Jwenting From Netherlands, joined Apr 2001, 10213 posts, RR: 21 Reply 1, posted (9 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 4769 times:
RAF has no Alpha Jets in service, at least not squadron service.
As you can clearly see there are no squadron markings or subunit identifier number anywhere, which means it's not part of any unit...
That makes it private or RAE, maybe BAe systems operates it as a testbed for something (under UK law all aircraft capable of operating weapons systems must use the military register).
GDB From United Kingdom, joined May 2001, 12707 posts, RR: 80 Reply 3, posted (9 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 4728 times:
They are used for testing and trials work, replacing aircraft like Hunters a few years back, at the same time as the RAF had no Hawks to spare.
Some kind of leasing deal with the Alpha Jets, no doubt claiming to be cheaper than buying a new batch of Hawks, though a completely new spares/support network for this unfamiliar type in UK service must have cost some.
Contact_tower From Norway, joined Sep 2001, 536 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (9 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 4761 times:
It's not an RAF aircraft, but rather owned by QinetiQ.
"It comprises the greater part of DERA, the British Government's "Defence Evaluation and Research Agency". Until July 2001, DERA was an agency of the UK Ministry of Defence, incorporating the bulk of the MoD's non-nuclear research, technology and test and evaluation establishments. It then split into two organisations, DSTL and QinetiQ Group plc. DSTL remains part of the MOD and continues to handle the most sensitive areas of research.
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