Best current RAF Aircraft
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Thank you for all the comments, there is a reason why I said fixed wing, as I'm sure the answer would be rotary if it were out of all RAF aircraft at the moment but it's just the fixed wing I'm interested in knowing about.
Low level isn't the be all and end all factor as I mentioned the other criteria and factors(most hours, most exciting and enjoyable to fly, what does the most low level these days, varied missions and roles) But obviously today, bar rotary, sadly there is generally little time spent down at low level. (Except for the Hercs and Hawk T1's)
"I don’t think anybody would join the RAF to fly the Hawk T1 specifically" Oops as that's me... It's the closest thing to the flying in the era of the Phantom, Jaguar, Harrier, Hunter, Tornado...etc in my eyes?
Although I also feel it should be Typhoon or F-35 based off of previous fast jets, I think there is a stark difference between flying any fast jet today(In the RAF) and those of yesterday, not just in terms of low level time but what the experience is from a pilot's perspective, hands on flying, number of hours you fly per week/month/year, a raw and manual flying experience...etc
I thought the C-17's might do low level given what it can do and that the Americans and Australians seem to throw them around everywhere doing all sorts? Maybe the Herc does all that and is more interesting over here.
Thanks for the comments and opinions, I do appreciate them, although it seems quite conflicted.
Jamie
Low level isn't the be all and end all factor as I mentioned the other criteria and factors(most hours, most exciting and enjoyable to fly, what does the most low level these days, varied missions and roles) But obviously today, bar rotary, sadly there is generally little time spent down at low level. (Except for the Hercs and Hawk T1's)
"I don’t think anybody would join the RAF to fly the Hawk T1 specifically" Oops as that's me... It's the closest thing to the flying in the era of the Phantom, Jaguar, Harrier, Hunter, Tornado...etc in my eyes?
Although I also feel it should be Typhoon or F-35 based off of previous fast jets, I think there is a stark difference between flying any fast jet today(In the RAF) and those of yesterday, not just in terms of low level time but what the experience is from a pilot's perspective, hands on flying, number of hours you fly per week/month/year, a raw and manual flying experience...etc
I thought the C-17's might do low level given what it can do and that the Americans and Australians seem to throw them around everywhere doing all sorts? Maybe the Herc does all that and is more interesting over here.
Thanks for the comments and opinions, I do appreciate them, although it seems quite conflicted.
Jamie
I guess because the US has about 200 C-17's they can do that and fully utilise what they are capable of. Although that doesn't explain it for the Aussies as they only have 8, the same amount as the RAF, yet they also use them for low level, tac drops, air drop...etc
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n answer to my question, sounds like it's the Herc!
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In terms of piloting experience, ie, most hands on flying, most hours, most exciting and enjoyable to fly, what does the most low level these days..etc but also the varied missions and ops.
But as you’ll be restricting yourself to fixed wing you’ll not be flying it.
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"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Interesting, but it isn't just the low level, sounds like everything about the Herc ticks all the boxes.
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I enjoyed my 20 years on the C130 but it’s rather like on old Landrover Defender when compared to the A400M which is more of a Bentley Bentaga. The latter is much better to operate on a daily basis but I would think twice about taking it off-road...!
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No mention of the Reds? Surely that's the answer, however you'll have to fly F-35 or Typhoon for a number of years beforehand.
I'd take an old Defender over a modern Bentley every time, much more fun and characterful.
Something worth noting is if you do somehow end up going Herc you'll most likely get moved onto A400M soon after.
I'd take an old Defender over a modern Bentley every time, much more fun and characterful.
Something worth noting is if you do somehow end up going Herc you'll most likely get moved onto A400M soon after.
Interesting, but it isn't just the low level, sounds like everything about the Herc ticks all the boxes.
420KIAS at 250' - anything else is for pussies!
OH what a shining wit you are, ExArscecoteer2, to misquote Dr Spooner!
About 500 hrs on Gnat / Hunter / Buccaneer / Phantom /Hawk since you ask. Plus a tour on 300KIAS/300' Vulcans, all of which beat flying some creaking old garbage scow into a cocked hat, NVGs and tactical strips notwithstanding.
Did you ever fly at 420KIAS / 250'?
About 500 hrs on Gnat / Hunter / Buccaneer / Phantom /Hawk since you ask. Plus a tour on 300KIAS/300' Vulcans, all of which beat flying some creaking old garbage scow into a cocked hat, NVGs and tactical strips notwithstanding.
Did you ever fly at 420KIAS / 250'?
Ooooooh looks like I hit a sore spot!
So you did, what, 500 hrs FJ and got binned. Hmm...
Vulcans? Oh do me a favour.
While I may never have flown FJ, unlike you I never got chopped.
So you did, what, 500 hrs FJ and got binned. Hmm...
Vulcans? Oh do me a favour.
While I may never have flown FJ, unlike you I never got chopped.
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Now, now children, play nicely!
Anyone who didn’t go single seat FJ was at the least ‘positively streamed’ in a slightly downwards direction...!!
While I may never have flown FJ, unlike you I never got chopped.
