Hunter triangle bit on nose –what is it?

I did mention a similar layout on the Hawk T1 – one antenna on the upper nose and one antenna on the lower rear fuse behind the Airbrake – it must have worked reasonably well – the Hawk was definitely Son of Hunter and Harrier.

I accept that Trumper has “switched this off”.

This is the “Next Gen” IFF from my quoted Mod 228.

It talks about 2x antennas being utilised – the first time that comment has been made. Using two antennas has a certain logic.

My main concern was the antenna design itself which was not changed.

Having sat on MOD aircraft Modification Committees at least 60 times, in the past. I must question the clearance processes employed by my predecessors here. However, we are where we are.

H

A picture paints a thousand words for the removal of any remaining doubt

From AP 101B – 1309 – 1A (thanks Avialogs)

This AP for a GA11 but the FGA9 would be identical for IFF/SSR

Modification 1319 introduces ARI 23134/3 (IFF/SSR 1520) in place of the IFF Mk.10, This radar installation is also remotely controlled from the cabin and utilises the two blade aerials installed for the IFF Mk,10, Modification 1383 introduces a height in-coding facility for all post Mod 228 aircraft, Modification 1378 introduces the same facility for the pre-Mod 228 GA aircraft. 13. Any essential differences between the GA Mk.11 and the PR Mk.11 aircraft are detailed either in the text of the relevant chapter or as an appendix to the chapter. TP(E) 25615

Thank you guys , a brilliant response 🙂  

A bit of earth moving has brought up the fact that the Mod No was 228. That number is only relevant to the FGA9. I have seen RN GA11 airframes so fitted. However, would appear to be a different Mod No.

H

Hi HP

No Hunter ground school for me I am afraid – I just worked on Hunters at Brawdy until the Hawks eventually arrived 🙂

Later – I sometimes filled in on our based ‘Chase’ T8 when I worked at Dunsfold.

The Hawk T1 had a similar although more modern antenna on top of the nose (Black plastic sheathed) + I think it also had one under the tail just aft of the Airbrake.

Please remember we are talking 1960’s technology here – so the IFF requirements were much more basic than the F16 – but this little sharks fin was fitted to some F6’s and (I think) all Hunter FGA 9’s.The number of Overalls I ripped on various little sharks fin antennas 🙂

I don’t want to get into a trade battle here. You have almost certainly had the benefit of Hunter Ground School in the past….

It does look very metallic as I said. Its position isn’t good – very poor reception, I would suggest especially head-on. To call it “Omni” (Omni-directional) is stretching the point somewhat!!

The F-16 uses top of the nose mounted antennas in a line in front of the wind screen. However, they are switched to provide best reception. That isn’t an option here it seems.

I have included a JPEG of a more modern IFF antenna it’s more “square” in design – much more capable and effective . 

H

Omni 100B IFF Antenna

I’m sorry bazv – the best place to put an IFF antenna is on the tail fin. High and all round clearance. Also the object looks very metallic rather than a core wound with wire and plastic coated.

Well that’s my view as an avionics engineer.

H  

And almost as dangerous as the downwards pointing ‘Spike’ in the main wheel bays 🙂

As an ex Hunter Rigger – I think it is an IFF Aerial (Indicator Friend or Foe).

Anyway definitely an aerial.

I think they were quite common on the RAF FGA9 and RN GA11.

What looks like a gun port on the top of the nose is in fact a port for the gun camera. The item in which you question, I believe is a sight for the gun camera. They may have been retractable – however not so certain on that point.

H

Indicator that the nose wheel is down?