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Do the Brits still operate these aircraft?
Do the Brits still operate these aircraft?
Do not know about UK. We Indians still do.
hi there, the RAF still operate the jaguar, but several sqaudrons have been retired, but this is some of the last years for the aircraft so will be very sad to see them go.
I believe we still operate two squadrons, one strike and one recce (6 and 41). You will be able to find out by going to www.raf.mod.uk however I don't know when the site was last updated.
Jaguar is being replaced in RAF service by the Eurofighter Typhoon (as is the Tornado F3). I believe the RAF only operated around ~120 Jaguars and F3's combined, wheras we are getting 232 Typhoons, showing a vast increase in capability in this area. (Which in my opinion is a mistake.)
As a side note, the Jaguar is quite likely the most lethal WVR dogfighting aircraft the RAF currently operates, it being fitted with both a head mounted sight and ASRAAM, something not even Typhoon will get until Tranch 2.
That is why RAF pilots say it starts to fly at 500 knots and wont go any faster
The Jaguar is not far from retirement now - its last dedicated base RAF Coltishall - closed on 1st April and the final units No.s 6 & 41 Sqadrons are currently based at Conningsby, however both squadrons are due to retire the Jaguar before the end of 2007. 6 Sqn. is certainly going to re-equip with the Typhoon next year, I'm not 100% sure about the future of 41 at present.
Thanks for the answers guys!
Yimmy are you the same Yimmy from Strategy Page?
Depends whos asking!Originally Posted by sir-chimp
Yes I am...
Only 6 Sqn fly the Jag now. 41(F) disbanded on 31 March, and the numberplate transferred to the Fast Jet Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit. There are already some photos floating around of a FJWOEU Harrier wearing 41 Sqn markings, and it would seem likely that the unit's Tornado GR4s/F3s will be painted up in similar markings before too long.
As DW58 says, 6 Sqn moved over to RAF Coningsby and will operate there until next year. On current plans, it will disband in October 07 - although the squadron may reduce to cadre status (i.e. still extant, but no aircraft or personnel assigned) instead, so that its tradition of being the only RAF Squadron never to have disbanded since formation can be maintained.
Jag can carry ASRAAM, but funding to allow the aircraft to do this was never provided, and unless things change dramatically, it'll carry Sidewinder until the end of its career. As I understand it, 3 Squadron's Tranche 1 aircraft will be capable of using ASRAAM - the weapon was certainly included in the contract for weapons that would be useable for IOC (initial operating capability).
Although we're buying 232 Typhoons, this is to allow a front line fleet of 137 aircraft (seven squadrons of 16 aircraft, a conversion unit, an Operational Evaluation Unit and some test aircraft) to be kept going for 30 years. The additional aircraft will be rotated in and out of use to even out fatigue life, as attrition replacements and the like. It is more than likely that the service life will be 35-40 years (or even longer), and the figure of 232 might start looking too few by 2040...
Cool, I just browse the forums there and I recognized yours from the Fighter and Bomber section. I dont browse that too much as all the bickering gives me an headache.
Interesting, now that you mention it, I did read somewhere about the 41 Sqn. banner being taken on by the Fast Jet OEU, but it hadn't fully registered - thanks.
"As I understand it, 3 Squadron's Tranche 1 aircraft will be capable of using ASRAAM - the weapon was certainly included in the contract for weapons that would be useable for IOC (initial operating capability)."
Yeah the Tranche 1 Typhoons are supposed to be fully air-air capable with AMRAAM and ASRAAM I think, however the helmet mounted sight isn't coming until Tranche 2, while I heard a rumour the RAF are trying to push it back to Tranche 3 to fund for some more air-ground goodies in Tranche 2.
I spent a great annual camp as an air cadet at Coltishall, including a day with 54(F) with involved sunbathing on the wings of a jag amongst other things!
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