BVRAAM

I have noticed from some recent images that the Typhoons on readiness at Lossiemouth are armed with Meteor, but the Typhoons at Coningsby are armed with AMRAAM.

If it can be discussed, why are the two stations arming their jets with different BVRAAMs?

cokecan

i think i've read that the Tranche 1 Typhoons aren't getting Meteor, and that the T1 Typhoons were being herded into a specialist QRA/Air Policing/Aggressor/Falklands fleet-within-a-fleet, with the Tranche2's doing the swing role warfighting with Meteor.

whether this happened i don't know...

BVRAAM

They aren't, because it costs too much to convert, which could explain why the MOD purchased 200 AIM-120D's - to keep the Tranche 1 Typhoons more relevant.
I have seen Tranche 3 jets with the AMRAAMs fitted, from CGY. New build Tranche 3's are easy to tell apart from Tranche 2's that were upgraded, from the rear, because they have a bump on the upper fuselage, just below the fin.

downsizer

You can't seriously expect that to be answered?

charliegolf

Aesthetic landscaping issues, differing stores to reflect and contrast their environment? Well maybe??

CG

safetypee

Arming aircraft with different missiles.

No difference than with The Lightning; Firestreak and Red Top.
Those that could and those that couldn't.

thelizardking

It is actually a very simple answer. When the Lossiemouth and Coningsby squadrons engage in ACT it allows them to differentiate between squadrons, as all jets are the same colour.

langleybaston

Simples!

I wish I had thought of that.

57mm

If you're close enough to see that difference, you've screwed up!

Tashengurt

Surely that's why they sew squadron badges on the visor covers?

weemonkey

Just means that Lossie gets nuked first under current Russian doctrine...tsunami style with one of those mega torps..

NutLoose

I thought that was to save the embarrassment of sewing on "Front"....

Tashengurt

And "Back" for the Nav's?