What is next Typhoon sqn
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Surely everybody loves a canopener?
6 is already designated as being the next Typhoon squadron.
After that, the usual rules about seniority apply, which means that candidate number plates are something like 25, 43, 111 and 56. Despite its years as a reserve numberplate, 56 is still, I think slightly senior on the list to 111. However, AIUI, the AHB have realised that the list has at least one miscalculation of a squadron's seniority upon it, so the list may be slightly revised now.
74 could only reform as a Typhoon squadron if:
(a) The Air Staff alter policy on squadron numberplates (possible, but unlikely)
(b) If more senior fighter plates ahead of it in the list are employed for squadrons formed on other types, removing them from the pool
(c) If more Typhoon units than currently predicted are formed, either because we buy more or because some fiddling with the unit establishment is done so that we end up with front line numbers as planned, but in smaller squadrons (unlikely)
In effect, 74 is behind 25, 43, 111, 56 and 92 in order of likelihood of getting the Typhoon.
After that, the usual rules about seniority apply, which means that candidate number plates are something like 25, 43, 111 and 56. Despite its years as a reserve numberplate, 56 is still, I think slightly senior on the list to 111. However, AIUI, the AHB have realised that the list has at least one miscalculation of a squadron's seniority upon it, so the list may be slightly revised now.
74 could only reform as a Typhoon squadron if:
(a) The Air Staff alter policy on squadron numberplates (possible, but unlikely)
(b) If more senior fighter plates ahead of it in the list are employed for squadrons formed on other types, removing them from the pool
(c) If more Typhoon units than currently predicted are formed, either because we buy more or because some fiddling with the unit establishment is done so that we end up with front line numbers as planned, but in smaller squadrons (unlikely)
In effect, 74 is behind 25, 43, 111, 56 and 92 in order of likelihood of getting the Typhoon.
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What if an existing Sqn converts type?
Say, 15 Sqn to Typhoon OCU, for example...
... there's a load of Saudis to convert now, see.... there may even be a dedicated OCU base, which may even be announced next week...
This is purely speculation, of course...
Say, 15 Sqn to Typhoon OCU, for example...
... there's a load of Saudis to convert now, see.... there may even be a dedicated OCU base, which may even be announced next week...
This is purely speculation, of course...
Last edited by harrogate; 21st Sep 2007 at 12:54.
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All this tradition is silly. I'm surprised no one on the board of directors has got a marketing person in to have a look at things. Just as Ford got rid of Cortina, so could we consider moving things along too. I mean, what does a number say about who we are, or what our values are? How about 74 (European Political and Economic Unity Air Co Operation) Sqn, or 111 (Save the Planet Earth, Save the Whale!) Sqn? In fact, who needs numbers? They reek of hierarchy and superiority.. talking of which, we can bin Air Superiority fighters too, they're smug and self satisfied and exclude lesser a/c types which may focus instead on diversity and inclusivity.
If an extant unit re-equips then everything continues as normal - however, this usually relies upon the creation of a designate squadron: x Squadron disbands at 2359:59 hrs and x(designate) squadron, which has formed on the new type some time before drops the 'designate' bit of its nomenclature at 0000:01.
This relies upon the RAF having sufficient cash to run the extant unit and the designate unit together for a couple of months. And at the moment it doesn't...
This relies upon the RAF having sufficient cash to run the extant unit and the designate unit together for a couple of months. And at the moment it doesn't...
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What about resurrecting a famous WW2 Typhoon Sqn? Perhaps 609 (I know it was an Auxiliary Air Force Sqn). The Hawker Typhoon equipped the following sqns according to my "Brooke Bond Book of the Air" reference: 1,3,56,137,164,168,174,175,181,182,183,184,186,193,195.197.1 98,245,247,257,263,266,438,439,440,486,609.
184 Sqn's badge is a heraldic gun barrel (which would link in nicely to the new Typhoon having a gun after all the faff) and 195 Sqn's badge shows a sabre-toothed tiger head to refer to the original typhoon's powerplant, the Napier Sabre. Well, it is Friday afternoon and Maverick did ask the question.
184 Sqn's badge is a heraldic gun barrel (which would link in nicely to the new Typhoon having a gun after all the faff) and 195 Sqn's badge shows a sabre-toothed tiger head to refer to the original typhoon's powerplant, the Napier Sabre. Well, it is Friday afternoon and Maverick did ask the question.
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Originally Posted by Al R
we can bin Air Superiority fighters too,
TAC Int Bloke
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All this tradition is silly.
IMO when 11GP was changed to 11/18 (then amalgamated into 2, now God-knows 3?) the rot set in, us Air Defenders lost ‘something’ that you couldn’t put your finger on.....You may as well say why allow the Brigade of Guards to hang onto their funny uniforms.
If I wasn't so knackered I'd write something witty (well perhaps not...) about belonging and following in the footsteps of our forbears, comradeship and loyalty. I'd even make a stab at 'tradition' before our brown and dark blue chums had a quick sneer
Before anyone asks I wasn’t never 6 sqn
edited to ad "bugger - too tired to notice irony....."
It would be nice to see Pilot Officer Rochford again!!!
I'm with Mr Soprano. In terms of history as a Fighter Squadron, 54(F) should get Typhoon after 6. I've still not got my head around why 54(F)'s numberplate went to the ISTAR OCU.
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Whowhenwhy
Surely it's better to be an (R) Sqn than not at all? Just look at the ones we're missing now, e.g 10,16,35,44,74, 92 and so on. I guess someone on high liked 54, as well as the seniority bit which Archimedes has eloquently explained elsewhere.
I think we should find ways of getting more numberplates back - although how 76 made a reappearance escapes me!
I think we should find ways of getting more numberplates back - although how 76 made a reappearance escapes me!
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No. 6 Squadron has been the next planned squadron for some time I believe. Earlier this year, it was hoped that the Saudi training unit could temporarily use the number plate so that 6 Squadron could continue its record of unbroken service after withdrawal of the Jaguar, but when the Jag's withdrawal date was brought forward still further, the idea was obviously a non-starter.
After 6 Sqn reforms I guess it'll be 43 and either 56 or 111 that re-equips, depending on which traditions are in favour with the powers-that-be at the time! However, there's still the question of what happens to 25 Squadron's number plate next year...
Guess much depends on what "definitive" information you care to believe. I'd be inclined to believe nothing until you see the appropriate standard being paraded! Don't suppose there's much chance of 74 Squadron ever re-appearing as a Typhoon squadron - somehow I don't think the Big Chiefs really care whether plane spotters want to see a black-tailed (or tiger striped!) Typhoon or not!
After 6 Sqn reforms I guess it'll be 43 and either 56 or 111 that re-equips, depending on which traditions are in favour with the powers-that-be at the time! However, there's still the question of what happens to 25 Squadron's number plate next year...
Guess much depends on what "definitive" information you care to believe. I'd be inclined to believe nothing until you see the appropriate standard being paraded! Don't suppose there's much chance of 74 Squadron ever re-appearing as a Typhoon squadron - somehow I don't think the Big Chiefs really care whether plane spotters want to see a black-tailed (or tiger striped!) Typhoon or not!