LMML 14/32 From Malta, joined Jan 2001, 2559 posts, RR: 7 Posted (8 years 10 months 1 week 18 hours ago) and read 1522 times:
Yesterday's UK papers were full of government cuts in the UK Navy and the RAF. Plans are to close RAF Coltishall and all the Jaguar units stationed there. I was planning a visit for next year to the base. Does anyone have more news?
GDB From United Kingdom, joined May 2001, 12715 posts, RR: 80 Reply 2, posted (8 years 10 months 1 week 17 hours ago) and read 1493 times:
Since the mid 1990's equipment upgrades, RAF Jaguars have had an out of service date of 2008, it was always understood that RAF Coltishall would go with the Jags.
The slightly early retirement and disposal of Coltishall is about savings to pay for the replacement, Tranch 2 Typhoons.
Not clear if 6, 41 and 54 Sqns will reform on Typhoon, but thier role will be taken over by Typhoons, (Tranche 2 will carry Storm Shadow, Brimstone and LGBs, as well as all the air to air kit).
So you might see 'swing role' squadrons with Tranche 2 and if approved, Tranche 3 aircraft.
Worth noting that after the RAF Germany aircraft were replaced with Tornado GR.1s in the 1980's, the three surviving rapid deployment UK units were seen as ripe for cutting when the Cold War ended, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait probably saved them, as the Jags were able to get in theatre very quickly.
Use in Northern Iraq and the former Yugoslavia kept them busy and got long overdue system and weapon upgrades, on budget and on time for once.
GDB From United Kingdom, joined May 2001, 12715 posts, RR: 80 Reply 7, posted (8 years 9 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 1334 times:
Built by Breguet in France, and by BAC at Warton, Jaguar was an early joint programme, originally designed to be a trainer/light attack aircraft, though it grew beyond that requirement.
202 each for the French and RAF, 24 to Oman, 12 to Ecuador, 18 to Nigeria, 40 to India followed by license production locally.
A version for the French Navy was not to enter service, the more 'French' Super Etendard being procured instead, though arguably less capable.
The merging of French companies became a problem, as Breguet were then part of Dassault, making competitors in the shape of Mirage F1 and Super Etendard. though being a good dedicated attack aircraft rather than multi role like the Mirage F1, hurt sales anyway.
Export and later the RAF machines, got upgrades to engines and equipment.
But apart from adding AS.30L and other more modern weapons, the French AF ones got less upgrades, though in Gulf War 1 both RAF and French Jaguars served with distinction, a low level French AF Jaguar raid on an airfield met with extensive AAA fire, even included a bullet going through the cockpit of one aircraft, damaging the pilot's helmet, though he pressed home his attack and returned to base.
60 AS.30Ls were also launched in this conflict.
LMML 14/32 From Malta, joined Jan 2001, 2559 posts, RR: 7 Reply 9, posted (8 years 9 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 1249 times:
Thanks. Fascinating information. Do you have any hints for spotting and picture taking in RAF Coltishall? My plan is to go in October. I know the weather may be a problem. But then again it rained for the Queen's wedding !!
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