This is just a question, but i saw in the Sunday Telegraph an article on the F3 not being compatible with the AMRAAM. The article claims that the Foxhunter radar in the F3 isn't compatible with the AMRAAM. During live firing exercises the missile even tried to engage the escorting F3 (apparently). The problem being (it states), is that the Tornados radar is unable to communicate with the missle before and after firing, so the missle is fired 'blind' and has to use it's own seeker head to engage targets.
The article goes on to talk about how there is little point spending £125 million on a missile that cannot be used in combat. Now comes what the article is getting at. Could the money saved go towards saving the SHAR, which is capable of using the AMRAAM to an awesome effect? Do you think that this is possible? I don't know the figures for the amount of money needed to save the SHAR, but could it be done?
Can i also add that this isn't a reply designed to have a dig at the F3 crews who i have huge respect for. Thanks
Tbird