since we’re discussing things..
I was always wondering how good the ADV variant was and how useful it was.

When the F.2 entered service with 229 OCU, it was far from satisfactory, the radar, or complete lack thereof (most had ballast in the nose) being the biggest problem. The F.2 was soon replaced by the improved F.3 but, the radar still wasn’t sorted and it wasn’t until they were due to be deployed to the Gulf for GW1 that an UOR was issued to bring it up to standard. People often criticize it as a fighter but it was never intended for that role, it was supposed to be a long range/long loiter BVR missile platform, a role which by the time it was retired in 2011, and for some time before that, it had become one of the very best platforms available. The (now sorted) Foxhunter radar, ASRAAM, AIM-120, TRD, Link-16/JTIDS made it a very capable interceptor, it was also blindingly fast at low level!. It also had a brief spell as a SEAD platform with 11 Sqn as the EF.3, a role at which it was reportedly more capable than some of the more dedicated jets! Unfortunately FJ fleet rivalry within the RAF and funding ultimately killed off the EF.3 after only about a year. Like I said, it eventually matured into a very capable interceptor, and it could’ve done so much sooner if it wasn’t for the time honoured tradition of the MOD holding back much needed funding and upgrades, even when it received the ASRAAM and AIM-120, they didn’t have the full capabilities of the missiles available (no mid course updates for the AIM-120 for instance!) due to a refusal to spend the money needed for full integration…

-Dazza

This line made me snigger…

Lockheed officials have separately downplayed reports that the same F-35, flown by the same pilot, previously lost mock dogfights with the Goodyear Blimp and a beagle on a flying doghouse.

:highly_amused:

-Dazza

It’s noteworthy that there has been no ‘official’ press release regarding the results of the exercise from either the IAF, or the RAF, nor should we expect one! The report claiming that the MKI’s thrashed the Typhoon is from NDTV, and is clearly aimed at public consumption, and should be viewed as such…

-Dazza

P.S. I would be just as sceptical if it had been a report claiming the Typhoon had thrashed the MKI’s 12-0 as well!

Always wondered how and if one could jettison those over wing tanks….? Possible, impossible , flying inverted…,what was the deal there ?

On the Lightning, the tank and the pylon were jettisoned together, iirc (but only when empty), by means of an explosive cartridge. The cartridge forced a plunger down which thrust the tank up into the air stream and away over the back of the wing, I can’t remember whether the pylon attachment points were explosively released, or mechanically. But yes, the Lightning could jettison the overwing tanks.

-Dazza

Good to see all is well at the JPO and P&W, oh wait…

http://breakingdefense.com/2015/04/dodig-slams-pratts-work-on-f135-engine-report-accurate-but-doesnt-tell-whole-story-say-jpo-pratt/

http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/documents/DODIG-2015-111.pdf

-Dazza

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-Dazza

The Tornado was simply designed wrong and never reached its potential. It should have not been a swing-wing. The wing loading for the Tornado was too high, the plane flys like a hog and is completely unresponsive to maneuver…

What complete and utter bolleaux! I suggest you do a little research before posting such tripe again…

Don’t believe all the rubbish that’s been written about the Tornado F.3 (ADV) either, in the role it was designed for, long range, long loiter, BVR interceptor, it was very good. The early problems with the AI-24 were a serious issue and it took almost to the start of GW1 to get the radar finally sorted! However as it matured it became an exceptional interceptor, Link 16, JTIDS, ASRAAM, AMRAAM, and a RWR set up that made it a better SEAD platform than many dedicated SEAD types! The short lived EF.3, fitted with ALARM was found to be an excellent ‘Weasel’!

-Dazza