Obviously some earth penetrating munitions being dropped on Gadhafi’s compound today. Since NATO is now in charge this would indicate the agenda has not changed namely to defacto get rid of Gadhafi.

Pic looks like a Mark 84. Upon reflection no…84 is fatter around the tail.

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/29/6368950-bomb-drops-on-location-reported-to-be-gadhafis-residence

Looks like a GBU-31 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) fitted with a BLU-109 penetrator warhead? That variant of JDAM has quite a distinct shape.

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app5/jdam.html#_Variants

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

They are remarkable images!

TJ

There were 48 combat Typhoon qualified pilots according to the RAF as of 9 March 2011 when questioned by the Public Accounts Committe (Question 19) on this Link.

Thanks for the link.

TJ

Why use Brimstones and not Hellfire or Maverics on targets out in the open desert.

Maverick was only deployed on Harrier in UK service. See table at following link.

Since that list ASRAAM is operational on Tornado GR4 and noted carrying it over Libya.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/101111w0001.htm

TJ

The end of 2012 should see the Italians finish their lease of F-16s. A squadrons worth of those F-16s would be ideal for Serbia. I suppose that politics would get in the way, but it would be an ideal opportunity.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/31/318148/italy-to-extend-lockheed-martin-f-16-lease-deal.html

TJ

yep , but after 3 days of air targeted AA defence, rafale being a more first hours penetration aircraft as they traveled all lybian coast before striking benghazi the 2 first days! leaving some showing flag sessions to others after tomahawk orgy, since french CVN can challenge any aircraft on CAP almost instantanously, with french AFB in djamena protecting southern border, no need to burn fuel in the air !

the only needed jets with some efficience actually are the striking one, tornados rafales mirage 2kD etc..

Well go tell it to the Air Planners! I’m sure that they will be enthralled by your wisdom and immediately withdraw all the assets that you don’t see as being useful. :rolleyes:

TJ

Absolutely. If its up to the job, then use it. A few French members on here are belly-aching about how the RAF are using the Tornado for A/G work and not the Typhoon, well, its up to the job, so why not actually use it, same saying for the Super Etendard.

If Typhoon was operationally cleared for Brimstone, RAPTOR or even Paveway IV, then I could see the point in using it. So far 27mm Mauser and Paveway II (Enhanced) is all that is can bring to this conflict. There is also the factor of having a limited number of pilots cleared for air to ground work. Eventually it will receive those munitions, but I don’t really see the point of sending it over Libya to drop a few bombs at this stage? If it came to the crunch of a lack of air to ground types then that is a different matter, IMHO.

TJ

Tornado GR4 taking out rocket launchers. Note the fastest man in Libya!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEIkG6WJ6nU

TJ

My lass came across this & showed me them. Cheers Kellz. Couple of nice shots taken of a Typhoon at very low-level. Fantastic.

You’ll have to click onto the link to see them because I can’t post the actual images themselves due to copyright. They’re worth a look, canny one with the pilot waving at the camera and a one from one of the Typhoon’s prettiest angles, its actually quite a pretty but mean looking thing & nice shot of the reheat, too.

Anyway, enjoy: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356669/Pictured-The-500mph-pilot-time-friendly-wave.html

Edit: Someone on there posted: “The Pilot is quite obviously bracing himself against the canopy (Yes they are that strong and No they won’t fall out) as the aircraft rolls over on itself during the obviously tight turn….Blah” Ever heard of seat-belts for goodness sake. Muppet! Some people…

Rumour is that due to the images the Pilot got into a bit a trouble. Use of re-heat at low level and what appeared to be an acknowledgement to the people on the hillside. Remember this came after the Tornado GR4 ‘I’m with stupid!’ sign from the WSO.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10412257

After that Aircrew were a bit restricted at low level in Wales for a short period. Many were noted to be avoiding the photo point and coming in at higher levels. The photographer of that Typhoon got lots of flak for going to the papers with it as it impacted on the low level photography hobby, but he did get lots of money for it.

TJ