3: 5, 11, 23, 25, 29, 43, 111 - total 7
Jaguar: 6, 41, 54 - total 3
Harrier: 1, 3, 4 - total 3
Phantom: 19, 56, 74, 92 - total 4
Buccaneer: 12, 208 - total 2
Total 30 Front Line Combat Ready Fast Jet Sqns
In addition to the above, there were the following OCUs:
Tornado GR1 TWCU: 45(R)
Tornado GR1 TTTE
Tornado F3: 229 OCU (65 Sqn)
Phantom: 228 OCU (64 Sqn)
Jaguar: 226 OCU
Harrier: 233 OCU
Buccaneer: 237 OCU
Total OCUs 7 Front Line Limited Combat Ready Fast Jet Sqns
and 1435 Flt in the Falklands with 4 x Phantom FGR2 - let's call it 1/2 a Sqn
So in 1991, the UK could raise 37.5 Fast Jet Sqns
How many today in 2014?
4x Typhoon
3x Tornado GR4
1x Typhoon OCU
1x Tornado GR4 OCU
1435 Flt in the Falklands
9.5 Sqns in total in 2014 versus 37.5 Sqns in 1991 - that's ~25% left!!!
So in answer to the OP's question - it's reduced by 75%. However, on 1 Apr 14 we lose 12 Sqn and that will be pretty close to 80%
LJ
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: East Anglia
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Available RAF assets 1989:
1. Bruggen, FRG:
a. No. 9 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1983)
b. No. 14 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1985)
c. No. 17 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1985)
d. No. 31 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1(became Tornado in 1984)
2. Gutersloh, FRG:
a. No. 3 Squadron: 16 Harrier GR Mk3 (GR Mk5 in March 1989)
b. No. 4 Squadron: 16 Harrier GR Mk3 (GR Mk7 in Sept 1990)
c. No. 18 Squadron: 18 Chinooks (see note)
d. No. 230 Squadron: 16 Puma
3. Laarbruch, FRG:
a. No. 2 Squadron: 12 Jaguars (Recon) (former 1/89, may have been Tornado GR Mk 1A recon)
b. No. 15 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1983)
c. No. 16 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1984)
d. No. 20 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1984)
4. Wildenrath, FRG:
a. No. 19 Squadron: 12 Phantom FGR Mk 2
b. No. 92 Squadron: 12 Phantom FGR Mk 2
c. No. 20 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1
d. No. 60 Squadron: Andovers
5. Berlin, FRG
a. Flight of Chipmunk T.10
1. Binbrook, Lincs, UK:
a. No. 5 Squadron: 12 Tornado F3 (Lightning until 1987) (may have been at Coningsby)
b. No. 11 Squadron: 15 Tornado F3 (Lightning until May 1988, re-formed with F3 in August 1988)
2. Leuchars, Fife, UK:
a. No. 43 Squadron: 12? Phantom FGR Mk 2 (became F3 in 1990)
b. No. 111 Squadron: 12 ? Phantom FGR Mk 2 (became F3 in early 1990s)
c. No. 228 Squadron: OCU for Phantom units
3. Lossiemouth, Morayshire, UK:
a. No. 12 Squadron: 16 Buccaneer Mk 2b
b. No. 208 Squadron: 16 Buccaneer Mk 2b
c. No. 237 Squadron: 16 Buccaneer Mk 2b (OCU for Buccaneer units)
d. No. 226 Squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1 (OCU for Jaguar units)
e. No. 8 Squadron: 6 Shackleton AEW Mk 2 (became Sentry in 1991)
4. Marham, Norfolk, UK:
a. No. 27 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1
b. No. 617 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1
5. Wattisham, Suffolk, UK:
a. No. 56 Squadron: 12 Phantom FGR Mk 2 (15)
b. No. 74 Squadron: 12 Phantom F-4J(UK) (15)
c. No. 23 Squadron 12-15 Tornado F3 (formed 1988) (may have been at Leeming)
6. Wittering, Cambs, UK:
a. No. 1 Squadron: 16 Harrier GR Mk 3 (began converting to GR Mk 5 in June 1987)
b. No. 233 Squadron: Harrier OCU (began converting to GR Mk 5 in 1989)
7. Coltishall, UK:
a. No. 6 Squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1
b. No. 54 Squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1
c. No. 41 squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1 (Recon)
8. Leeming, UK
a. No. 25 Squadron 12-15 Tornado F3 (formed Aug. 1 1989)
9. Honington
a. No. 13 Squadron: 16 Tornado GR Mk 1a (formed Jan. 1 1990)
b. No. 45 Squadron: Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit
10. Conigsby, UK
a. No. 29 Squadron 15 Tornado F3 (became Tornado in 1987)
11. Cottesmore, UK
a. NATO Tri-National Training Unit:
1. 20 Tornado GR Mk 1 (UK)
2. 10 Tornado IDS (Italy)
3. 22 Tornado IDS (FRG)
12. Brawdy, UK
a. No. 1 Tactical Weapons Unit: Hawk T.1A with secondary air defense role
13. Chivenor, UK
b. No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit: Hawk T.1A with secondary air defense role
12. Falkland Islands
a. No. 1435 Flight: 4 F-4 Phantom FGR.Mk2
b. No. 1312 Flight: 1 VC-10, 1 Hercules C-130K
c. No. 78 Squadron: Sea King and Chinook HC1
13. Belize
a. No. 1417 Flight: Harrier
b. No. 1563 Flight: Puma
Non-Combat Squadrons
1. Brize Norton, UK:
a. No. 101 Squadron: 13 VC10 C.1 (Long range transport)
b. No. 216 Squadron: Tristar KC1 (aircraft undergoing conversion to tanker role)
2. Kinloss, UK
a. No. 201 Squadron: Nimrod
b. No. 206 Squadron: Nimrod
c. No. 120 Squadron: Nimrod (may have been at St. Mawgan)
d. No. 235 Squadron: Nimrod OCU (may have been at St. Mawgan)
e. No. 42 Squadron: Nimrod (may have been at St. Mawgan)
3. Waddington, UK (Wyton?)
a. No. 51 Squadron: 3 Elint Nimrod R1
b. No. 1 Photo Recon Squadron: 5 Canberra PR9
c. No. 360 Squadron: Canberra T.17 in ECM training role
e. No. 100 Squadron: Canberra in target training role
f. No. 231 Squadron: Canberra OCU
4. Boulmer, UK
a. No. 22 Squadron: HQ at RAF Finningley, A Flight at Chivenor, B Flight at Leuchars, C Flight at RAF Valley, E Flight at Coltishall (D flight disbanded Nov 88): 2 Wessex HAR.2 per flight
b. No. 202 Sqadron: HQ at RAF Finningley, A Flight at Boulmer, B Flight at Brawdy, C Flight at Manston, D Flight at Lossiemouth, E Flight at Leconfield: 2 Sea King HAR.3 per flight
5. Odiham, UK
a. No. 7 Squadron: Chinooks (provided medium-lift support for Army)
b. No. 33 Squdron: Puma
c. No. 240 Squadron: Chinook, Puma OCU
6. Lyneham, UK
a. No. 24 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
b. No. 30 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
c. No. 47 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
d. No. 70 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
e. No. 242 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3 (OCU for Hercules Sqadrons)
Note: 6 C.1 were configured as C.1K tanks, 30 total were stretched C.3s (equivalent to C-130H-30)
7. Northolt, UK
a. No. 32 Squadron: Metropolitan Communications Squadron with 12 HS.125, Andover CC.2, Gazelle
8. Aldregrove, UK
a. No. 72 Squadron: Wessex HC2
9. Marham, UK
a. No. 55 Squdron: Victor Tankers
10. Benson, UK
a. No. 115 Squadron: Andover E.3/E.3A, some C.1s
9. Akrotiri, Cyprus
a. No. 84 Squadron: Wessex HC2, some former RN Wessex HU Mk5
10. Sek Kong, Hong Kong
a. No. 28 Squadron: Wessex HC2
Note 1: The RAF, like the US but unlike most other air forces, appears to have held significant reserves of front-line aircraft. IISS Military Balance 89-90 lists the following aircraft in reserve: 51 Tornado GR1, 59 Tornado F2/F3, 55 Phantom, 55 Jaguar. Other data in this section comes from Flight International’s World Air Forces 1989. Where it conflicts, it is marked with an *.
Note 2: UK Aircraft Holdings (from Jane’s, as of late 1989-early 1990)
F-4: 14 F-4J, 35 FG1, 76 FGR2
Tornados: 122 F3, 176 GR1
Jaguars: 114 GR1, 24 T2
Harriers: 64 GR3, 37 GR5, 16 T2 4A
Buccaneer: 65+* S.2
Tankers: 12 (14*) Victor K2, 4 VC10 K2, 4 (5*) VC10 K3, 6 Hercules C1K, 9 Lockheed TriStar
Trainers: 74 Hawk T1, 87 Hawk T1A, 120 Jet Provost T5/T5A, 11 Jetstream T1, 119 Bulldog T1, 11 Chipmunk T10, 20 Domino T1
Transports: 13 VC10 C.1, 25 Hercules C.1/C.1P, 30 Hercules C.3
Others: 9 Canberra PR9 (recon), 36 Nimrod (patrol), 5 Shackleton (AEW), 3 Nimrod R1P (EW), 6 Canberra T17 (EW), 6 Canberra T17A (EW)
Helicopters: 41 Puma HC1, 32 (36*) Chinook HC1, 29 (30*) Gazelle SA341D HT3 trainers, 45 (67*) various Wessex, 18 Sea King HAR 3
Note 3: The two Chinook squadrons (Nos 7 and 18) held 27 CH-47s between them; another 5 were in an OCU squadron.
From wargamers who can be quite anal about their subject. (looks about right to me)
ROYAL AIR FORCE - GERMANY
Information from official squadron histories, with additional info from squadron histories on RAFWeb.org
a. No. 9 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1983)
b. No. 14 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1985)
c. No. 17 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1985)
d. No. 31 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1(became Tornado in 1984)
2. Gutersloh, FRG:
a. No. 3 Squadron: 16 Harrier GR Mk3 (GR Mk5 in March 1989)
b. No. 4 Squadron: 16 Harrier GR Mk3 (GR Mk7 in Sept 1990)
c. No. 18 Squadron: 18 Chinooks (see note)
d. No. 230 Squadron: 16 Puma
3. Laarbruch, FRG:
a. No. 2 Squadron: 12 Jaguars (Recon) (former 1/89, may have been Tornado GR Mk 1A recon)
b. No. 15 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1983)
c. No. 16 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1984)
d. No. 20 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1 (became Tornado in 1984)
4. Wildenrath, FRG:
a. No. 19 Squadron: 12 Phantom FGR Mk 2
b. No. 92 Squadron: 12 Phantom FGR Mk 2
c. No. 20 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1
d. No. 60 Squadron: Andovers
5. Berlin, FRG
a. Flight of Chipmunk T.10
ROYAL AIR FORCE - UNITED KINGDOM
a. No. 5 Squadron: 12 Tornado F3 (Lightning until 1987) (may have been at Coningsby)
b. No. 11 Squadron: 15 Tornado F3 (Lightning until May 1988, re-formed with F3 in August 1988)
2. Leuchars, Fife, UK:
a. No. 43 Squadron: 12? Phantom FGR Mk 2 (became F3 in 1990)
b. No. 111 Squadron: 12 ? Phantom FGR Mk 2 (became F3 in early 1990s)
c. No. 228 Squadron: OCU for Phantom units
3. Lossiemouth, Morayshire, UK:
a. No. 12 Squadron: 16 Buccaneer Mk 2b
b. No. 208 Squadron: 16 Buccaneer Mk 2b
c. No. 237 Squadron: 16 Buccaneer Mk 2b (OCU for Buccaneer units)
d. No. 226 Squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1 (OCU for Jaguar units)
e. No. 8 Squadron: 6 Shackleton AEW Mk 2 (became Sentry in 1991)
4. Marham, Norfolk, UK:
a. No. 27 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1
b. No. 617 Squadron: 12 Tornado GR Mk 1
5. Wattisham, Suffolk, UK:
a. No. 56 Squadron: 12 Phantom FGR Mk 2 (15)
b. No. 74 Squadron: 12 Phantom F-4J(UK) (15)
c. No. 23 Squadron 12-15 Tornado F3 (formed 1988) (may have been at Leeming)
6. Wittering, Cambs, UK:
a. No. 1 Squadron: 16 Harrier GR Mk 3 (began converting to GR Mk 5 in June 1987)
b. No. 233 Squadron: Harrier OCU (began converting to GR Mk 5 in 1989)
7. Coltishall, UK:
a. No. 6 Squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1
b. No. 54 Squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1
c. No. 41 squadron: 16 Jaguar GR Mk 1 (Recon)
8. Leeming, UK
a. No. 25 Squadron 12-15 Tornado F3 (formed Aug. 1 1989)
9. Honington
a. No. 13 Squadron: 16 Tornado GR Mk 1a (formed Jan. 1 1990)
b. No. 45 Squadron: Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit
10. Conigsby, UK
a. No. 29 Squadron 15 Tornado F3 (became Tornado in 1987)
11. Cottesmore, UK
a. NATO Tri-National Training Unit:
1. 20 Tornado GR Mk 1 (UK)
2. 10 Tornado IDS (Italy)
3. 22 Tornado IDS (FRG)
12. Brawdy, UK
a. No. 1 Tactical Weapons Unit: Hawk T.1A with secondary air defense role
13. Chivenor, UK
b. No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit: Hawk T.1A with secondary air defense role
12. Falkland Islands
a. No. 1435 Flight: 4 F-4 Phantom FGR.Mk2
b. No. 1312 Flight: 1 VC-10, 1 Hercules C-130K
c. No. 78 Squadron: Sea King and Chinook HC1
13. Belize
a. No. 1417 Flight: Harrier
b. No. 1563 Flight: Puma
Non-Combat Squadrons
1. Brize Norton, UK:
a. No. 101 Squadron: 13 VC10 C.1 (Long range transport)
b. No. 216 Squadron: Tristar KC1 (aircraft undergoing conversion to tanker role)
2. Kinloss, UK
a. No. 201 Squadron: Nimrod
b. No. 206 Squadron: Nimrod
c. No. 120 Squadron: Nimrod (may have been at St. Mawgan)
d. No. 235 Squadron: Nimrod OCU (may have been at St. Mawgan)
e. No. 42 Squadron: Nimrod (may have been at St. Mawgan)
3. Waddington, UK (Wyton?)
a. No. 51 Squadron: 3 Elint Nimrod R1
b. No. 1 Photo Recon Squadron: 5 Canberra PR9
c. No. 360 Squadron: Canberra T.17 in ECM training role
e. No. 100 Squadron: Canberra in target training role
f. No. 231 Squadron: Canberra OCU
4. Boulmer, UK
a. No. 22 Squadron: HQ at RAF Finningley, A Flight at Chivenor, B Flight at Leuchars, C Flight at RAF Valley, E Flight at Coltishall (D flight disbanded Nov 88): 2 Wessex HAR.2 per flight
b. No. 202 Sqadron: HQ at RAF Finningley, A Flight at Boulmer, B Flight at Brawdy, C Flight at Manston, D Flight at Lossiemouth, E Flight at Leconfield: 2 Sea King HAR.3 per flight
5. Odiham, UK
a. No. 7 Squadron: Chinooks (provided medium-lift support for Army)
b. No. 33 Squdron: Puma
c. No. 240 Squadron: Chinook, Puma OCU
6. Lyneham, UK
a. No. 24 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
b. No. 30 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
c. No. 47 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
d. No. 70 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3
e. No. 242 Squadron: 12 Hercules C.1/C.3 (OCU for Hercules Sqadrons)
Note: 6 C.1 were configured as C.1K tanks, 30 total were stretched C.3s (equivalent to C-130H-30)
7. Northolt, UK
a. No. 32 Squadron: Metropolitan Communications Squadron with 12 HS.125, Andover CC.2, Gazelle
8. Aldregrove, UK
a. No. 72 Squadron: Wessex HC2
9. Marham, UK
a. No. 55 Squdron: Victor Tankers
10. Benson, UK
a. No. 115 Squadron: Andover E.3/E.3A, some C.1s
9. Akrotiri, Cyprus
a. No. 84 Squadron: Wessex HC2, some former RN Wessex HU Mk5
10. Sek Kong, Hong Kong
a. No. 28 Squadron: Wessex HC2
Note 1: The RAF, like the US but unlike most other air forces, appears to have held significant reserves of front-line aircraft. IISS Military Balance 89-90 lists the following aircraft in reserve: 51 Tornado GR1, 59 Tornado F2/F3, 55 Phantom, 55 Jaguar. Other data in this section comes from Flight International’s World Air Forces 1989. Where it conflicts, it is marked with an *.
Note 2: UK Aircraft Holdings (from Jane’s, as of late 1989-early 1990)
F-4: 14 F-4J, 35 FG1, 76 FGR2
Tornados: 122 F3, 176 GR1
Jaguars: 114 GR1, 24 T2
Harriers: 64 GR3, 37 GR5, 16 T2 4A
Buccaneer: 65+* S.2
Tankers: 12 (14*) Victor K2, 4 VC10 K2, 4 (5*) VC10 K3, 6 Hercules C1K, 9 Lockheed TriStar
Trainers: 74 Hawk T1, 87 Hawk T1A, 120 Jet Provost T5/T5A, 11 Jetstream T1, 119 Bulldog T1, 11 Chipmunk T10, 20 Domino T1
Transports: 13 VC10 C.1, 25 Hercules C.1/C.1P, 30 Hercules C.3
Others: 9 Canberra PR9 (recon), 36 Nimrod (patrol), 5 Shackleton (AEW), 3 Nimrod R1P (EW), 6 Canberra T17 (EW), 6 Canberra T17A (EW)
Helicopters: 41 Puma HC1, 32 (36*) Chinook HC1, 29 (30*) Gazelle SA341D HT3 trainers, 45 (67*) various Wessex, 18 Sea King HAR 3
Note 3: The two Chinook squadrons (Nos 7 and 18) held 27 CH-47s between them; another 5 were in an OCU squadron.
From wargamers who can be quite anal about their subject. (looks about right to me)
Whereas 30 years earlier, in 1956 in 2 ATAF alone:
2 Sqn Swift FR5 Geilenkirchen
3 Sqn Hunter F4 Geilenkirchen
4 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
5 Sqn Venom FB4 Fassberg
11 Sqn Venom FB4 Fassberg
14 Sqn Hunter F4 Oldenburg
16 Sqn Venom FB1 Celle
17 Sqn Canberra PR7 Wahn
20 Sqn Hunter F4 Oldenburg
26 Sqn Hunter F4 Oldenburg
31 Sqn Canberra PR7 Laarbruch
67 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
68 Sqn Meteor NF11 Wahn
69 Sqn Canberra PR3 Laarbruch
71 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
79 Sqn Swift FR5 Wunstorf
80 Sqn Canberra PR7 Laarbruch
87 Sqn Meteor NF11 Wahn
88 Sqn Canberra B(I)8 Wildenrath
93 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
94 Sqn Venom FB1 Celle
96 Sqn Meteor NF11 Ahlhorn
98 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
102 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
103 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
104 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
112 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
118 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
130 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
145 Sqn Venom FB1 Celle
149 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
213 Sqn Canberra B(I)6 Ahlhorn
234 Sqn Hunter F4 Geilenkirchen
256 Sqn Meteor NF11 Ahlhorn
266 Sqn Venom FB4 Fassberg
541 Sqn Meteor PR10 Wunstorf
652 Sqn Auster AOP6/9 Detmold
And if I recall correctly, the peak numerical V-bomber strength was in early 1963 with 22 bomber squadrons (9 Vulcan, 5 Victor and 8 Valiant).....
2 Sqn Swift FR5 Geilenkirchen
3 Sqn Hunter F4 Geilenkirchen
4 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
5 Sqn Venom FB4 Fassberg
11 Sqn Venom FB4 Fassberg
14 Sqn Hunter F4 Oldenburg
16 Sqn Venom FB1 Celle
17 Sqn Canberra PR7 Wahn
20 Sqn Hunter F4 Oldenburg
26 Sqn Hunter F4 Oldenburg
31 Sqn Canberra PR7 Laarbruch
67 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
68 Sqn Meteor NF11 Wahn
69 Sqn Canberra PR3 Laarbruch
71 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
79 Sqn Swift FR5 Wunstorf
80 Sqn Canberra PR7 Laarbruch
87 Sqn Meteor NF11 Wahn
88 Sqn Canberra B(I)8 Wildenrath
93 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
94 Sqn Venom FB1 Celle
96 Sqn Meteor NF11 Ahlhorn
98 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
102 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
103 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
104 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
112 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
118 Sqn Hunter F4 Jever
130 Sqn Hunter F4 Brüggen
145 Sqn Venom FB1 Celle
149 Sqn Canberra B2 Gütersloh
213 Sqn Canberra B(I)6 Ahlhorn
234 Sqn Hunter F4 Geilenkirchen
256 Sqn Meteor NF11 Ahlhorn
266 Sqn Venom FB4 Fassberg
541 Sqn Meteor PR10 Wunstorf
652 Sqn Auster AOP6/9 Detmold
And if I recall correctly, the peak numerical V-bomber strength was in early 1963 with 22 bomber squadrons (9 Vulcan, 5 Victor and 8 Valiant).....
Last edited by BEagle; 1st Mar 2014 at 22:02.
A few changes to Kitbag's roundup:
Brize Norton 10 Sqn - 13 VC10 C1
101 Sqn - 9 VC10 K2/3
216 Sqn - Reforming with Tristars
Wyton No 1PRU (later 39 Sqn) - Canberra PR9 & T4
Brize Norton 10 Sqn - 13 VC10 C1
101 Sqn - 9 VC10 K2/3
216 Sqn - Reforming with Tristars
Wyton No 1PRU (later 39 Sqn) - Canberra PR9 & T4
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: raf
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One or two typos in the above posts... The Tornado F3 OCU was 56(R) Sqn.
???? - 2003 RAF Coningsby
2003 - 2008 RAF Leuchars
2008 Disbanded after merged with 43(F) Sqn
I also remember there was an OEU when 41 Sqn still flew Jags. The OEU badge was 3 sets of wings and a vertical sword on a purple background.
???? - 2003 RAF Coningsby
2003 - 2008 RAF Leuchars
2008 Disbanded after merged with 43(F) Sqn
I also remember there was an OEU when 41 Sqn still flew Jags. The OEU badge was 3 sets of wings and a vertical sword on a purple background.
Last edited by gr4techie; 2nd Mar 2014 at 01:31.
gr4techie,
In 1991, the Tornado F3 OCU was 229 OCU / 65(R) Sqn, and 56 Sqn was still equipped with the Phantom FGR2.
229 OCU / 65(R) Sqn was not redesignated as 56(R) Sqn until 1 Jul 92.
In 1991, the Tornado F3 OCU was 229 OCU / 65(R) Sqn, and 56 Sqn was still equipped with the Phantom FGR2.
229 OCU / 65(R) Sqn was not redesignated as 56(R) Sqn until 1 Jul 92.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Tennessee - Smoky Mountains
Age: 55
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
What threats do the RAF FJ sqns of today train for, as opposed to those of 25 years ago? How credible and apparent are those? I think the reason there are far fewer sqns lies partly in the answer.
Same reason there are fewer troops and tanks, and fewer ships and matelots than 25 years ago.
Not saying it's right, but that's the "peace dividend" of the end of the Cold War. The Taliban insurgents don't constitute 3 Shock Army (i.e. 5 Divisions of armoured troops with state funding, with supporting nuclear-armed air and naval assets etc).
Same reason there are fewer troops and tanks, and fewer ships and matelots than 25 years ago.
Not saying it's right, but that's the "peace dividend" of the end of the Cold War. The Taliban insurgents don't constitute 3 Shock Army (i.e. 5 Divisions of armoured troops with state funding, with supporting nuclear-armed air and naval assets etc).
Last edited by Roadster280; 2nd Mar 2014 at 02:28.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Did I Tell You I Was A Harrier Pilot
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
More attrition here due to cost cutting than any enemy action...
Perhaps we need to start to train for a different sort of threat (invisible, asymmetric, unaccountable, no recce slides of the forces involved, continually able to reduce both morale and force numbers.... and so on....).
Not sure about "peace dividend" given that UK forces have been repeatedly involved in more conflict since the end of the cold war than during it.
Perhaps we need to start to train for a different sort of threat (invisible, asymmetric, unaccountable, no recce slides of the forces involved, continually able to reduce both morale and force numbers.... and so on....).
Not sure about "peace dividend" given that UK forces have been repeatedly involved in more conflict since the end of the cold war than during it.
How did we get here?
Cost cutting has doubtless been a major factor - as has getting out of entire capability areas (EW Support - 360Sqn, let alone MPA....). However, the FJ world should be a little careful about complaining too loudly; to the detriment of other fleets the RAF has introduced Typhoon and continues to pursue F35 with vigour. These Gen 4.5+ toys have robbed a massive part of the budget and the price of dining at the top table has been a reduction in sustainable force size. It was totally unrealistic to expect a 'one for one' replacement for legacy FJ types when you've justified paying the enormous sticker price by claiming they're X times more capable than their predecessors....
Some of the FJ Sqns have been replaced by RPAS, others by improved ISR capabilities. Other roles (eg Maritime Attack) have simply been removed. I'd be bold enough to suggest that, MPA aside, it is a better balanced RAF we have today and far more capable (in all terms but concurrency). We have, post-Typhoon 'bulge', introduced genuine organic heavy lift (C17), much improved ISR (Sentinel, Shadow, Pred, Reaper, RJ) with A400M and F35 (so much more than a FJ....) to come. Yes, elements were UOR funded, and doubtless some of the FJ rationalisation is an attempt to bring these useful capabilities into core.
It's quite funny to see the RW force listed as 'non combat sqns' in Kitbag's list. How times change......
Cost cutting has doubtless been a major factor - as has getting out of entire capability areas (EW Support - 360Sqn, let alone MPA....). However, the FJ world should be a little careful about complaining too loudly; to the detriment of other fleets the RAF has introduced Typhoon and continues to pursue F35 with vigour. These Gen 4.5+ toys have robbed a massive part of the budget and the price of dining at the top table has been a reduction in sustainable force size. It was totally unrealistic to expect a 'one for one' replacement for legacy FJ types when you've justified paying the enormous sticker price by claiming they're X times more capable than their predecessors....
Some of the FJ Sqns have been replaced by RPAS, others by improved ISR capabilities. Other roles (eg Maritime Attack) have simply been removed. I'd be bold enough to suggest that, MPA aside, it is a better balanced RAF we have today and far more capable (in all terms but concurrency). We have, post-Typhoon 'bulge', introduced genuine organic heavy lift (C17), much improved ISR (Sentinel, Shadow, Pred, Reaper, RJ) with A400M and F35 (so much more than a FJ....) to come. Yes, elements were UOR funded, and doubtless some of the FJ rationalisation is an attempt to bring these useful capabilities into core.
It's quite funny to see the RW force listed as 'non combat sqns' in Kitbag's list. How times change......
Does anyone know where the '20 Sqn at Wildenrath' thing comes from? Corgi do a diecast GR1 of 20 Sqn Wildenrath and post #11 above lists 20 Sqn twice, once at Laarbruch and once at Wildenrath.