"End of the F3 Celebration Party":
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AWMDS
Ah! There is a reason why AWMDS never came in. When the correct version of SPILS was issued to allow AWMDS they discovered that the system had "lost" all the parts that they had removed and put into storage when the ac were delivered. AOC 11/18 Gp found it too embarrassing to admit that the system had lost millions of pounds worth of kit and directed that the matter be quietly dropped rather than the wrongdoers be named and shamed! :-)
With the aircraft's demise goes the much-vaunted swing-role capability of the EF3.
Which leaves the RAF with only one swing-role aircraft, the Sea King HAR3, which can do SAR and ISTAR! If you doubt me, you should see how it's used in the Falklands. Which is why heli-dogging is such an important activity back home...
Which leaves the RAF with only one swing-role aircraft, the Sea King HAR3, which can do SAR and ISTAR! If you doubt me, you should see how it's used in the Falklands. Which is why heli-dogging is such an important activity back home...
Did a good job in Deny Flight as one of the few assets that could do the night shift (or would do the night shift). So many defaced posters at Decci with arrows pointing to Iraq..so many downtrodden looks at the post DACT debrief after going up against the puffer jet with AMRAAM, ...so much promise....................
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Which leaves the RAF with only one swing-role aircraft, the Sea King HAR3, which can do SAR and ISTAR!
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Sorry, I should have been clearer.
By swing role I mean does one thing then "swings" into another so, for example, A-A on the way in, then drop bombs, then take piccies on the way out.
By true multi role I meant does several things (SAR, FMV, strike, etc) at the same time, so no swinging involved!
By swing role I mean does one thing then "swings" into another so, for example, A-A on the way in, then drop bombs, then take piccies on the way out.
By true multi role I meant does several things (SAR, FMV, strike, etc) at the same time, so no swinging involved!
I saw it in service from 86 until I left in 97, and then as a reserve on 5 until 2004. By the time I'd shuffled out of there the jet had a good radar, great data link, fantastic missiles and some extremely capable crews. It was never going to overcome the shortcomings of the original (short range, straight line) bomber from which it grew, but the boys and girls, airborne and on the ground, got more out of it than anyone thought possible.
I did the first ever TLP deployment out of Jever, fired the first AMRAAM off it, called the first ever spoke contact from the RHWR, did a lot of the development flying at BAE for ASRAAM etc etc. The jet took me safely all over the world. I can't say I loved it (like the Phantom) but I had a great time and I for one will be slightly sad to see the passing.
PS. The auto wing sweep was trialled (by the RAF) and found to be not very good. Also I was one of the MOD people, I worked very hard, as did my colleagues, to give the guys a better jet with better kit: don't tar everyone with the same brush.
I did the first ever TLP deployment out of Jever, fired the first AMRAAM off it, called the first ever spoke contact from the RHWR, did a lot of the development flying at BAE for ASRAAM etc etc. The jet took me safely all over the world. I can't say I loved it (like the Phantom) but I had a great time and I for one will be slightly sad to see the passing.
PS. The auto wing sweep was trialled (by the RAF) and found to be not very good. Also I was one of the MOD people, I worked very hard, as did my colleagues, to give the guys a better jet with better kit: don't tar everyone with the same brush.
Last edited by maxburner; 19th Feb 2011 at 18:37.
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Sorry, I should have been clearer.
By swing role I mean does one thing then "swings" into another so, for example, A-A on the way in, then drop bombs, then take piccies on the way out.
By true multi role I meant does several things (SAR, FMV, strike, etc) at the same time, so no swinging involved!
By swing role I mean does one thing then "swings" into another so, for example, A-A on the way in, then drop bombs, then take piccies on the way out.
By true multi role I meant does several things (SAR, FMV, strike, etc) at the same time, so no swinging involved!
Multi means can do several roles, not necessarily in the same sortie. Swing means what you say.
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Whilst I agree with maxburner on the qualities of the jet, I flew it for a few years using auto wing sweep and, yes, there were some corners of the envelope where a pilot could beat it using manual but not if he was busy using the aircraft as intended.
In my humble, the RAF cocked up by not having it as contracted and that almost certainly cost at least one life in an avoidable accident using the wrong wingsweep.
In my humble, the RAF cocked up by not having it as contracted and that almost certainly cost at least one life in an avoidable accident using the wrong wingsweep.