Originally Posted by
Just This Once...
typerated - The comparison between the GAF Alpha Jet and the Hawk T1/1A could not be more stark. The basic Alpha out-performs the basic Hawk in all regards, even if you knock the toblerones off the T1 wing. Add stores to either and performance dip for the T1 is far greater than the equivalent Alpha.
The GAF Alphas were built as light attack aircraft from the outset and improved in service. Multiple hardpoints, external fuel, full spec wing, HUD, INS, stores management system, ECM, ESM, integral chaff/flare dispensers, proper gun, uprated engines et al. The only thing that was very late to the GAF Alpha was AIM-9 capability, which was introduced towards the end of their operational life. They are very different to the advanced training Alphas built for the French. If the GAF had had their way they would have selected different engines entirely for the Alpha Jet.
The Hawk family did include single-seat light attack variants but they were a ground-up redesign and far removed from the humble T1.
Thanks JAR - Interesting, I always thought the Hawk had the edge on the Alpha!
I remember the Germans often coming across on Priory/ Elder Forrest/ Joust with large formations of Alphas 16 or so!
From that I pictured Hawks doing something similar in Germany.
Tornados or similar taking out a bridge and then a large formation of Hawks with SNEBs trying their luck with the resulting traffic jam.
Certainly never got my head round what use Hawks would be for UKAD