I stand corrected on the figures. I think I got a tad confused - I believe the RAF pilot in the Gulf War to drop the most bombs was the RAF exchange pilot with the USMC. Whatever. I think the point still stands..

SSSEWTFO- sorry but what is your point? Just so its clear to you my argument was that a radar would give the GR7/9 an advantage just as it would something like a Jag. I am not criticising the excellent A/G or CAS capabilities of the GR7 and this is not a dig at Harrier mates. However if any UK a/c is more likely to operate without A/A capable support (pre JSF) it’s the Harrier, so II+ probably makes more sense than loads of great A/G gizmos. You’re correct that people don’t try and fly through CAPs intentionally (no!), but those funny antennas in the radomes on the front of some a/c allow the crew to detect fighters better than an RWR. Some jets also have missiles to then shoot them down (some can also use their gun)- if you have questions on this try the SHAR guys, they may be able to illuminate you before they depart the fix. Ask yourself this question- if you were a ‘bandit’ (!) and you had the choice of an engagement between a radar equipped II+ or a GR7 which would you choose? I know - we’re always going to go to war with the Yanks like we did in the Falklands and Sierra Leone, right? Finally I’m sorry that Valley doesn’t teach banter nowadays (the slow jet stuff) but I’m very happy for you being a Harrier pilot -well done, it must be great being you! ;) Oh yes TWU Role Disposal (WTF is Role confirmation)- everyone got their first choice out of GR1, F3, Jag and Harrier, and the top guy didn’t go single seat - you figure it out. ;)

Alf,

Happy with banter - just thought your dredging out the same old boring record again irritating in this context. That was my point.

I would have thought it was bleeding obvious that every GR7 mate wanted a radar (cut down APG 65 or not). The ideal solution to fly a mix of DMT and radar jets, all up on Link16.

I would have thought it was bleeding obvious that we're not going to get one due to a thing called a budget.

I assumed you would understand 'role confirmation night' because I thought your comments showed some youthful naivety.