RIP-ASTOR
Bloody thing! It is exactly what we needed in the late 70's for BAOR. The concept of a broad area radar ONLY asset is so dated.
It could be used to cue other assets onto a possible target for detailed analysis.
(If Sentinel & Watchkeeper could be made to work). But on its own it was always limited in it's ability.
It was kept alive by an effective Int Corps publicity machine and the mantra of 'Jointery'.
Did they ever find those missing Algerian Schoolgirls with it?
It would have been interesting to see the jet fitted with the ex Canberra RADIOS sensor.
But that was never going to happen. The weight issue alone was always a limiting factor with the Sentinel too. .. ...
We will be better off with Wedgtail.