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-   -   Best current RAF Aircraft (https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/637985-best-current-raf-aircraft.html)

132bod 12th Jan 2021 12:16

Curious that we appear to be looking directly down 3 & 4 when the aircraft itself is pointing slightly left of our viewpoint. Are C17 engines mounted slightly nose-in?

Ken Scott 12th Jan 2021 13:44

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....3f92cb8ba.jpeg

The proper attitude for an aircraft given the discussion in this thread.

Fareastdriver 12th Jan 2021 13:57

There must be a deaf and blind cyclist on the road.

Green Flash 12th Jan 2021 14:01

There must be a Ford Focus driver looking for the showers and a laundry :ok:

The...Bird 12th Jan 2021 16:08


Originally Posted by JamieKnight95 (Post 10966098)
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

"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."

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

Specaircrew 12th Jan 2021 20:31

If you want to spend hours at low level, day and night, then MPA is the way to go. Plus you get free DCS and Honkers!

ExAscoteer2 12th Jan 2021 20:33

Albert.

Every. Single.Time.

JamieKnight95 14th Jan 2021 07:07

In answer to my question, sounds like it's the Herc!

Ken Scott 14th Jan 2021 18:02


n answer to my question, sounds like it's the Herc!
The trouble I always had with low level was the lengthy planning cycle then you spend 50% of sorties reading the map rather than flying...!

4468 14th Jan 2021 18:33


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.
There is one current fleet in the RAF with a very large number of medals to it’s crews’ names. Including one individual with three DFCs. If that’s not exciting flying I don’t know what is?

But as you’ll be restricting yourself to fixed wing you’ll not be flying it.

JamieKnight95 14th Jan 2021 18:36


Originally Posted by Ken Scott (Post 10967937)
The trouble I always had with low level was the lengthy planning cycle then you spend 50% of sorties reading the map rather than flying...!

Interesting, but it isn't just the low level, sounds like everything about the Herc ticks all the boxes.

Herod 15th Jan 2021 11:01


Interesting, but it isn't just the low level, sounds like everything about the Herc ticks all the boxes.
Yep. Last flew one in '75, but still think it's the best.

Ken Scott 15th Jan 2021 11:52

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...!

The...Bird 15th Jan 2021 17:08

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.

BEagle 15th Jan 2021 18:12


Interesting, but it isn't just the low level, sounds like everything about the Herc ticks all the boxes.
FFS don't set your sights that low if you want to get through your interviews!

420KIAS at 250' - anything else is for pussies!

ExAscoteer2 15th Jan 2021 18:20

And you did that for how long Beagle afore you got chopped? :}

Night Tac Landings into strips on NVGs - "anything else is for pussies!" :p

BEagle 15th Jan 2021 18:48

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'?

ExAscoteer2 15th Jan 2021 18:57

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. ;)

Ken Scott 15th Jan 2021 19:20

Now, now children, play nicely!


While I may never have flown FJ, unlike you I never got chopped. https://www.pprune.org/images/smilies/wink2.gif
Anyone who didn’t go single seat FJ was at the least ‘positively streamed’ in a slightly downwards direction...!!

ExAscoteer2 15th Jan 2021 19:30


Originally Posted by Ken Scott (Post 10968606)
Anyone who didn’t go single seat FJ was at the least ‘positively streamed’ in a slightly downwards direction...!!

When I went through FJ was not an available option.


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