List of fictitious British military aircraft
From Themarshallwiki
Out-of-character note: This article contains a list of all NO British military aircraft that are either fictitious, or semi-fictitious
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BAe Fury
see main article: BAe Fury
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. The Eagle was acquired by the RAF in response to French concerns about the defence of the Anglo-French Air Defence Zone. 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.
With the BAC Buccaneer becoming obsolescent, the F-15E Strike Eagle was the only aircraft that could have served as a replacement, apart from the Mirage 4000. The Eagle was however more capable than the Mirage, and had commonality with the existing Eagles. Unlike the Eagle F.1/T.2, this new aircraft designated by the Americans as F-15M, and by the RAF as McDonnell Douglas Eagle GR.3 had radical changes. Apart from the changes given to the initial Eagles, the Eagle GR.3 had a multi-mode British radar made by Ferranti called Blue Foxhound, based on Blue Vixen, the Blue Foxhound has a larger antenna, more power (for greater performance and range), and more air to ground modes, including a synthetic aperture mode. The Blue Foxhound is one of the most advanced pulse doppler radars in the world. To fulfill British requirements the new version of the Eagle was given extra capabilities including support for anti-ship missiles, and cruise missiles. It retained all the air to air capability of the original Eagles. An additional change was the use of the Rolls-Royce Titan engine. The McDonnell Douglas Eagle GR.3 entered service in 1994. It is now designated the Boeing Eagle GR.3. The Eagle GR.3 due to its multi-role capabilities has been since 1998 the aircraft of No. 1405 Flight at RAF Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands. They are by far the best fighter aircraft in South America.
The superior technology of the Eagle GR.3, 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-15M), 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.4, and Boeing Eagle T.5.
The need to counter increasingly sohpisticated air defence systems led the RAF towards developing a electronic warfare and defence suppression of the Eagle. British Aerospace developed the aircraft from American-made Eagle GR.3. The SEAD Eagles have the outer-wing pylon installed for jamming pods, and have extensive internal EW equipment in addition to external ALQ-99 pods. ALARM missiles are the standard armament, in addition to the gun, and air to air missiles. For a combined jamming/SEAD mission, the aircraft can carry 2 ASRAAMs, 2 AMRAAMs, 6 ALARMS, 3 ALQ-99 pods, and 12 BL755 cluster bombs, which would (at the expense of long range) enable the aircraft to jam radars, attack radars, and destroy SAM launchers or anti-aircraft guns while defending itself against air threats. The BAe Eagle E.6 is one of the most sophisticated, and costly aircraft in RAF service.
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 GR.3 - British F-15E Strike Eagle variant (F-15M)
- Boeing Eagle F.4 - Current fighter version, two-seat (pilot/navigator), extensive upgrades (F-15K Block 10)
- Boeing Eagle T.5 - Current conversion trainer version, two-seat (pilot/instructor), extensive upgrades (TF-15K Block 10)
- BAe Eagle E.6 - BAe developed SEAD/EW version of the Eagle GR.3 (EF-15M)
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)
BAe Falcon
see main article: BAe Falcon
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.
Lockheed Orion
The Lockheed Orion (FSN designation: P-3 Orion) is the replacement for the BAe Nimrod. The Orion design is actually older than Nimrod (though the de Havilland Comet is older than the Lockheed Electra), however the RAF felt that the Orion offered the best balance of capabilities. The RAF began looking for a replacement for the BAe Nimrod MR.2 almost as soon as it entered service, and consideration boiled down to three options:
- Dassault Atlantique ATL3: A new version of the French Dassault Atlantique. The aircraft would have offered commonality with France, and South Africa, but lacked the range and payload of its competitors. It was also the slowest, which reduced the ability to dash to a patrol station. Being twin engined, shutting down an engine to extend patrol endurance was not considered a viable option.
- BAe Nimrod 2000: A practically rebuilt Nimrod MR.2. The aircraft would have changed virtually every attribute of the current Nimrods, except the bare Comet airframe (and this would have been zero-timed). The Nimrod 2000 ran into problems including cost overruns, and massive delays, and was rejected as it would not have been ready in time, and would have required extending the service of the Nimrods to a dangerous point.
- Lockheed Orion 2000: The Orion 2000 combines a zero-timed Orion airframe, the avionics of the cancelled P-7, and turboprop engines and propellers common with the RAF's Hercules C.4 and C.5, and the Royal Navy's Hawkeye AEW.2. Its four engine configuration allowed for good dash speed, and the ability to shut down two (and in extreme situations, three) engines gave excellent endurance (a RNZAF P-3B once flew for 21 hours, without refueling). The RAF placed an order for 85 Orion 2000s, under the RAF designation Lockheed Orion MRA.1. 60 have been delivered so far, and they have been used extensively in patrolling the UK's territorial waters, and in ASW exercises with the Royal Navy, and Britain's allies. Its sonobuoys, radar, MAD boom, electro-optical/FLIR turret, and Sting Ray torpedos make it an effective sub hunter. Harpoon missiles give a powerful anti-ship capability, and the Orion can defend itself with ASRAAM missiles. Mines of all types can be carried in the weapons bay, and on the wing pylons, and laid with precision. Conventional and nuclear depth charges can be carried. Maverick missiles supplement the Harpoon, and allow the Orion to attack small craft effectively without using a costly Harpoon. Bombs round out the Orion's array of weapons.
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 essentially the same as American RC-135's, however sensitive American equipment is replaced with British equipment. 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.
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 FS 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.
Aerospatiale/Westland Puma series
The following aircraft (designed by Aerospatiale, and made by Westland) are in service with the RAF and Royal Navy:
- Westland Puma HC.1 - medium tactical transport helicopter serving with the RAF
BAe Harrier GR.9
Fitted with the APG-66 radar surplus from the Hornet FRS.1, and T.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
