I just don’t think the Indian naval air service would regard inducting AV8B or PdA worth it considering the time frames. Just an opinion 😉

There was even a spin off with Garth from Waynes World!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmBIk5RA0EQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEU-0k986ps&feature=related

It’s not like ALARM is Tornado specific.

Typhoon equipped with ASRAAM, ALARM, Storm Shadow and GBU-16 weapons
http://www.deagel.com/library/Typhoon-equipped-with-ASRAAM-ALARM-Storm-Shadow-and-GBU-16-weapons_m02006120700276.aspx

Tornado equipped with ALARM, Brimstone, drop tanks, and counter measure dispensers looks good, but nowhere near as menacing as my last Typhoon link.
http://www.deagel.com/library/Tornado-equipped-with-Brimstone-and-ALARM_m02006120700319.aspx

Well that is true, ALARM could of been integrated onto other types. That they have hung it on the wings of the Typhoon is indeed true but it hasn’t been integrated.

I believe the plan was to integrate ALARM onto Typhoon but it was pulled from the development plan. Another thing to note is by the time Typhoon has to take over as an interim solution the ALARM rounds in stock will be fairly elderly. That means they will need rebuilding or replacing, whilst the system is the gold standard when it comes to SEAD it is based on 80s technology. So its either a capability holiday or adopt something different. The reason why I suggested AASM as an interim solution on Typhoon and AARGM as the long term solution on the F35B is the integration onto the platforms is already being paid for by other countries. AASM can do other stuff as well and AARGM does much of what ALARM does. That means we can do a simpler release to service for the RAF, it also might entice the French to finalise getting Brimstone for their Rafale as a quid pro quo!

It has been noted that AARGM is being made from recondition HARM rounds but I don’t see that as a show stopper, Raytheon offers it as a product and when the UK wanted new build tube launched Tomahawk that was technically out of production they got it in Block IV configuration.

The F.3s have been retired, my best mates Dad works at Tabuk and they went in Part-Ex for the Tiffies

That’s interesting, presumably they are going into the parts reclamation program for the GR4 fleet. If that is the case UK tax payer is getting a good deal!

Interesting concept Sintra;)

So the RAF will have the bare minimum of fast jet resources I think we can agree.

It will be interesting to see if future fast jet UAV units are in addition to the manned fleet or instead of. After all it is highly likely that by the time the JCA is operational in any serious numbers, the UCAV arm of the RAF will be much more real.

The trend in the MOD is for each weapon to magnify the effect of the single aircraft carrying it. I think it likely that the bulk of the fleet will have a high degree of commonality and be able to carry out all the missions required of it (particularly if the early Typhoons are retired some time after the Tornado).

And I agree, it is a huge shame that we will see the end of the Tornado.

I think that is a fair appraisal!

Basically we are talking a capability holiday, retiring GR4 in 2019 rather then 2025 as most expected will leave gaps.

F35B will not be fully worked up and Typhoon will be stretched as it is supporting North/South QRA and Falklands 1435 flight.

The public will be told that Typhoon will pick up a minimum capability extending from P1E. So Brimstone and Storm Shadow plus more Paveway variants is logical. The RAF will probably get some other stuff funded like the AESA because of this. I wouldn’t be surprised if the RAPTOR pod comes over, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup alluded to that possibility years ago. Considering they are paid its logical to move them over.

The main capability holiday is SEAD, ALARM retires with GR4 as far as I am aware. There have been talk of some METEOR variant but I see a capability holiday as more likely. Other options is to:

a) Develop new missile.
b) Integrate HARM on Typhoon
c) Adopt SAGEM AASM Hammer, its already being integrated on Saudi Typhoon and the French use it in the SEAD role.
d) Accept capability holiday and then adopt the AGM-88E Advanced Anti Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) on the F35B.

I actually find a combination of c) and d) most attractive! AARGM appears to hold many of the capabilities of ALARM with the Italians and Americans paying for F35 integration. Waiting for that and making a limited purchase of SAGEM AASM Hammer as a limited interim solution for Typhoon seems logical.

or in the messes, God, messes are the best places on earth, even God would be impressed if he went in one 🙂

Hmmmm, this is how RAF PR like to portray service messes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EXqGD0SEEs

The reality!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfIpBFEXXfk