Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force makes a vital contribution as a force for good in the world by delivering flexible air power wherever it is needed. The Cold War may be over, but it has left behind a world that is less predictable and, in many places, less stable. Now Britain and her Allies are faced with challenges of many different kinds. The RAF is ready to meet these.The RAF needs to be able to respond swiftly and effectively to new threats and challenges, preventing escalation in a dangerous situation by projecting air power and, if necessary, countering force with superior force and skill. At the same time, the RAF must retain its fighting edge, by keeping pace with technology, and training to meet changing demands of the modern battlefield. All this must be done cost effectively; that is why the RAF works increasingly in joint structures with the Royal Navy and the Army, as a team, making more efficient use of British defence resources and increasing operational impact. The RAF’s key task within these joint structures is to be ready to deliver flexible air power to meet any challenge.

To achieve this the RAF has a wide variety of specialist aircraft in its inventory. Combat aircraft such as the Tornado, Jaguar and Harrier are able to attack a wide variety of targets using sophisticated navigational systems and precision-guided weapons. Support aircraft such as the Hercules transport aircraft and Chinook helicopter provide the ability rapidly to deploy military forces where they are most needed. The sophisticated Sentry aircraft is able to monitor vast areas of airspace in places like the Balkans and the no-fly zones of Northern and Southern Iraq. The RAF’s air-to-air refuelling force can increase the range and flexibility of combat aircraft still further and provide the ability to reach distant areas of the globe.Often, the RAF operates in coalition with Britain’s Allies, or on behalf of the wider international community. But increasingly, it works alongside the Royal Navy and the Army in joint formations, such as the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces, ready to respond to crises anywhere in the world. The Royal Navy’s fixed-wing aircraft are being brought together with the RAF’s Harriers to form Joint Force 2000. Ground-based air defence will be jointly managed by the RAF and the Army. Initial helicopter training, and the operation and support of all battlefield helicopters have also been brought together under a tri-Service Command.

Often, the RAF operates in coalition with Britain’s Allies, or on behalf of the wider international community. But increasingly, it works alongside the Royal Navy and the Army in joint formations, such as the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces, ready to respond to crises anywhere in the world. The Royal Navy’s fixed-wing aircraft are being brought together with the RAF’s Harriers to form Joint Force 2000. Ground-based air defence will be jointly managed by the RAF and the Army. Initial helicopter training, and the operation and support of all battlefield helicopters have also been brought together under a tri-Service Command. Good people need good equipment. In order to maintain and enhance its operational effectiveness, the RAF continually improves and upgrades its current equipment, obtaining value for money from its past investment. At the same time, we plan to re-equip with cutting-edge technology. So, over the next few years, we’re introducing the world-class Eurofighter, the flexible Merlin and a Hercules so advanced it’s practically a new design; with a suitable strategic lift aircraft following shortly afterwards. Alongside the aircraft come the next generation of air-to-air missiles, and a new range of air-to-ground weapons to give us even greater flexibility in terms of choice of weapon, delivery height and launch distance from target. Further ahead, there will be a need to replace the Tornado, and we are considering options which could include a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft.

Aircraft of the RAF :

Fighters/Attack Aircraft :

- Tornado GR.1/GR.4 (Mid-Life Update programme)

Tornado GR 1 Interdictor/Strike (IDS) aircraft are in service with the German Air Force and Navy (290), Italian Air Force (90), UK Royal Air Force (186) and the Royal Saudi Air Force (96). The aircraft is equipped with an advanced sensor and defensive aids suite for low-level, deep-penetration missions in all weathers by day and by night.For close air support and interdiction, the aircraft is typically equipped with iron bombs, cluster bombs and laser-guided bombs. In the defence suppression role, it is equipped with anti-radar missiles. 142 of the Royal Air Force GR 1 Tornados are being upgraded to Tornado GR 4 configuration by the year 2003, under the RAF Tornado Mid-Life Update programme. The first entered service in 1998 and the GR 4 received operational clearance in April 2001. 100 upgraded aircraft had been delivered by October 2001.The programme involves advances in systems, stealth technology and avionics. A digital avionics bus links the new systems and fully integrates the aircraft's improved defensive aids suite.The GR. 4 is fitted with a pilot's head-up display, multifunction head-down display and a digital map.The GR 4 has been cleared to carry Enhanced Paveway bombs, with GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) guidance and from 2002 will carry Brimstone anti-armour and Storm Shadow cruise missiles when these enter service.

- Tornado F3

The F3 Air Defence Variant (ADV) Tornado is armed with short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles. A typical weapons payload would include four Sidewinder short-range missiles and four Skyflash medium-range missiles. Tornado F3 aircraft are the first to be fitted with the short-range MBDA ASRAAM air-to-air missile which entered service in January 2001. 100 RAF F3 Tornadoes are being upgraded to carry AIM-20 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, a Raytheon IFF 4810 SIFF (Successor Identification Friend or Foe) system and a Honeywell laser inertial navigation system. The upgrade programme is to be completed in 2003.

The aircraft is equipped with a BAE SYSTEMS Foxhunter radar, which provides long-range search capability and enables the aircraft to engage targets at beyond visual range.

- Jaguar GR3/3A

Produced to meet a joint Anglo-French requirement in 1965 for a dual-role advanced/operational trainer and tactical support aircraft, the Jaguar has been transformed into a potent fighter-bomber. The RAF opting for 165 single-seat and 35 two-seat aircraft.A variety of weapons including cluster, freefall, retard and laser guided bombs, as well as rockets can be carried on the four wing and one fuselage stations. Two 30mm cannon are mounted internally. To mark targets for laser-guided weapons, the aircraft carries the thermal imaging and laser designation (TIALD) pod. For self-defence, overwing Sidewinder infra-red missiles are carried and the aircraft is fitted with a comprehensive suite of electronic countermeasures. The fleet is currently undergoing an upgrade programme, and this will see aircraft fitted with new cockpit displays, helmet-mounted sights, the ability to carry the new Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and other system improvements to further extend the life of the aircraft well into the next century.

- Harrier GR7

The GR7 is, in essence, a licence-built American-designed AV-8B Harrier II fitted with RAF-specific navigation and defensive systems as well as other changes including additional underwing pylons for Sidewinder missiles.. A total of 96 aircraft were ordered, including 62 interim GR5s which were later modified to GR7 standard.Fully operational with three front line squadrons and the Operational Conversion Unit, the aircraft carries forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) equipment which, when used in conjunction with the pilot's night vision goggles (NVGs), provides a night, low level capability. Although optimised for low level operations at subsonic speeds, the Harrier is also ideally suited to medium level operations where it utilises its highly accurate angle rate bombing system (ARBS) which employs a TV and laser dual mode tracker (DMT).

- Eurofighter Typhoon

The four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon is a foreplane delta-wing, beyond-visual-range, close air fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. Eurofighter has 'supercruise' capability: it can fly at sustained speeds of over Mach 1 without the use of afterburner.An overall production contract for 620 aircraft was signed in January 1998, with 232 for the UK. Due to enter Royal Air Force service in mid-2002, Eurofighter will replace the Tornado F3 in the air defence role and Jaguars in the ground attack mission.The aircraft incorporates several new state-of-the-art systems including the ECR-90 multi-mode radar built by companies from all four partner nations and IRIS-T an Infra-Red Search and Track weapon aiming system coupled with helmet-mounted symbology.

Other systems include a Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS), wide-angle Head Up Display (HUD) and VTAS, a Voice Throttle and Stick control system that includes Direct Voice Input of some commands and HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) to ease pilot workload.

- JSF

Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will be a single-seat, supersonic aircraft incorporating stealth technology due to replace RAF Harrier GR7/GR9s and Royal Navy Sea Harrier F/A2s in the early part of the next decade.Current plans call for some 150 aircraft for the RAF and RN.Affordability is a key criteria of the programme, and so both airframes will feature maximum commonality of components and structures. Also incorporated into each design will be 'stealth' technology to reduced detection by radar, a first for RAF and Royal Navy aircraft. When compared to the Harrier and Sea Harrier, JSF will be a major improvement over both designs, able to carry twice the payload over twice the distance of the GR7 and be capable of supersonic flight.

Transport & Tanker Aircraft :

- Hercules C1/C3

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is the most numerous transport aircraft in the West and has been in production longer than any other aircraft in history.Those in use by the RAF are C-130K versions (known as Hercules C1 and C3) and initial deliveries (of a total of 66 ordered) were made during the mid-1960s.The two versions in front-line service are the C1 and the C3. The first C3 was converted in 1979 by inserting a 15-ft fuselage extension which allows the aircraft to carry a 30% larger load than the standard version.

- Hercules C4/C5

In 1995 the RAF placed an order for 25 second generation Hercules aircraft, known as the C-130J, as replacements for some of the current fleet of Hercules C1s and C3s. A total of 15 of the stretched version, the C-130J-30, and 10 standard C-130Js were ordered. These aircraft will be known as the Hercules C4 and C5 in RAF service.

Although virtually identical to the earlier models of the Hercules, the new aircraft features a wide range of improvements under the skin. These include a 'glass cockpit' featuring head up dispalys and multi-function displays and new engines fitted with six-bladed propellers as well as better performance and reduced maintenance costs.

- C-17A Globemaster

Four Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft are being leased from the manufacturer to fill a requirement identified in the Strategic Defence Review for a startegic airlift capability for the RAF. The aircraft features many advanced features such as wiglets, supercritical wing and high-performance engines. The aircraft's excellent short field performance is achived by extending the wing flaps into the jet efflux.

- Tristar C2/K1/KC1

The RAF operates a number of Tristar aircraft in the transport role. The Tristar C2s are dedicated transport aircraft and can carry 265 passengers and 16 tonnes (35,000 lbs) of freight over ranges in excess of 4,000 miles. The other two variants, the K1 and the KC1, are dual role and capable of providing air-to-air refuelling from a pair of centerline fuselage hoses. The K1 can carry 204 passengers; however, the KC1 has a large freight door and can carry 20 cargo pallets, 196 passengers or a combination of mixed freight and passengers.

- VC10 C1K/K3/K4

The RAF's VC10 tanker force operates four variants of the aircraft: the C1Ks are military transport aircraft, carrying 120 passengers or freight, and can be adapted for tanking with the addition of wing-mounted refuelling pods; the K2s are ex-civil VC10s and the K3s and K4s are ex-civil Super VC10s although the K4s lack the additional fuselage fuel tanks of the K3s. The K2s, 3s and 4s all have wing refuelling points for fighters and a centerline refuelling capability to provide additional support for large aircraft.

Surveillance & Patrol Aircraft :

- Sentry AEW1

The Sentry AEW1 is a Boeing 707-320B airframe packed with the very latest radar and electronic sensors. Easily distinguishable by the large rotodome mounted above the rear fuselage, the Sentry is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform which carries a flight crew of four and 13 or more systems operators. Air and surface contacts are detected by its AN/APY-2 surveillance radar and information is transmitted to ground and ship-based units using a wide variety of digital data links, allowing up to 600 low-flying aircraft to be tracked at any one time. Seven Sentrys are in service with the RAF and these have wingtip pods containing passive sensors.NATO and RAF aircraft also now have the new Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) whuich allows real-time data transfer between the Sentry and intercepting aircraft such as Tornado F3s and American F-15 Eagle fighters.

- Astor (ASTOR AIRBORNE STAND-OFF RADAR)

In December 1999, Raytheon Systems Ltd was awarded a contract for the development of the UK Ministry of Defence Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR). The system, which includes five Bombadier Global Express business jet aircraft fitted with a derivative of the Raytheon ASARS-2 radar, is an airborne battlefield or ground surveillance radar system which will be operational with the Royal Air Force and the British Army in the year 2005.The first production aircraft is due for delivery in 2002. The main ASTOR operating centre will be based at RAF Waddington in the UK. The radar is an upgrade of the Raytheon ASARS-2 side looking airborne radar used on the U-2.

- Canberra PR9

The first jet bomber to serve with the Royal Air Force, the English Electric Canberra was designed with no defensive armament, relying instead on high speed, an operational ceiling of 48,000 feet, and great manoeuvrability to avoid opposing fighter aircraft. The fact that the Canberra is still in service today is testimony to the quality of the original design. Currently the RAF operates two versions of the aircraft, the T4 is a dual control trainer, and dedicated reconnaissance missions are undertaken by the venerable Canberra PR9, a specialist aircraft that contributes significantly to meeting the RAF's reconnaissance task through the use of a wide range of vertical and oblique cameras.

- Nimrod MRA4 Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack aircraft

In December 1996, BAE SYSTEMS were awarded a £2 billion contract for the remanufacturing of 21 Nimrod aircraft to the new Nimrod MRA4 (Nimrod 2000) specification including new mission, sensor and avionics systems. The Nimrod MRA4 Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack aircraft is planned to enter service with the Royal Air Force in 2005. The main roles of Nimrod MRA4 are maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface unit warfare and search and rescue.

Helicopters :

- Chinook HC2

Several versions have been developed over the years, and the aircraft ordered for the RAF in the late 1970's were equivalent to the CH-47C then available. These aircraft were known as Chinook HC1 in RAF service, and have themselves been the subject of many updates and are currently known as Chinook HC2s having been fitted with night vision goggle- (NVG) compatable flight deck amongst many other improvements. A number of new-build aircraft are also on order and these will be known as HC2As, dedicated special forces aircraft will become HC3s.

- Puma HC1

The Puma is a tactical transport which entered RAF service in 1971.An agreement between was signed in 1967 between Westland and Sud Aviation (later known as Aerospatiale) covering licence production of 48 SA330Es which were to be known as Puma HC1s in RAF service.The Puma can operate as a casualty evacuation aircraft, troop transport for up to 16 fully equipped troops, as a medium lift transport carrying up to 5,500 lbs of freight using underfuselage hardpoints to sling loads externally, and as a helicopter gunship capable of carrying a wide variety of armament.

- Sea King HAR3

The RAF operates the Sea King in the Search and Rescue (SAR) role, and the big yellow helicopters have become a familiar sight on television news programmes as they carry out rescue operations all around the United Kingdom. To assist in this role, the Sea King is fitted with advanced all-weather search and navigation equipment and a computer to assist positioning. In the hover, it can be 'flown' by the winch operator, who can position the rescue harness with great accuracy. The Sea King can carry 18 passengers and has a radius of action of 280 miles.

- Merlin HC3

Merlin HC3 is the first of the next generation of medium support helicopters for the RAF. Twenty two of the aircraft will enter RAF service as replacements for the Wessex.Early aircraft will be unarmed, but there is a future requirement to fit the aircraft with stub wings enabling anti-armour or air-to-air missiles and rocket pods to be carried.

Studies have also been made to fit Merlin with a nose turret and 0.5 inch machine gun, and machine guns on pintles at the door positions. A first for the RAF helicopter fleet is the fitting of an air-to-air refuelling probe which will greatly increase the aircraft's range and reduced deployment times. The Merlin is equipped with active vibration damping control, which means the level of noise and vibration inside the cabin is no greater than in a turboprop aircraft. As a result, crew fatigue is much reduced, and airframe life is increased.

Sources :

	RAF Homepage
	RAF Picture Library
	MOD Homepage

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