List of fictitious British military aircraft
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==Royal Air Force aircraft== | ==Royal Air Force aircraft== | ||
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==Army Air Corps aircraft== | ==Army Air Corps aircraft== | ||
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[[Category:British Armed Forces]] | [[Category:British Armed Forces]] | ||
Revision as of 11:44, 5 March 2009
Out-of-character note: This article contains a list of all NO British military aircraft that are either fictitious, or semi-fictitious
BAe Fury
see main article: BAe Fury
Mikoyan/BAe MiG-29E Fulcrum
The replacement of the Phantom, and Jaguar as tactical fighter bombers was a vexing problem for the Royal Air Force as it entered the 1980s. The age and high operational cost of the Phantom, and the lack of beyond-visual-range fighter capability of the Jaguar made replacement necessary. In 1979, the new Thatcher Government sent out requests for tenders from international aviation industry for a new fighter aircraft. The responses were as follows:
- Dassault Mirage 2000K/DK
- General Dynamics F-16C/D
- McDonnell Douglas F-18K/TF-18K
- Saab JA37B Viggen
- Mikoyan/BAe MiG-29E
Apart from the F-16, all of the submissions offered a degree of British content which ranged from subcontracting (F-18K), through assembly (Mirage 2000K) to full license construction (MiG-29). The RAF wanted the F-18K, while the Government favoured the MiG-29. The RAF's reasoning for preferring the F-18K was that it was a more matured product (the MiG-29E has only the airframe in common with Russian Fulcrums), and could be put into service quicker. The Hornet was also operated by other Commonwealth and Allied countries. The Government preferred the overall performance of the MiG-29, plus the high British content (which would be a plus at election time). The performance of the MiG-29E prototype at the 1982 Farnborough Airshow, plus the emphatic assurances muted the critics of the Fulcrum, and the Fulcrum was announced as the official choice in late 1982.
The British Fulcrum is made at the BAe factory in Warton. The airframe, and flight control system are standard with the Russian MiG-29. Other common components include the fuel system, and the engines (manufactured by Rolls-Royce as Rolls-Royce RD-33), the cannon, and the IRST ball. The radar is a Blue Vixen made by Ferranti. The cockpit was considerably more advanced than the Russian cockpit, with multi-function displays. The HUD in British aircraft is Russian, however the software is British, and is intended to display the type of data that British pilots are accustomed to (in the RAF, the HUD is used as a primary flight instrument, and for visual targetting, radar information having a dedicated display). Other avionics for self-defence, communications, and navigation are British made. Anticipating the service entry of ASRAAM, the Russian Helmet Mounted Sight was adapted for compibility with ASRAAM, and the British Fulcrum.
The cockpit of the Fulcrum FGA.1
The cockpit of the Fulcrum FGR.3
While the MiG-29B Fulcrum-A was considered suitable as a template for a British fighter, the MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B was not considered a suitable combat conversion trainer. The MiG-29UB does not carry radar, and has little combat capability. British Aerospace financed the development of a MiG-29UB variant that would have full combat capability. This variant was developed fairly rapidly, and first flew in 1982 as the MiG-29UBE. The RAF ordered almost 300 aircraft, delivered at a rate 8 per month, and the first squadron reached Initial Operational Capability in 1986.
In 1995, the RAF initiated a major upgrade program. The avionics were brought up to date, with the addition of a ring laser gyro, and GPS. Link 16 was installed. The Blue Vixen 2 radar was installed, and the flight control system replaced with a fly by wire flight control system. Two of a more powerful version of the Rolls-Royce RD-33 with thrust vectoring nozzles were installed. The dorsal spine was extended to accomodate more fuel. These upgrades have made the Mikoyan/BAe MiG-29E/UBE Fulcrum a highly capable fighter, with the potential to last another fifteen-twenty years.
Apart from the gun, all armament is British, American, or French. Air to air missiles include Sidewinder, Sky Flash, ASRAAM, and AMRAAM. Air to ground missiles include Maverick, Brimstone, Sea Eagle, Harpoon, ASMP, ALARM, Storm Shadow, and Apache. All bombs except the GBU-28 can be carried. The on board gun is the GSh-30-1 30mm cannon, which is standard across all MiG-29s.
Variants
- Mikoyan/BAe Fulcrum FGA.1 - Initial single-seater version, MiG-29E
- Mikoyan/BAe Fulcrum T.2 - Initial two-seat version, MiG-29UBE
- Mikoyan/BAe Fulcrum FGR.3 - FUP single-seater version, MiG-29E2
- Mikoyan/BAe Fulcrum T.4 - FUP two-seat version, MiG-29UBE2
Grumman Tomcat
Royal Air Force
The Grumman Tomcat was ordered by the RAF in 1972 to fulfill a long range patrol role. The BAC Lightning, while a capable machine, did not have sufficient endurance to fully defend the air space of the United Kingdom. The Tomcat was considered superior to the Phantom due to its internal gun, extremely long ranged weapons system, air combat capability, and avionics. After the difficulties in introducing the Spey-engined Phantom, the RAF's Tomcats were essentially off the shelf, with TF-30 engines. The Tomcat was introduced into RAF service in 1975. The aircraft received mixed reactions. Some people loved it, but it had poor serviceability for the first few years of its career. Eventually, the bugs were ironed out, and the RAF had a highly capable interceptor, and a highly capable dogfighter. Standard armament at the time was two AIM-54 Phoenix, 4 AIM-7 Sparrow, and 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder. Over time, Sparrow was displaced by Sky Flash (and finally by AMRAAM), while Sidewinder gave way to ASRAAM. Modifications include TARPS capability, and the 1990's rebuilding to Titan-powered F-14D standard.
The deployment of Tomcats to the Falkland Islands represents a great deterrent to Argentine attack. The F-14's have the ability, with tanker support, to intercept hostile aircraft over Argentina itself in the event of war.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy had not participated in the Tomcat programme, and did not consider a Phantom replacement urgent. The poor serviceability of the Phantoms in the 1982 Falklands War changed that perception, 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.5 standard, with full strike capability in the 1990s.
Variants
- Grumman Tomcat F.1: Standard F-14A for the RAF. Changes include substitution of ILS for ACLS.
- Grumman Tomcat FR.2: TARPS-capable F-14A modified for Sky Flash for the Royal Navy
- Grumman Tomcat FR.3: Tomcat F.1 modified for TARPS capability, and Sky Flash
- Grumman Tomcat FR.4: F-14D for both RAF. Most modified from existing Tomcats. Powered by the Rolls Royce Titan.
- Grumman Tomcat FRS.5: Tomcat FR.4 with modifications for strike capability including compability with most existing British aerial weapons. Tomcat FRS.5 is powered by the Rolls Royce Titan. Used by the RN only.
Badges
Royal Navy
Royal Air Force
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 US Navy Hornets, including compatibility with British missiles such as Sky Flash and Sea Eagle, and British radios. The US wiring for nuclear weapons was rmeoved, however British Aerospace fitted the necessary wiring for the WE.177 nuclear bomb.
During the early 1990's, the RN required a replacement for the initial Hornets (for the RN), and the Jaguar (for the RAF). The RN settled on an Anglicised version of the F/A-18C/D designated Hornet FGR.3/T.4. The Royal Navy ordered 126. Final assembly was at BAe's plant in Warton.
Versions
- Boeing/BAe Hornet FRS.1 - Minimum change F/A-18A for the Royal Navy
- Boeing/BAe Hornet T.2 - Minimum change F/A-18B for the Royal Navy
- 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 the Royal Navy
- 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 the Royal Navy. Rear cockpit designed for training.
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
- TIALD
- WE.177
The only version in service is the General Dynamics Merlin S.6, which has 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), 46 acquired in total, all converted to S.6.
- General Dynamics Merlin T.2: Dual control training version of the Merlin S.1 (US designation: TF-111K), 4 acquired in total, 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 UK-SRAM, and Red Thunder cuise missile. 25 acquired in total, 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. 25 acquired in total, 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). 25 acquired in total, all converted to S.6)
- General Dynamics Merlin S.6: Present service version resulting from 1989 Mid-Life Upgrade. 100 aircraft converted from previous marks. 125 in service in 6 squadrons forming No. 3 Group, RAF.
- General Dynamics Merlin E.6: Electronic warfare/ECM version. Essentially the EF-111A's avionics on a Merlin S.6 airframe.
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. Intended replacement was Tornado ADV, actual replacement was F-15 Eagle. 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.
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.
BAe Falcon
see main article: BAe Falcon
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 SNEB 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
- Aerospatiale Super Puma HM.1 - ASW helicopter to replace the Sea King in the Royal Navy
- Aerospatiale/Westland Cougar 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 Merlin S.6, Vengeance B.2, and Tomcat FR.4 and FRS.5.
- 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
