The F16 uses an Anolog based based computer rather than digital for its Fly by wire system.

Thanks to the RWHS fitted to the F3 and some upgrades, the RAF F3 can be used as a SEAD role with ALARM missiles. However it loses the abillity to carry AMRAAM with the ALARM fit.

Am I right in thinking that the RWHS upgrades for SEAD capability is on top of the CSP and AOP programs?

I presume that the SEAD capability has not been applied to the entire fleet.

I think the only aircraft that close to be superior to the Tornado was the F-15, but i guess the F-15E must not be as good in the attack guise as the Tornado, the rest are not as good as filling the attack and air superiority mission as well as the Tornado did

Long time ago i read the Tornado ADV even was even able to beat the F-15 in mock combat

The Tornado F.3 certainly has beat the F15 in mock combat but usually in circumstances that favour the aircraft as a system which is BVR. An F.3 close in to a F15 would be in a world of hurt, now that ASRAAM is integrated to Tornado the F15’s advantage would be greatly reduced as long as the F15 was using earlier Mike model sidewinder.

The F15E is arguably a more sophisticated strike platform then the GR1 with a good bombload and range with refueling. The GR4 on the otherhand is excellent so its all relative in the end. The GR4 could certainly do with a more advanced targeting pod then TIALD now and it looks like the RAF are going to try and put an electronically scanned array on it as well to replace the 1970’s vintage radars.

Actually, it might not be entirely insane – if the UK switches to CTOL for the CVF, then the combination of 2 Brit and 2 French carriers would mean a large carrier training market. The US could operate the JFK as a training carrier, with US Navy, RN and MN pilots training in the US. Sort of a naval equivalent of the Canadian NFTC facility…

Sounds like a nice idea I must admit EdLaw but I am starting to really worry about the CVF program. As usual we have had another extension of the Main Gate date, the F35 purchase is looking extremely rocky now and recently I read a report that if F35 is a no go then the RN will just operate the Harriers off the CVF. :confused:

Of course the GR9’s will be getting on and arguably a 65 thousand ton carrier is overkill for Harrier operations. Just the excuse our penny pinching government will need to pull the plug.

Personally if the F35 is a no go then I think we should be buying Rafale M with suitable changes to meet our needs – the French are integrating Meteor on it so theres a start. Also we can buy Hawkeye to meet our AEW needs, for that matter we could do a joint buy with France as they will probably need more for their new carrier. Think of all the shared costs and savings that could be made between the Aero Navale and the Fleet Air Arm.

Instead of two training squadrons for each type there could be one for the Rafale and Hawkeye personel could go to America to train with the yanks. Another crazy idea is we could have a joint COD squadron…

And on the equipment side considering France needs a carrier with two catapults and arrester gear and America needs four catapults and arrester gear for there new generation carrier all of similar design there must be a cost saving in the UK joining them in a joint purchase.

Not that Im against F35 I would love the RN to get the CTOL variant but I think it is dark times at the moment for CVF and F35.

P.S. Typhoon Naval is pie in the sky! 😀

I presume any negotiations on selling the Greek F.1’s would be with an airforce who already operate the type.

Love the C17 pictures Pinko certainly not a normal visitor to Chengdu I expect.

I presume that anything sensative was parked under cover just in case any American Loadmaster with a camera got a bit too curious…

Thats an interesting point GarryB whilst Cruise Missiles have proven to be a very effective weapon over the last few conflicts I would be interested to know how many were shot down before reaching their targets.

Im sure a few were taken down during the Kosovo conflict but I haven’t got a hold on figures.