The integration of a reconnaissance pod on RAF Typhoons has been in the pipeline for sometime.
From 2004.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmdfence/45/4102003.htm
‘Q107 Mike Gapes: Good. What about the reconnaissance role? What is going to happen to that?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup: Of course we already have the Tornado GR4 with its raptor pod which provides us with an excellent tactical reconnaissance capability. The role which is currently fulfilled by the Jaguar will be taken on by the Harrier which can carry the joint reconnaissance pod. We have other more strategic reconnaissance assets of course and in due course we plan to incorporate the reconnaissance role into Typhoon. At the moment that is not at the top of the priority list, but it will be there in due course.
Q108 Mike Gapes: That role that is currently Jaguar will be taken on in a different way?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup: It has been taken on by the Harrier in the short term.
Q109 Mike Gapes: But only by the Harrier?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup: The Harrier will be operating the reconnaissance sensor that the Jaguar currently operates alongside the Harrier. We already have the Tornado GR4 which will continue with its raptor pod and then in due course we will feed in the reconnaissance capability of the Typhoon as well.
Q110 Mike Gapes: How do you envisage the role of the Typhoon in operations such as the US Airforce is currently undertaking at Fallujah? Would it have a role in operations of that kind?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup: I would not want to comment on specific operations or Fallujah. What I would say is that Typhoon would have a role across the operational spectrum. It will have a precision attack capability, it will have an air defence capability, in due course it will have a reconnaissance capability, and our intention is to build out of this programme a highly capable, adaptable, agile aircraft that we can use across a wide range of situations.’
TJ
Sign In
