Courtney, remember that in RAFG our War Fit was 44+. The gun was deemed essential to counter all threats. Could print the details but I would have to shoot you. I could only guess Steve N...... didn't do a Germany tour or he would not have made such a stupid decision with Typhoon and the gun!
Yes it took 100 secs to align the INS. The Nav had to get the INS into Nav prior to the pilot starting to taxi. Both engines were started while strapping in, 7 second between starts I believe. The Nav could strap-in on the way to the T/O point if required. On an Alpha Scramble we WERE TO get airborne in 5 min, no matter. Battle Flight was seem to be of high interest by the *** Officers and politicians.
RP you are quite right on the tyre size, one red wine too many.