Best value aircraft that's been in the RAF
Best value aircraft that's been in the RAF
Sat in the pub last night with a mate discussing RAF aircraft past and present. We got to wondering what the best aircraft is that's ever been in service - op usefulness, value vs cost, longevity, upgrades etc
Many types discussed (5 pints worth), and our conclusion (which pains me as I'm fixed wing!) although we probably missed many types
The Chinook!
Anybody agree?
Many types discussed (5 pints worth), and our conclusion (which pains me as I'm fixed wing!) although we probably missed many types
The Chinook!
Anybody agree?
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Chipmunk
Cheap as chips, a little beaut to fly, fairly straightforward to maintain and let bazillions reach out and touch .....
Also a long and illustrious lineage and there are still a few chugging about to this day. It certainly put a silly grin on this ex Air Cadets face!
Cheap as chips, a little beaut to fly, fairly straightforward to maintain and let bazillions reach out and touch .....
Also a long and illustrious lineage and there are still a few chugging about to this day. It certainly put a silly grin on this ex Air Cadets face!
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Hawker Hunter:
First flew in 1951 and entered service in July 1954. Still used by the British military in 2011. Has been a Fighter, Photo Recce, Ground Attack and Advanced Trainer in its time. Remains in useful employment to this day by the Royal Navy albeit civilian owned and I am not sure if they are civvie or mil or both who drive it these days.
Do not forget the minor conflicts such as Aden, Kenya, Borneo where such venerable aircraft as Canberra, Shackleton and Hunter all proved their operational worth. No argument as to value for money gleaned from the Chinook since 1982 but would argue that the Hunter should take the prize on this one. Whose round is it? Mines a Stella:
First flew in 1951 and entered service in July 1954. Still used by the British military in 2011. Has been a Fighter, Photo Recce, Ground Attack and Advanced Trainer in its time. Remains in useful employment to this day by the Royal Navy albeit civilian owned and I am not sure if they are civvie or mil or both who drive it these days.
Do not forget the minor conflicts such as Aden, Kenya, Borneo where such venerable aircraft as Canberra, Shackleton and Hunter all proved their operational worth. No argument as to value for money gleaned from the Chinook since 1982 but would argue that the Hunter should take the prize on this one. Whose round is it? Mines a Stella:
DR - where is the Hunter in use with the British Military today? The RN ones (flown by FRADU - which is the ones I am assuming that you mean) went a long time ago, to be replaced by Hawks. Airframes owned by he MoD, flown & maintained by Civilians.
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I would imagine something like the VC10, the RAF bought 14 new the rest were secondhand from BA for pennies.
A Little VC10derness
A Little VC10derness
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andyy
Last edited by philrigger; 6th Jan 2011 at 15:55. Reason: spelling
Why only relatively modern types?
For an aircraft that entered service in 1916, and finally retired from the RAF in 1932, lasting for 16 years in a period of rapid technological change, I offer you....
Bristol F.2 Fighter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alternatively, a classic multi-role aircraft of its day, and a world beater to boot, 1940 to 1963 in this case (I think?)...
de Havilland Mosquito - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
My favourite for sure!!
For an aircraft that entered service in 1916, and finally retired from the RAF in 1932, lasting for 16 years in a period of rapid technological change, I offer you....
Bristol F.2 Fighter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alternatively, a classic multi-role aircraft of its day, and a world beater to boot, 1940 to 1963 in this case (I think?)...
de Havilland Mosquito - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
My favourite for sure!!
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I would imagine something like the VC10, the RAF bought 14 new the rest were secondhand from BA for pennies.
A Little VC10derness
A Little VC10derness
How about the Dominie?
OMG what have I started? 
Herc K we decided came second, next week is worst value and what should we have bought.....but that's for another thread entirely!
I like the Bristol F2 idea though
Herc K we decided came second, next week is worst value and what should we have bought.....but that's for another thread entirely!
I like the Bristol F2 idea though
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Tiger Moth did well; trained lots of people in many countries and very good value. In the 50s one could buy a Tiger with 1 year's C of A for £200; I don't know what they are now - £10k+ and needing restoration?
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Hawk
The Jaguar was conceived as an Advanced Trainer as well as a Strike Attack aircraft.
When it was decided that it was far to expensive to replace the Gnat and Hunter the Hawk project started.
To the best of my knowledge, it is the only postwar aircraft ever to come in ahead of schedule and under budget.
A great export success also.
When it was decided that it was far to expensive to replace the Gnat and Hunter the Hawk project started.
To the best of my knowledge, it is the only postwar aircraft ever to come in ahead of schedule and under budget.
A great export success also.
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Best Value For Money?
There is only one "old" Queen of the Sky, The WESSEX loved and hated by all, rebuilt so often there was probably nothing original left on each airframe, and they were still sold onto new owners, well the last remaining few anyway.
Any other VFM, at the moment anything with a collective / Thrust Lever (for the chinook boys)
Rotary Wing the only way to Fly
Any other VFM, at the moment anything with a collective / Thrust Lever (for the chinook boys)
Rotary Wing the only way to Fly