ebj1248650 From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 1932 posts, RR: 2 Posted (3 years 3 months 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 3659 times:
ZK300 and at least two of the subsequent RAF Typhoons appear to have been delivered without the PIRATE installation. Though I've been told that PIRATE is removable, is there a shortage of PIRATE units that caused these planes to be delivered without it or is there a problem with the PIRATE system such that installation is being delayed pending problem resolution? The photos I've seen show these aircraft are identified as FGR4s and it appears many of the previous F2s have been upgraded to FGR4 status, to include installation of PIRATE, so I'm confused about the absence of the installation in the most recent production articles.
GDB From United Kingdom, joined May 2001, 12735 posts, RR: 79 Reply 1, posted (3 years 3 months 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 3608 times:
There is a term, much used, which applies to a lot of platforms in UK service, fitted for, not with .
This will doubtless apply here.
You asked in 2008, about the status of the famous No.6 squadron RAF, The following Typhoons are so far (by late January), allocated to this unit, due to stand up by October 1st this year.
ZK302, ZK304, ZK305, ZK306, ZK307.
With others to follow.
autothrust From Switzerland, joined Jun 2006, 1489 posts, RR: 8 Reply 2, posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 3059 times:
Quoting ebj1248650 (Thread starter): is there a shortage of PIRATE units that caused these planes to be delivered without it or is there a problem with the PIRATE system such that installation is being delayed pending problem resolution?
Nothing of that sort AFAIK, the PIRATE is just to expensive that alll EF can be fitted with.
Each PIRATE costs whopping 1.4million €, because its a cutting edge Quantum well infrared photodetector sensor which can detect even stealth objects up to 50miles.
It has a processing speed of 24 million pixels per second and is very difficult to manufacture.
garysted From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2005, 55 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 2653 times:
The aircraft previous to ZK300 (ZJ950) was the first Tranche Two jet that lacked the PIRATE system, and I believe all new build deliveries since then have not been fitted. I remember being a little suprised when I photographed the jet at Coningsby in July last year that it was not installed. I think at the earlier Tranche One jets on block 5 upgrade have returned - so far - from Warton with the PIRATE fit though. Clearly it's not a problem for the Saudi's as all their jets have it.
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