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Revision as of 20:41, 14 February 2010

Out-of-character note: This article contains a list of all NO British military aircraft that are either fictitious, or semi-fictitious

General Dynamics Merlin

The General Dynamics Merlin (more commonly known as the F-111K) is Britain's premier strike aircraft. Changes from the F-111A include:

• Refuelling probe from the F-111B
• Extended wings and strengthened undercarriage from the FB-111A
• British nav-attack system
• Sea Eagle
• ASRAAM
• Martel (no longer in service)
• ALARM
• Harpoon
• WE.177

The only versions in service are the General Dynamics Merlin S.6 and the General Dynamics Raven E.1, both of which have a fully digital avionics system, glass cockpit, AESA radar, and Rolls Royce Titan engines.

Variants

• General Dynamics Merlin S.1: Original strike version (known as F-111K in the United States), all converted to S.6.
• General Dynamics Merlin T.2: Dual control training version of the Merlin S.1 (US designation: TF-111K), all converted to S.6.
• General Dynamics Merlin B.3: Strategic bomber version (US designation: FB-111K). Hybrid of the F-111K, and FB-111A. Carried Kh-15, and Red Thunder cuise missile. All converted to S.6.
• General Dynamics Merlin S.4: Maritime strike version, with avionics changes from S.1 to accomodate Sea Eagle, and a radar intended for maritime strike. All converted to S.6.
• General Dynamics Merlin S.5: Second tactical strike version, weapons bay used to carry Pave Tack. Multi-role (i.e. tactical strike, nuclear strike, maritime strike). All converted to S.6)
• General Dynamics Merlin S.6: Present service version resulting from 1989 Mid-Life Upgrade.
• General Dynamics Raven E.1: Electronic warfare/ECM version. Essentially the EF-111A's avionics on a Merlin S.6 airframe. Unlike the EF-111A, the British Raven E.1 is armed, and can carry up to 12 ALARMs, though the usual load is 4 ALARMs and 2 ASRAAMs.

Proposed variants

• General Dynamics Merlin FGA.x: Proposed long-range interceptor version with AN/AWG-9 radar, and AIM-54 Phoenix radar. Project dropped in 1976 before mock-up completed. Replaced with Grumman Tomcat. Proposed US designation F-111M.
• General Dynamics Merlin R.x: Proposed reconnaissance version, S.1 with reconnaissance equipment in weapon bay pack. The pack contained cameras and an IR line scanner. The pack was adopted as a module which could be fitted to the weapon bay of any Merlin S.1, S.4, S.5, and S.6. Proposed US designation: RF-111K.

Boeing Eagle

The Boeing Eagle is Britain's premier fighter and strike aircraft. Serving in four different versions, it is considered the most capable strike fighter in Europe. With rapidly aging Phantoms and Lightnings, the RAF appeared to be losing its edge in the air. The 1982 Falklands War prompted the Thatcher Government in to rearmament (after the almost disasterous 1981 defence cuts), and in 1982, the RAF decided upon a version of the F-15C as its next air defence fighter. This aircraft, known to the Americans as the F-15K, and to the British as the McDonnell Douglas Eagle F.1 entered service in 1984 and was essentially an F-15C changed somewhat to meet British requirements. The British Eagles have refuelling probes, British radios, and Sky Flash capability. Other than that, they are standard F-15C's. The McDonnell Douglas Eagle T.2 (or TF-15K) is an F-15D with the same changes. In 1986, the Eagle was sent to the Falkland Islands to replace the detachment of Phantoms stationed at RAF Mount Pleasant.

The superior technology of the F-15E Strike Eagle, combined with the hard use to which the RAF had put its Eagles, led the RAF to a major upgrade of its Eagles. They were to receive new cockpits (based on those of the F-15E), and the Blue Foxhound radar. The airframe was to be zero-timed. The engines were changed from the Pratt & Whitney F100 to the Rolls-Royce Titan. The Titan gives the upgraded Eagles a performance in climb and acceleration superior to the BAC Lightning that the Eagle initially replaced. The Eagle F.1 has a space behind the pilot's seat which is normally there as a provision to convert the aircraft to a two-seat trainer. The upgraded Eagle goes to a two seat configuration, in which the second crewman is a navigator with a missionised cockpit. The upgraded trainer retains an instructor's cockpit in the rear seat. This upgrade effectively gave the RAF the best of both worlds, the new aircraft had the sheer performance of Lightnings, with the beyond visual range weaponry and second pair of eyes of the Phantom. The new aircraft entered service in 1998, and were designated Boeing Eagle F.3, and Boeing Eagle T.4.

Variants

• McDonnell Douglas Eagle F.1 - Initial figher version, single-seat, minimum change (F-15K)
• McDonnell Douglas Eagle T.2 - Initial conversion trainer version, two-seat (pilot/instructor), minimum change (TF-15K)
• Boeing Eagle F.3 - Current fighter version, two-seat (pilot/navigator), extensive upgrades (F-15K Block 10)
• Boeing Eagle T.4 - Current conversion trainer version, two-seat (pilot/instructor), extensive upgrades (TF-15K Block 10)

Grumman Tomcat

The poor serviceability of the Phantoms in the 1982 Falklands War made the Royal Navy see that they required a new fighter aircraft, and the Fleet Air Arm issued an urgent requirement for F-14 Tomcats. These were modified with Sky Flash capability. They began service in 1984. All RN Tomcats could use TARPS from the beginning. They were rebuilt to the Tomcat FRS.2 standard, with full strike capability in the 1990s.

Variants

• Grumman Tomcat FR.1: TARPS-capable F-14A modified for Sky Flash for the Royal Navy
• Grumman Tomcat FRS.2: Tomcat FR.1 with modifications for strike capability including compability with most existing British aerial weapons. Tomcat FRS.2 is powered by the Rolls Royce Titan. Used by the RN only.

Badges

Boeing/BAe Hornet

The Hornet was acquired as part of a change to the Fleet Air Arm's carrier group organisation. The Hornet marked a switch from operating a specialised fighter and specialised bomber, to operating a high-low mix of multi-role aircraft.

The first Hornets were delivered in 1984, and were designated McDonnell Douglas Hornet FRS.1. They had only the minimum of changes from FS Navy Hornets, including compatibility with British missiles such as Sky Flash and Sea Eagle, and British radios. The American wiring for nuclear weapons was removed, however British Aerospace fitted the necessary wiring for the WE.177 nuclear bomb.

During the early 1990's, the RAF and RN cooperated in finding a replacement for the initial Hornets (for the RN), and the Jaguar (for the RAF). They settled on an Anglicised version of the F/A-18C/D designated Hornet FGR.3/T.4 by the MoD, and F/A-18K/M by McDonnell Douglas. The Royal Navy ordered 126, and the RAF ordered 290 in 1993, with production beginning in 1994. Final assembly was at BAe's plant in Warton, and the last of the 416 aircraft was delivered in early 2001.

The aircraft, initially designated McDonnell Douglas/BAe Hornet FGR.3 and McDonnell Douglas/BAe Hornet T.4 (the manufacturer name was changed to "Boeing/BAe" in 1997) was part of a wide-ranging cooperative relationship between McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing), and BAe which also involved two BAe designs (the Hawk and Harrier) being produced in America as the T-45 Goshawk, and the AV-8B Harrier II.

The avionics set of the new Hornet was almost entirely British (the GPS being the only American component). Blue Vixen and a British nav/attack package integrated by a British computer formed the basis of the avionics package, which also included GPS, RLG, and a wholely British defensive measures package. More minor changes include adding ILS to the standard ACLS, the addition of an HF radio, and improved voice and video recorders. The engines are F404 turbofans license built by Rolls-Royce.

The Royal Navy primarily use the Hornet in the strike, anti-shipping, and close support roles. The RAF primarily use the Hornet for battlefield air superiority, close support, battlefield interdiction, and defence suppression.

Versions

• McDonnell Douglas Hornet FRS.1 - Minimum change F/A-18A for the Royal Navy (McDonnell Douglas designation: BF-18A)
• McDonnell Douglas Hornet T.2 - Minimum change F/A-18B for the Royal Navy (McDonnell Douglas designation: BTF-18A)
• Boeing/BAe Hornet FGR.3 - MDD/BAe joint venture based on the Night Attack F/A-18C, included Blue Vixen radar, ASRAAM, Brimstone, and CRV7 compatibility for both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (Boeing designation: F/A-18K)
• Boeing/BAe Hornet T.4 - MDD/BAe joint venture based on the Night Attack F/A-18D, included Blue Vixen radar, ASRAAM, Brimstone, and CRV7 compatibility for both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Rear cockpit designed for training. (Boeing designation: F/A-18M)

Panavia Tornado

During 1990, the RAF accepted delivery of the first of forty Tornado ECR aircraft, designated Panavia Tornado ER.5.

General Dynamics Vengeance

The General Dynamics Vengeance is the British version of the abandoned FB-111H. The British version contains British avionics, a probe refuelling system, and (when exported from the Federated States of America) lacked the ability to use nuclear weapons. Marshall Aerospace fitted the necessary avionics to operate UK nuclear weapons. The UK operates 80 Vengeance aircraft, and in addition to their nuclear strike role, they fulfill conventional and maritime strike roles.

The Vengeance entered RAF service in 1982, three months too late for the Falklands War.

Variants

• General Dynamics Vengeance B.1: Initial version
• General Dynamics Vengeance B.2: Current version, which was the result of an Avionics Upgrade Program that ran between 2002 and 2005.

Boeing 707

The Boeing 707 was adopted by the RAF reluctantly in 1974. During 1973, the Oil Crisis led to problems for the airlines, and one British airline, Latimer Airways led by American businessman Josh Latimer was unable to cope. Latimer employed 10000 people, and his airline was going to collapse as a result of the embargo. The Powell Government decided not to rescue the airline, but decided it had to do something for its workers, therefore the government decided, against RAF advice (the RAF favoured the VC10) to buy Latimer Airways' 20 Boeing 707-320's. The aircraft was to be used as a passenger transport aircraft, with a secondary freight role.

The RAF was highly satisfied with the 707, and began to purchase more starting in 1976. The new aircraft (80 in all, mostly from Pan American World Airways, and British Airways) were sent to Marshall Aerospace for conversion to combination cargo/passenger/tanker aircraft. The most significant changes were the addition of a cargo door, the modification of the main deck to accept palletised seating modules, and the addition of two Flight Refuelling Ltd Mk.32B refuelling pods underneath the wings. These entered service in 1977 as the Boeing 707 KC.2 (British Airways), and Boeing 707 KC.3 (Pan Am), and became the basis of the RAF's tanker/transport fleet, and were introduced in good time for the Falklands War of 1982, in which they performed invaulable service.

After the war, it was decided that the RAF needed further tanker capacity. The RAF also found refuelling large aircraft such as Vulcan bombers, and Nimrod maritime reconnaissance aircraft with wing tip pods was problematic at best, and downright dangerous at worst. Using Victor, and Vulcan bombers was a stopgap at best, and the relatively high fuel consumption of these aircraft made them unsuitable for tanking.

The RAF decided it needed a dedicated three point tanker, and the original 20 707 C.1's were sent to Flight Refuelling Ltd in 1983 for conversion into dedicated tankers. In addition to the standard Mk.32B pods under the wings, they also received a special high-pressure Hose-Drum Unit in the rear fuselage which could transfer fuel at over 5000lbs/min (compared with 2000lbs/min for a pod). The high pressure HDU could be reset to a lower pressure for fighters. The fuselage was modified with additional plumbing for extra fuel cells, as well as a cargo door. As a bonus, the aircraft could also be used as a freighter, or troop transport. This conversion resulted in the designation changing to Boeing 707 K.1.

During 1986 the RAF decided on a major upgrade program for its 707 KC.2's and KC.3's. Taking an example from the USAF, the RAF had their 707 KC.2's and KC.3's reengined with the CFM International CFM56-2 engine, which was being installed on USAF KC-135R's. The program was completed in 1989, and the aircraft were redesignated C.2K, and C.3K. From 2001-2003, the initial twenty were put through a reengining program, and all RAF Boeing 707's were given a comprehensive structural, and avionics upgrade (becoming 707 K.1As).

During 1985, the RAF acquired 8 Boeing 707-320 aircraft for conversion to electronic and signals intelligence. They look similar to American RC-135's, however sensitive American equipment is replaced with British equipment. The principal external differences are the greater length and wingspan of the British aircraft, and the presence of passenger windows. They are designated 707 R.4's.

The RAF's Boeing 707 force has served for 34 years. In that time, they have lost no aircraft, and seen active service in the Falklands, the Gulf, and the Balkans. The RAF intends to keep its Boeing 707's going until at least 2040.

Boeing 707 versions in RAF service

• Boeing 707 C.1 - 20 707-320B aircraft bought from the receivers of Latimer Airways PLC (1974-1984)
• Boeing 707 K.1 - 707 C.1 converted to dedicated tanker with extra fuselage fuel tanks, wing-mounted IFR pods, tail-mounted HDU (1984-2003)
• Boeing 707 K.1A - 707 K.1 reengined with CFM-56-2 turbofans (2003-present)
• Boeing 707 KC.2 - 40 Rolls Royce Conway-powered 707-420 aircraft bought from British Airways (1977-1989)
• Boeing 707 KC.3 - 40 JT3D-7-powered 707-320C aircraft bought from Pan American World Airways (1977-1989)
• Boeing 707 C.2K - 707 KC.2 reengined with CFM56-2 turbofans (1989-present)
• Boeing 707 C.3K - 707 KC.3 reengined with CFM56-2 turbofans (1989-present)
• Boeing 707 R.4 - 8 707-320B converted to a SIGINT, and ELINT aircraft.

McDonnell Douglas DC-10

To bolster the RAF's long range tanker/transport capability, the RAF bought 5 ex-British Airways McDonnell Douglas DC-10s. Converted by Marshall Aerospace, the DC-10s serve as tankers, and long-range transports. The DC-10 entered service in 1984. DC-10s provide an air link between Great Britain and the Falkland Islands. 10 more ex-British Airways, and five ex-Pan Am DC-10s were purchased by 1990 making 20 in total. Versions in service include:

• McDonnell Douglas DC-10 K.1 - 5 Passenger/Tanker aircract
• McDonnell Douglas DC-10 C.2 - 3 Passenger aircraft
• McDonnell Douglas DC-10 C.2K - 12 Passenger/Tanker/Cargo aircraft

Lockheed Viking

Lockheed S-3 Viking serving with the Royal Navy in the following versions:

• Lockheed Viking AS.1 - S-3B
• Lockheed Viking COD.2 - US-3A
• Lockheed Viking R.3 - Similar to ES-3A Shadow, though with entirely British electronics

All are also used as tankers.

Northrop Grumman Hawkeye

E-2C Hawkeye in Royal Navy service as the Northrop Grumman Hawkeye AEW.2 (E-3C Group II). Hawkeye AEW.3 is an upgrade program identical to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

Westland Blackhawk

The Westland WS-70 Blackhawk, known in British Army service as the Westland Blackhawk AH.1. It is used by three Regiments of the Army Air Corps to support 16 Airmobile Brigade. The Blackhawk serves as the Brigade's assault helicopter. The differences between the British Westland Blackhawk, and the US Sikorsky Blackhawk are Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 01/12 engines replacing the T700 engines for 20% greater power, electric rotor blade folding, folding horizontal stabilators for storage, some British avionics (including a British Defensive Aids System), connectivity with the BOWMAN secure communications system, a fitting for a roof mounted sight for TOW or sight with laser designator for Hellfire, weather radar, forward EO/IR turret, and the ability to use British service weapons such as CRV7 rockets, and the L20A1 7.62mm machine gun. Its entry to service in the mid 1990s was hotly disputed as some felt it was taking a role away from the RAF, however the Army won out and gained something of an independent air assault capability (though all logistics helicopter support comes from the RAF, and the Blackhawk serves with only one Brigade in the Army). The British Army operates 85 Westland Blackhawks in three attack regiments, and a squadron in 2 (Training) Regiment, AAC.

BAe Harrier GR.9

Fitted with the APG-66 radar surplus from the Hornet FRS.1, and T.2. Twin seat version is the BAe Harrier T.12.

Used by the Royal Navy as the BAe Sea Harrier FGR.2.

Rolls-Royce Titan engine

• Used in Vengeance B.2, and Tomcat FRS.2, Eagle GR.3/F.4/T.5/E.6.
• F110-sized engine
• Maximum thrust: 36500lbf

Images

N.B. all images to scale, two pixels to one foot.

Royal Navy aircraft

Royal Air Force aircraft

Army Air Corps aircraft