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In laymans terms does this mean the future AD force will have a radar that is less capable for AD than the Typhoons in other squadrons?
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Originally Posted by melmothtw
(Post 9585133)
True, but irrelevant to this discussion - RAF to field retained Tranche 1 Typhoons as stand-alone air defence force | IHS Jane's 360
-RP |
Well, give or take a few months, the current seniority for inactive squadrons is:
-No.9 Squadron (96 years) -No.12 Squadron (96 years) -No.25 Squadron (92 years) -No.111 Squadron (90 years) -No.23 Squadron (85 years) -No.208 Squadron (84 years) -No.43 Squadron (83 years) -No.20 Squadron (74 years) -No.19 Squadron (67 years) -No.15 Squadron (65 years) I've included the Tornado squadrons as they don't have much longer left before the GR.4 finally goes. |
Quote: Originally Posted by Finningley Boy View Post What's the current UE of a Typhoon Sqn? I'm assuming about 16, if so, bearing in mind that at one point a UE of 10 was established for sqns in Germany in the 1970s it should be easy enough to simply move airframes around to leave about a dozen each among six units and some spares. As for airframe hours, are they being used up at a comparative high rate. Recalling the amount of movement, again, during the '70s and 80s... I can't see airframe fatigue being anything to give concern. FB Sure it will be fairly easy to move airframes to create two new sqns, you just won't have the engineers to fix em. The manning situation is dire with the sqns we have at the moment never mind more. FB:) |
I vote for 9, especially given the shameful actions that gave the junior sqn F35s.... :E
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Ok,
Here's my expected deployment; FGR4 Sqns: 2, 6, 9, 12, 11 and 31 F2 Sqns: 1 and 3 In other words, the existing and single new FGR4 units will be re-numbered to continue the last of Tornado units. While 1 and 3, traditionally Figter units will be come the numbers of the Interceptor Sqns. I also understand there'll be more F-35 Sqns, I imagine one of the afore mentioned or 15 Sqn will provide the next RAF number plate in that regard.:8 FB:) |
If this squadron is going to be a dedicated AD squadron it needs a (F) squadron number plate?
Admittedly I am a tad biased but surely it has to be either 111 or 43....? |
dctyke - or, put all the engineers in a Line Servicing Sqn and have them work on all the 'sqn's' jets in that location? Deploy with a team suitable for task and rotate the guys as needed. Avoids pinch point trades but admittedly reduces 'sqn' cohesion. Has been done successfully on other fleets.
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Treble one, I would like to see just that; 43 and 111, but in keeping with the custom of oldest first with special status also given priority, i.e. 617, then 1 and 3, both of which also are identified as (F) Squadrons by tradition, will likely take the mantle. It will also allow the three remaining Tornado units the opportunity to continue with Typhoon in the primarily offensive support role with the FGR4s.:8
FB:) |
Originally Posted by Finningley Boy
(Post 9585972)
F2 Sqns...
-RP |
There are no F.2's any more, all single seaters are FGR.4's and the twin-sticks are T.3's... -RP FB:) |
"first with special status also given priority, i.e. 617,"
I can see the DMail headlnie already " Air Force Bosses kill off Dambusters!" (optional to add "OUTRAGE!!") |
Originally Posted by Finningley Boy
(Post 9586282)
I thought the Tranche 1 aircraft that are intended to make up the two dedicated Interceptor units were F2s?:confused:
FB:) -RP |
No, all Tranche 1 F.2's were re-designated FGR.4 when they received the 'austere' air-to-ground upgrade from Block 5 onwards, the first Block 5 jet was ZJ939, jets from previous Blocks were upgraded to this standard as well so the entire F.2 fleet eventually all became FGR.4's FB:) |
Will the designation not pertain to their role (air defence - F2) rather than their capability (multirole- FGR4)? Genuine question.
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Originally Posted by Sandy Parts
(Post 9586086)
dctyke - or, put all the engineers in a Line Servicing Sqn and have them work on all the 'sqn's' jets in that location? Deploy with a team suitable for task and rotate the guys as needed. Avoids pinch point trades but admittedly reduces 'sqn' cohesion. Has been done successfully on other fleets.
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Your proposed squadron realignment does seem sensible FB-however just wondering how the boys currently flying FGR4's in 1 and 3 squadrons with all those shiny new toys to use coming up in the multirole environment will feel about having to fly a less capable airframe?
Surely better to have a core of pilots experienced in AD (From an F3 background rather than Harrier/GR4) in these new squadrons and reform with old numberplates as I suggest? (There's even at least one Phantom driver left flying the Typhoon now IIRC) Just a thought? I'm sure they'll do what they are told....or leave.... |
Originally Posted by melmothtw
(Post 9586702)
Will the designation not pertain to their role (air defence - F2) rather than their capability (multirole- FGR4)? Genuine question.
-RP |
Originally Posted by melmothtw
(Post 9586702)
Will the designation not pertain to their role (air defence - F2) rather than their capability (multirole- FGR4)? Genuine question.
Now there might be an argument for the more capable aircraft being redesignated FGR5 or 6... |
Now there might be an argument for the more capable aircraft being redesignated FGR5 or 6... |
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