I look at the aircraft used by the RoyalAirForce as a part of my continued look into Commonwealth armed forces.

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Post author By Charlie February 24, 2022
Armed Forces of the Commonwealth – United Kingdom
– The Royal Air Force
theweeklyrambler.com/armed-forces-of-the-commonwealth-united-kingdom-the-royal-air-force/
Featured Photo: Photo from defenceimagery.mod.uk. License: OGL v1.0.
The Air Force of the United Kingdom is officially known as the Royal Air Force. It has
existed for over a century with it first being founded in April 1918 as the world’s first
independent air force, around 6 months before the end of World War 1, it went on to
become the world’s largest and one of the most powerful Air Forces for a time before
being surpassed in size and strength, but the Royal Air Force still today remains a
formidable force on the international stage. During World War 2 it played pivotal roles in
securing its skies, such as famously during the Battle of Britain, and conducting offensive
operations against the Axis Powers.
Today it continues to provide critical support for NATO missions and operations, security
of UK territorial airspace, disaster and humanitarian relief operations, and other allied
assistance.
As it stands the Royal Air Force has over 33,000 active personnel as well as over 5,000
reserve and auxiliary personnel, and currently has over 830 operational aircraft.

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Today, the Royal Air Force uses several bases outside of the UK itself within its territories
and other countries, these are Gibraltar, Cyprus, Ascension Island, Falkland Islands, and
Qatar. The Royal Air Force also conduct winter training exercises in Norway. The RAF are
also involved in assisting the French forces and UN peacekeeping efforts in Mali as part
of Operation Newcombe since 2018. The RAF has also conducted operations against
ISIS in places like Iraq, Syria and others. It also plays roles in NATO missions such as in
Eastern Europe as well as maintaining presence in certain areas of the globe such as the
Persian Gulf alongside British naval forces.
The Royal Air Force remains one of the most advanced in the world, alongside many
other western powers. The aircraft it utilises covers numerous areas including fighter and
strike aircraft, aircraft used for early warning and control systems, intelligence,
surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, patrol, and air-to-air refueling roles and
operations, as well as aircraft used for strategic and tactical transport. As part of this
series, I am going to look into each aircraft currently in operation with the Royal Air Force,
excluding aircraft specifically used for training as many of those were already covered in
the second part of the British Army post.
Below I have split the aircraft up into five sections to make things easier, this includes a
special end section that goes over some future aircraft that are being planned and
considered for the Royal Air Force to use, which should be quite interesting. All other
sections include actively used aircraft.
Transport Aircraft
Pretty self-explanatory, these usually-large aircraft are used for transportation of
personnel, equipment, supplies, and vehicles, or may also be reserved for VIP transport.
These aircraft support all three branches of the armed forces as an essential way to
access places and transport the required things needed. There are currently six types of
aircraft actively used in the transport section, which include five large aeroplanes and a
helicopter.
A109SP Helicopter

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Note: This photo is of the previous A109E variant formerly used by the RAF. A picture of the
A109SP is not currently available for use under CC guidelines or other relevant license.
Photo by Airwolfhound from Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0. Source.
The Leonardo AW109SP GrandNew helicopter, A109SP for short, is a transport
helicopter that operates with the 32 Squadron based in RAF Northolt, this squadron’s
main purpose is to deliver secure and timely air movements, which is exactly the usage of
the helicopter in question. It is used alongside the BAe 146 transport aircraft within the
Command Support Air Transport role.
The helicopter only needs a single pilot and can be flown in all weather conditions
whether it is day or night. The helicopter is used to securely transport senior military
commanders and government ministers’ site-to-site in the UK and Europe. It can operate
into heliports or areas that provide no landing facilities and therefore makes it a reliable
and flexible aircraft for its role.
The most advanced features of the helicopter are the four-axis digital duplex autopilot and
its advanced avionics suite. The aircraft has improved situational awareness and flight
management over the previous A109E helicopter, making it safer and more efficient. The
helicopter can fly for up to a range of 859km and can hold up to six passengers, using
two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW207C turboshafts. It has a max take-off weight of
3,175kg and a max cruise speed of 289km/h. It is 12.92m in length and 3.39m in height
with a rotor diameter of 10.83m.
A109 helicopters have existed since 1971 with the first prototype flown by Italy’s Agusta.
The A109SP is the latest variant of this line of helicopters, replacing the previously used
A109E. The A109SP has been in active use since around 2009.
Main Take Aways
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Main purpose to deliver secure and timely air movements.
Used to transport senior military commanders and government ministers
Does not require landing facilities
Only needs single pilot.
Can be flown in all weather conditions.
BAe146 Transport Plane
Photo by Sergeant Ross Tilly (RAF), OGL v1.0. Source.
As stated, the BAe146 is also operated exclusively by the 32 Squadron and used in
similar roles although on a larger scale than the A109SP helicopter, as a part of the
Command Support Air Transport role. Two variants of the BAe146 are actually used
currently, one specially configured for the transportation of people classed as VIPs known
as the CC.Mk2, and the other a quick-change variant known as the C.Mk3, this variant
can be rapidly converted between an aircraft used for passenger transport and one used
for cargo transport, and one big purpose for its introduction were to support continued
operations in Afghanistan.
The CC.Mk2 plays an important role in the secure transport of senior government
ministers and Ministry of Defense personnel, but has also been used on rarer occasions
to transport senior members of the British Royal Family. The plane also includes a
defensive aid suite for the transportation of government ministers and high-ranking
military leaders into areas overseas considered a security risk. Its role is described as
important to enable engagement between commanders, their personnel, coalition
partners and host-nation leadership representatives.
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But the CC.Mk2 is not just used for VIP transport, it also has another role outside of this
primary usage, which is an operational role in-theatre, where it provides important support
for military commanders via transporting personnel and smaller freight items from one
place to another.
Both planes are described as rugged, quiet, and self-sufficient and include extensive
back-up systems, key for the enablement of operation away from their base for a long
period of time without the need for much external support. The CC.Mk2 variant itself has
proven very versatile, with very good short field performance, ability to operate off of
runways within hot climates or at high altitude, and can also fly from semi-prepared
landing strips.
The C.Mk3 variant has kept its rear-fuselage freight door from the civilian model, allowing
the loading of paletised freight or paletised seats for passengers.
The BAe146 offered improvements over older aircraft for the RAF, such as being able to
fly much further, and able to carry more passengers with improved comfort.
The important contribution of these aircraft has allowed other larger aircraft to remain on
their primary roles rather than being taken off for missions that the BAe146’s can now
perform instead. The aircraft themselves have been in service since 1986, with the C.Mk3
variant coming into service in 2013. The C.Mk3 comes with a defensive aid suite, such as
infrared countermeasures and flare dispensers, used to help counter hostile missiles.
The RAF are planning to eventually retire all four of the BAe146 aircraft with this planned
to happen by the end of March of 2022. There is yet little word on replacements, although
the RAF does operate other transport aircraft (including newer ones) as you shall see.
Both variants use four Honeywell ALF502R-5 turbofan powerplants; both variants are
8.61 meters in height while the CC.Mk2 is 26.19m in length compared to the C.Mk3’s
28.60m; both have a wingspan of 26.34m; both have a max take-off weight of 38,102kg;
both typical cruise height of 30,000ft and max cruise speed of 709km/h; the CC.Mk2 has
a longer typical range of 2,593km compared to the C.Mk3’s typical range of 2,222km.
Main Takeaways
Can transport both cargo and passengers, including VIPs and personnel.
Big purpose of introduction was to support operations in Afghanistan
CC.Mk2 can fly from semi-prepared landing strips.
C.Mk3 can load palletised cargo or seats for passengers.
Able to fly further and operate for longer with less external support compared to
previous aircraft.
Allowed other larger aircraft to remain on their primary roles.

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Aircraft are planned to be retired by the end of March 2022. This also makes more
sense now with the War in Afghanistan having ended.
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Atlas C.1 A400M
Photo by Andrew Linnett. OGL v1.0. Source.
The Atlas is one of the newer transport aircraft used by the RAF with it coming into
service from 2014, with full tactical operational capability expected to be declared in the
very near-future. It is operated by the 206 Squadron, which performs heavy aircraft
testing and evaluation, the 30 Squadron, providing tactical airlift capability, the LXX
Squadron, that provides strategic air transport worldwide, and the XXIV Squadron, who
are responsible for training the RAF’s strategic Air Mobility Fleet. The Atlas itself is based
at RAF Brize Norton.
The primary purpose of the plane is to provide tactical airlift and strategic oversize lift
capabilities, and are used often to complement the Hercules and C-17 Fleet of transport
aircraft. The aircraft is able to transport a 37-tonne payload over 2,000 nautical miles and
can either land at established or remote civilian and military airfields, or if needed can
land on short unprepared or semi-prepared strips, making it quite versatile. It can operate
at up to 40,000ft, but also offers great low-level capability.
The plane is more fuel efficient at lower altitudes such as when compared to the C-17,
and also faster at higher altitudes when compared to the Hercules. The Atlas’s hold and
payload capabilities rank in-between the C17 and Hercules.
Its payload of up to 37 tonnes can include many different combinations, such as up to 116
fully-equipped troops; vehicles; and helicopters, with it also being able to hold a Chinook.
The aircraft can hold mixed-loads, which can include combinations such as nine aircraft
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pallets and 54 passengers, or a mix of vehicles, pallets, and personnel. This freedom of
mixing and matching can suit various different needs for numerous different missions and
operations.
The loads held by the aircraft can be delivered in several different ways, one of which is
simply landing and unloading, but other more extreme options are parachute delivery or
gravity extraction from the rear ramp, where the cargos own weight is influenced to
extract it from the aircraft. Paratroopers utilise dedicated paratrooper doors on the
aircraft, or can parachute from the rear ramp.
The RAF were also able to recently refuel the aircraft while it was flying via air-to-air
refueling, something that is rather unusual for a platform such as the A400M (considering
the RAF does not have the ability to air-to-air refuel many other large aircraft), but thanks
to the aircraft’s flight control system, the aircraft was able to more easily maintain
formation allowing the air-to-air refueling to take place.
The aircraft also does have the ability to perform maritime operations, although is not its
main purpose, but this usage has been seen in the English Channel for tracking migrant
boats.
The aircraft requires three crew to operate, two pilots and a weapons systems operator.
The aircraft has four 11k shp EuroProp International TP400 turboprop powerplants; is
45.10m in length and 14.70m in height with a 42.40m wingspan; can travel up to a speed
of 471km/h; and can travel up to a distance of 7,593km.
In 2016 these aircraft were grounded fleet-wide due to a propeller gearbox problem, but
the issue was soon overcome allowing the craft to go back into operation and the RAF
has pointed out that this shows the robust nature of the A400M’s engineering and support
system.
Main Takeaways
One of the RAF’s newest transport aircraft
Primary purpose to provide strategic oversize lift capabilities
Able to land on short unprepared or semi-prepared strips
More fuel efficient at lower altitudes when compared to the C17
Faster at higher altitudes when compared to the Hercules.
Hold and payload capabilities rank between C17 and Hercules.
Can transport vehicles, passangers, cargo pallets, or a mixture of these
categories.
Cargo can be parachuted down or gravity extracted when needed.
Paratroopers can utilise specialised doors or the rear ramp.

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RAF can perform air-to-air refueling of the A400M
Can be used for maritime operations when needed.
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C-17 Globemaster III
Photo by Paul Crouch from defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
For me the C17 is one of those trademark military transport aircraft. If we see a game or
movie, especially one made in the US, and they are using some kind of military transport
aircraft in any part or parts, there’s a good chance it will be the C17. I’d say many people
can probably say they have seen the C17 at some point.
The C-17 is one of the heavier transport planes and is designed to transport heavy loads
at long-range, and is also able to operate close to areas of operation where the potential
for combat exists. It is also used for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The C-17
can rapidly and strategically deliver troops as well as any type of needed cargo to any
base across the globe, no wonder they call it the Globemaster. The plane includes a load-
bearing ramp and digitally controlled loading systems that, alongside trained crew and
ground handlers, allow for the loading of large and complex items that can include
Chinooks, as well as other military vehicles and heavy specialist kit.

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The plane is able to transport as much as 45,360kg up to 8,334km in distance as long as
it is flying at altitudes above 35,000ft, if needed the plane can hold an absolute maximum
of 76,655kg but would not be able to travel as great a distance. The plane’s design also
allows for it to use small and/or simple airfields and small runways, this is because the
plane is able to make high-angle, steep approaches at relatively low speed. The C-17
played a large role in sustaining the UK’s involvement in the War in Afghanistan via an
airbridge operation.
The Royal Air Force has used C-17s since 2000 beginning with a 7-year lease and
support contract with Boeing and the US Air Force where the Royal Air Force acquired
four C-17s, up until then ever since 1976 the Royal Air Force had been without an organic
strategic lift capability and had relied on civilian-operated Short Belfast transports (and
chartered freighters) during the Falklands War after having retired its own from service.
Instead of extending the lease the MoD bought the original four C-17s and ordered
another in 2006, and then three further so far in 2007, 2009, and then 2012. The aircraft
stopped production in 2015 and so it is no longer possible to order more.
The Planes are currently flown by the 99 Squadron, who deliver world-class strategic
airlift with the C-17s, and also the XXIV Squadron, responsible for training the RAF’s
strategic Air Mobility Fleet. The C-17s are based at RAF Brize Norton. They continue to
be very important for strategic airlift capability, but there are plans for the A400M to
eventually take priority, although it is unlikely the C-17 will be retired anytime soon (unlike
a number of other transport planes used by the RAF) due to it being able to hold a lot
more cargo at once. The C17 has an out of service date of 2040 as it stands. The C-17
has also been used for medical evacuation.
The plane uses four Pratt and Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan powerplants; is 53.04m in
length, 16.79m in height, with a 51.74m wingspan.
Main Takeaways
Able to hold the most cargo out of other transports
Able to transport heavy loads at long range, across the globe.
Peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, can be used for medical evacuation
Rapidly and strategically deliver troops and/or cargo across the globe, including
vehicles.
Able to operate in areas where risk of combat is high.
Can utilise small and simple airfields or small runways.
C17, along with Hercules, gave the RAF organic strategic airlift capability that it had
been lacking since 1976.
A400M planned to take priority over C17, but C17 unlikely to be retired in near
future due to its superior cargo hold, and good range.
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C-130J Hercules
Photo by Cpl Will Drummee (RAF), Contains public sector information licensed under the
Open Government Licence v3.0. Source.
The Hercules is described as the primary tactical transport aircraft of the Royal Air Force
that has been in operation since 1999. It currently has two variants in operation which are
the C.Mk 4 or the C-130J-30 and the C.Mk 5 or the C-130J (without the extra –30). The
main RAF website describes it as being the backbone of the UK’s operational tactical
mobility tasks. It is also one of the transport aircraft’s that are used within areas of the
world considered a threat to aircraft, with the performance, tactical and defensive system
capabilities making it ideal for such usage, the system includes infrared
countermeasures, electro-optical missile warning system, radar warning receivers, and
chaff/flare dispensers.
The aircraft is able to air-drop various types of stores and also paratroopers, and is also
able to operate from landing zones made up of natural surface, making it a very flexible
transport craft, it is noted that crews operating this transport need to be highly skilled at
low-level flying. The transport can also operate during the night, thanks to night-vision
goggles, and there is station-keeping equipment that also allow the plane to remain in
formation within adverse weather. The aircraft is also able to refuel while flying and this
enables improvement in its long-range capabilities.
The plane can also be adopted for search and rescue and humanitarian operations via
the Air Survival Rescue Apparatus that can be mounted within the cabin, which enables
the plane to air-drop things like life rafts and emergency supplies.

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The Hercules are planned to retire from service with the previously talked about newer
A400M transports to be their successor. Both variants are planned to be taken out of
operation in 2023.
There has though been some criticism on retiring the aircraft, specifically as it is the only
transport aircraft able to meet the SAS’s operational requirement, without which makes
their missions/operations higher risk, as the other in-service transport aircraft such as the
C17 and new A400M are too large for certain special forces missions. The Hercules was
originally going to be kept in service until at least 2035 but this was scrapped under last
year’s 2021 integrated review. Concerned military commanders have made appeals
against this to MPs according to the Daily Mail.
The aircrew for the plane requires at least two pilots, a weapon system operator, and a
ground engineer; the planes have four 4,700shp RollsRoyce AE2100D3 turboprop
powerplants; the C.Mk 4 is 34.34m in length while the C.Mk 5 is shorter at 29.77m; both
are 11.70m in height; both have a wingspan of 40.38m; both have a cruising speed of
593km/h; the C.Mk 4 has a ferry range of 4,908km, while the C.Mk 5 has a longer ferry
range at 5,078km; cruising altitude for both is 28,000ft and the maximum altitude for both
is 40,000ft.
The planes are based at RAF Brize Norten and fly with the 206 Squadron which perform
heavy aircraft testing and evaluation; the 47 Squadron which provide tactical airlift
capability for the RAF; the XXIV Squadron responsible for training the RAF’s strategic Air
Mobility Fleet; and they are also flown by the Falcons which is a military parachute
display team, performing displays at venues across the UK and Europe.
Main Takeaways
Backbone of UK’s operational tactical mobility tasks (soon to be – was)
Able to be used in high-risk areas due to defensive suite.
Has airdrop capability for cargo and personnel
Able to operate from landing zones made up of natural surface.
Able to be adapted for use in search and rescue and humanitarian operations.
Planned to be retired some time in 2023 and replaced by the newer A400M.
Retirement has been criticized as the smaller size of this transport aircraft meets the
SAS’s operational requirement, unlike other existing transports, leading to higher
risk on such missions.
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Voyager (A330 MRTT)
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A Royal Air Force Voyager KC2 refuels two RAF Tornado GR4, March 4, 2015, over Iraq. The
RAF aircraft provide combat air support for the coalition against Da’esh. (U.S. Air Force photo
by Staff Sgt. Perry Aston/RELEASED). Photo in Public Domain.
The Voyager is the sole plane in the RAF that gets the air-to-air refueling done for aircraft,
and the planes can also be used for strategic air transport as well. It comes in two
variants, the KC.Mk 2 which includes two underwing pods used to refuel fast jet aircraft,
and the KC.Mk 3 which includes an additional centreline hose to refuel some larger
aircraft. Although the Voyagers are capable of drogue/drone refueling, none of them are
currently capable of boom refueling, meaning certain large aircraft cannot be refueled in
the air, such as the C17.
Since during air-to-air refueling operations, the fuel is taken from the aircraft’s standard
wing and fuselage tanks means that the aircraft’s cabin is free to still hold up to 291
personnel and the hold is still available for freight. The aircraft can operate differently
depending on the air-to-air refueling operation, one method is to operate a towline, in this
the Voyager orbits around a prescribed area awaiting aircraft to come and refuel, the
other is where it flies in a trail with a number of fast jets, refueling them over a long range
and taking responsibility for their fuel and navigation.
The plane can also simply operate similar to a civilian passenger airliner, but instead for
delivering personnel safely into potentially active theatres, which is possible thanks to the
aircraft’s defensive aids suite. The Voyager also has great capacity for palletised and/or
bulk freight, which is held in the lower fuselage hold. The plane can also be converted
into what is basically a giant flying ambulance with the ability to carry up to 40 stretchers
and up to three critical care patients. The plane can also be modified for the secure and
comfortable transport for people classed as VIPs. All in all, the plane is clearly very
versatile and flexible even outside of its primary air-to-air refueling capability.

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The Voyager has been in operation with the RAF since 2011, replacing the TriStar and
VC10 which had been used in the air tanker roles. The aircraft are based at RAF Brize
Norten, although one is always available within the Falklands Islands for the support of
Typhoon QRA jets and also the Hercules. Another Voyager also operates a regular
airbridge to the Falkland’s. The Voyager has also played major roles as a part of
Operation Shader against the Islamic State via offloading fuel to RAF F35s and Typhoons
as well as many Coalition jets.
In 2015 it was also announced that a Voyager would be refitted to transport the prime
minister, government ministers, and also be available to members of the Royal Family for
official visits, with the rationale being that it would save a chunk of money. This Voyager
would include 158 new seats and also secure communications, such as for the prime
minister. This Voyager has been operational since 2016 and in 2020 Prime Minister Boris
Johnson caused some controversy when he changed the aircraft’s livery, due to the cost.
This Voyager is still primarily used for air refueling when not transporting VIPs, as seen
here.
New livery of the Voyager that is also used to transport the PM, Royal Family, and other
officials.
The aircraft flies with the 101 Squadron providing state-of-the-art air-tanker and
transport capability on operations and in support of UK Quick Reaction Alert; and the 10
Squadron providing state-of-the-art air-tanker and transport operations as the first A330
Squadron.
Initially when the Voyager was being used there were issues with air-to-air refueling
operations, specifically with insertion of aircraft drones into the drogues/baskets of the
Voyager, which limited its ability for a time to act in the role, but the issues were fixed by
the Summer of 2013, bringing it into full capacity operation.
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The planes use two 71,100lb st Rolls-Royce Trent 772B Turbofan powerplants; it has a
length of 58.82m and a height of 17.39m, with a 60.30m wingspan; it has a maximum
speed of around Mach 0.86; it is able to deliver 60,000kg of fuel during five hours on
station at 930km from base; its range with maximum payload is 8,334km; maximum
altitude is 41,000ft; maximum fuel load is 111,000kg; maximum payload is 45,000kg; and
maximum passenger load is 291.
Main Takeaways
Primary aircraft used by RAF for air-to-air refueling of small and certain large
aircraft.
Can refuel aircraft in the air either from a set location or while flying over a longer
range.
Can also be used for strategic air transport, for both freight and passenger
transport.
Is not capable of boom refueling, meaning it cannot refuel certain aircraft in the air,
such as the C17.
Can operate in higher risk areas due to defensive aide suite.
One Voyager also used for transport of Prime Minister, Government Ministers, and
available to members of the Royal Family for official visits.
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Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance
Aircraft (ISTAR)
These aircraft are used for all things to do with gathering intelligence via surveillance and
reconnaissance and also use such information to provide target acquisition ready for any
mission or operation to take place. As always knowing what your enemy is up to, knowing
the lay of the terrain, knowing what your enemy has and their numbers, are all very
important for getting the upper hand. One of the best things still for getting such
intelligence are aircraft due to ease of mobility, how fast they are, stealthing capabilities,
and the obvious wide area of view they provide from overhead, as well as all of the
modern-day systems they are outfitted with, such as computer systems that collect data
and use algorithms to prioritise important data, and of course – target acquisition.
This section includes three fixed-wing aircraft and one fixed-wing drone that are currently
in active service.
Poseidon MRA1

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Photo from UK Ministry of Defence, defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
The Poseidon’s main role is as a maritime patrol aircraft but it is also a multi-role aircraft
meaning it has a number of other capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with sensors and
weapon systems used for anti-submarine warfare. The sensors are also to provide
surveillance capabilities and the aircraft can be used in search and rescue missions also
via the help of its sensors. It can perform extended surveillance missions at high and low
altitude.
One of the big features of the aircraft is its APY-10 Radar which includes modes that
provide high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, which also includes passive
and multi-static sonobuoys (of which it can hold up to 129 of), and also an electro-optical
infrared turret and electronic support measures. This equipment allows for
comprehensive search and tracking capability, and to help discover and track surface
vessels and submarines, and the sonobuoys themselves are used to search and detect
for submarines. The weapon system includes torpedoes for the engagement of sub-
surface targets.
The aircraft is actually very new for the Royal Air Force and was scheduled to go into
service from 2020 which I can only assume has been the case. Before the Poseidon were
the BAE System’s Nimrod MR.Mk 2 used in a similar role but they were outdated, they
were being upgraded to MR.Mk 4 status but this was scrapped in 2010 and as such the
UK had no effective long-range, fixed-wing maritime cover. This was until it was confirmed
in 2015 that a number of Poseidon’s would be purchased to fill the gap.
The aircraft will initially be fitted with US weapons (such as Mk 54 torpedoes) but it is
being left open to the possibility of British weapons (such as the Sting Ray lightweight
torpedo) being fitted to the aircraft sometime in the future, although no exact plan or date
has been publicly stated. The Poseidon can hold up to five torpedoes in its weapon bay.
Soon the torpedoes will also be able to be used from medium-high altitude which is up to

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30,000ft, and will utilise glider kits for this purpose, which also includes a GPS guidance
system for increased precision. The aircraft is also fitted with AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship
missiles for any surface engagements.
The aircraft will be used for defense of the UK’s nuclear deterrent (Trident I assume) and
also to defend aircraft carriers. The aircraft can also be used for reconnaissance.
The aircraft are based at RAF Lossiemouth and fly with the 201 Squadron who are
based in Scotland and provide maritime reconnaissance; and the CXX Squadron which
provides maritime patrol and is also based in Scotland.
The planes use two 27,000lb st CFM International CFM56-7 turbofan powerplants; is
39.5m in length, 13.03m in height, and has a 37.7m wingspan; its maximum takeoff
weight is 85,820kg; its maximum speed is 907km/h; ferry range is 7,242km; and service
ceiling altitude is 41,000ft.
Main Takeaways
Primarily used as a maritime patrol aircraft.
Will defend UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers.
Equipped with sensors and weapon systems used for anti-submarine warfare.
Sensors also provide surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and enable
usage in search and rescue missions.
Can perform extended surveillance missions at both high and low altitude.
Advanced APY-10 Radar enables comprehensive search and tracking capability.
AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles for surface engagements.
Can engage sub-surface targets using torpedoes (US-made Mk 54 Torpedoes)
Fitting with UK-made weapons being considered as future possibility.
Filled the gap for the RAF’s long-ranged, fixed-wing maritime cover capability.
Aircraft is also multi-role and so can be used in various other areas as well.
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RC-135W Rivet Joint
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Photo by Sgt Si Pugsley (RAF) from defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
This aircraft is dedicated to electronic surveillance for strategic and tactical missions and
is able to be deployed in any theatre where it may be needed, making it reliable and
flexible. Its powerful sensors are able to pick up electronic emissions from
communications, radar, and other systems that may provide useful information. NATO
has actually been using some of these recently over Ukraine to monitor tensions between
it and Russia in the ongoing crisis there, and to gather intelligence on the build-up,
movements and other acts.
The crew-members of this aircraft include multidiscipline Weapons System Officers and
Weapon System Operator Specialists who play an integral role in surveying elements of
the electromagnetic spectrum so that they can obtain intelligence from it to supply to
commanders. The information gathered by the aircraft can be forwarded in a number of
different formats to a wide range of consumers (for example to the Iraqi government,
Kurdish fighters, and US forces to help in operations against Islamic State militants in
northern Iraq) thanks to its extensive communications suite.
The aircraft can hold more than 30 personnel which includes the mission crew (which can
be anywhere from 25-35 personnel dependent on the operation), which is made up of
electronic warfare officers, intelligence operators, and in-flight maintenance technicians.
The Rivet Joint came into operation from 2017 replacing the BAe Nimrod R.Mk 1 which
had been out of service since 2011 with a plan to replace them via converting USAF KC-
135R airframes to the RC-135W Rivet Joint, which was contracted to L-3
Communications in Greenville, Texas. Their sensors and systems have continued to be
upgraded since their introduction, keeping them at the cutting edge of capability, and

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since they are part of a joint pool with the United States Air Force they will be upgraded to
the same standard as American Rivet Joints. As it stands it is planned to keep these
aircraft in operation until at least 2045.
Both the US and UK are the only countries to operate these aircraft, for the US they have
been a very important asset for performing signal intelligence in almost every US mission
around the globe, eavesdropping enemy communications, detecting radio and radar
frequencies, and can then transmit such data to consumers via satellite. The UK versions
do not have an air-to-air refueling boom but instead an air-to-air receiver system, which is
problematic as the Royal Air Force do not currently have the capability to refuel these
aircraft inflight using their own tankers (such as the Voyager), which only use drogue and
hose rather than any flying boom system.
As such the UKs Rivets will be limited to 12-hour flight times, which could cause problems
for the completion of thorough spy missions that may require more time, unless the
aircraft can be refueled in the air via the US or another ally who have the capability to do
so.
The aircraft have seen heavy usage in Operation Shader against Islamic State. The
aircraft are based at RAF Waddington and fly with the 51 Squadron which use cutting
edge technology to provide strategic and tactical level intelligence; and the 54 Squadron
who perform training of crews for the RAF’s ISTAR fleet.
The aircraft use four 21,600lb st CFM International F108-CF-201 turbofan powerplants; it
is 41.10m in length, 12.80m in height, and has a 39.90m wingspan; maximum take-off
weight is 133,633kg; maximum speed is 870km/h; range is 6,500km; service ceiling
altitude is 39,000ft. For operation the aircraft requires at least two pilots, a navigator, and
a mission crew configured for the task.
Main Takeaways
Dedicated to electronic surveillance for strategic and tactical missions.
Can deploy in any theatre where it is needed.
Equipped with powerful sensors that pick up electronic emissions from
communications, radar, and other systems that may provide useful intel.
Extensive communications suite allows intel to be formatted to a wide-range of
consumers.
Aircraft are in a joint pool with United States Air Force River Joints, meaning they
will all be upgraded to the same standard.
RAF do not have the capability to refuel them in the air, limiting their flight
time. Would need to seek allied assistance for air refuel.
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Shadow R1
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Photo by Jerry Gunner from Flickr. CC BY 2.0. Source.
Another aircraft that uses high-definition electro-optical and electronic sensors to
contribute towards intelligence for the ISTAR role, with which much of what it gathers
being very valuable for commanders on the ground. The aircraft will usually be used to
complement other platforms and capabilities and are crucial to helping analysts prepare
what the RAF website calls comprehensive intelligence products.
Satellite communication links also allow information collected to be downloaded directly
from the aircraft during an ongoing mission. The aircraft also includes a defensive aids
suite for self-defense, meaning it is suited for such areas where there is a chance of
hostility. The sensors of the aircraft include things like electro optic infrared systems, a
synthetic aperture radar/inverse synthetic aperture radar, a missile warning system, and
system that dispenses countermeasures.
The aircraft itself is based on the King Air 350CER, with the commission being under an
urgent operational requirement for the creation of the Shadow R1. The King Air 350
series itself was seen as an aircraft capable of urgently improving intelligence gathering in
Afghanistan during the war there. The Shadow R1 has been in operation since 2009 for
usage in this urgent role, filling the intelligence gap. The aircraft are now a part of the core
MOD Equipment Programme since 2015. The Shadow R1 fleet are currently being
upgraded to an Mk2 status, which will include an improved defensive aid suite, the first
upgraded aircraft is planned to be delivered in 2023.
The aircraft are based at RAF Waddington and fly with the 14 Squadron which is the
only Shadow R1 unit that provide the RAF with crucial reconnaissance support on
operations; and the 54 Squadron training crews of the RAF’s ISTAR fleet.
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The aircraft uses two Pratt & Whitney PT6A 1050 Shp turboprop powerplants; is 14.26m
in length; 4.48m in height, with a 17.40m wingspan; its maximum cruising speed is 453
km/h; its maximum altitude is 35,000ft.
Main Takeaways
Uses advanced sensors to contribute towards intelligence, crucial to helping
analysts prepare comprehensive intelligence products.
Satellite communication links allow direct-download of intel from the aircraft during
mission.
Can operate in high-risk areas due to defensive aid suite.
Being upgraded to an Mk2 standard with improved defensive aid suite.
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Reaper MQ-9A
Photo by POA(Phot) Tam McDonald from defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
The Reaper is an unmanned drone controlled by at least three crew from a remote
ground control station. The fact that the aircraft is unmanned makes it ever more useful in
that if the aircraft is discovered and shot down on a mission the crew will be far out of
harm’s way, and the only damage will be that of the destruction price tag, and the
possibility of enemies getting their hands on components if the wreckage cannot be
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The Reaper operates as a medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft with a goal of
gathering intelligence, and conducting surveillance, target acquisition, and
reconnaissance. But if needed the drone can also be used for attack missions as the
drone can be armed with deadly weapons. The persistence and array of surveillance
sensors on the drone form an essential complement to crewed platforms of the RAF. The
MQ-9 drones are actually known as the first hunter-killer UAVs designed for long-
endurance, high altitude surveillance. The drones are also highly modular and so can be
outfitted more specifically for their planned operations. The manufacturer’s website also
says it is possible to transport them via C-130s.
The crew of the drone includes a pilot, sensor operator, and mission intelligence
coordinator who act from a remote ground control station. There is also an in-theatre
ground and recovery team who are responsible for the drone’s ground operations. The
drone’s movement, sensor, and weapon systems are controlled via an advanced, secure
satellite communication system, which gives over-the-horizon data-link capability from
bases both in the UK and US.
Two cameras, located on the Reaper’s forward fuselage give a forward view for the crew
to see what they are doing on landing and take-off. The sensor suite, which includes
targeting, daylight TV, and infrared capabilities is turret-mounted under the Reaper’s
forward fuselage. The rest of the sensor suite is made up of an internal synthetic aperture
radar.
The RAF has been working with the USAF in a joint predator task force since 2004 which
enabled training for the Predator from 2006 and its active use in Afghanistan from 2007,
with more of the drones contracted in 2012. The drone was planned to go out of service
in 2015 but the Predator saw renewed usage in Operation Shader against Islamic State
and so extended its service time. In 2016 it was confirmed that the Predator would
eventually be replaced by a new drone called the Protector, based on the Certifiable
Predator B (MQ-9B SkyGuardian) aimed with a first delivery in 2023, and will also come
with a new ground control station and there is the possibility that UK weapons will be
used on the new Drone instead of US weapons (such as Brimstone missiles), although
this is not been given as a guarantee but is left open as a future possibility.
The drone uses one 900shp Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop powerplant; it is 10.97m in
length, 3.66m in height, and has a 21.12m wingspan; its maximum take-off weight is
4,760kg; maximum speed is 463km/h; it can operate for 20 hours without weapons fitted,
with weapons it can operate over 12 hours; without weapons fitted its service ceiling
altitude is 50,000ft, meanwhile with weapons it is over 30,000ft.
When the drone is armed with weapons it uses two 500lb GBU-12 laser-guided bombs
and four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The drone is based at RAF Waddington and flies with
the 13 Squadron, the first UK-based Reaper Squadron, which provides real-time
surveillance and reconnaissance in support of frontline troops; and the 39 Squadron,
which provides real-time surveillance and close air support to frontline troops.
Main Takeaways
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Unmanned drone with deadly strike capability, using two 500lb GBU-12 laser-guided
bombs and four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
Medium altitude, long endurance aircraft with primary goal of intelligence gathering,
conducting surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
Highly-modular and so can be outfitted more closely to their specific operation.
Various sensors and camera systems for intel and recon.
A part of joint Predator taskforce with the United States Air Force.
Planned to eventually be retired in favour of an upgraded drone.
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Helicopters (Multi-role and Support)
Helicopters, we all know what they are, and it is fairly obvious that they are very useful
and versatile aircraft. This section dives into the helicopters used by the Royal Air Force
in both the support role, which includes helicopters used for patrol and transport, and
multi-role helicopters which have a wide range of uses. Helicopters are useful in the fact
that they are fast, can land in many different places without specifically needing a runway
or specific surface, and that they can easily maneuver about. All this makes them useful
in quick-strike roles, point-to-point transport in-theatre, and also quick casualty
evacuation, as well as search and rescue missions in difficult to access areas.
This section includes a total of three helicopters, two support and one multi-role, that are
currently actively used by the Royal Air Force. Helicopters used by the RAF are more for
patrol, transport, training and logistics rather than fighting in combat. Combat helicopters,
such as the Apache, are instead flown by the British Army and of which we have covered
in those posts here.
Chinook

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Photo by Cpl Tim Laurence (RAF). OGL v1.0. Source.
The chinook is perhaps one of the most widely known and iconic armed forces
helicopters and also unique in that it is a large helicopter supported by twin rotor blades
rather than the typical one used by most helicopters; this unique configuration is known
as a tandem rotor helicopter; it also does not have a tail rotor blade like most other
helicopters. The Chinook is a support helicopter and a highly versatile and capable one at
that. The helicopters can be operated from both land bases and also from ships that
support helicopter operations. Chinooks can operate within basically any environment
type from the hottest sands to the coldest snows.
Chinooks can also be armed for self-defense with weapons such as two 7.62mm M134
Miniguns and a 7.62mm M60D machine gun, which is important such as if it is operating
within an area that gives the danger of potential confrontation with an enemy force, and
also includes a suite of self-defense systems for increased protection to operate within
battle zones. The Chinook’s primary roles are troop transport, resupply missions, and
casualty evacuation from active war zones or on humanitarian missions.
The helicopter also includes various mechanisms such as a triple-hook external load
system, an internal cargo winch, a rolling conveyer belt, as well as a large amount of
reserved power, all of these mechanisms enable Chinooks to hold more complex
underslung and internal freight, which includes vehicles. The Chinook can transport up to
a maximum of 55 troops or up to a maximum of 10-tonnes of mixed cargo. The Chinook
requires at least two pilots and the crew is often supplemented with specialists that
depend upon mission requirements.
The Chinook can also perform within many other areas including search and rescue
missions and other various specialist tasks, which includes providing aid to civil
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tasks such as resupplying farmers who are blocked-in by deep snow; supplying for the
reconstruction of damaged flood defenses; or the securing of critical infrastructure such
as dams if they become damaged and at-risk of imminent failure. Another common usage
is in special forces missions.
There are also different variants of Chinooks in operation from Mk 4 all the way up to the
latest Mk 6A, giving a total of four variants currently in active operation. The latest Mk 6A
includes digital glass cockpits which are of a common standard. The Mk 4 Chinooks
currently in active operation are being upgraded to the Mk 6A standard. Britain also
ordered 14 Chinook upgrades (H-47(ER)) in 2021 but they could take up to a decade to
be all delivered (with the first deliveries beginning in 2026) due to budget constraints; it is
hoped it will be completed by 2030. Despite this the UK still has the largest Chinook fleet
in Europe, even with the prospect of retiring its oldest Chinooks.
The Mk 5 Chinook was an upgrade of the extended-range Mk 3 Chinooks able to carry
double the fuel-load of a standard Chinook. The Mk 6 upgrade itself, based on the UK-
specific CH-47F, introduced the Digital Automatic Flight Control System which greatly
enhanced the handling and safety of the aircraft, most prominently when operating within
recirculatory adverse dust or snow conditions.
The Chinook Sustainment Program aims to continue building upon the Chinook platform’s
success via recapitalizing existing airframes and keeping them within capable operation
until at least 2040. The Chinooks have been actively used by the RAF since 1981 with
their first major conflict being the Falklands War. Orders for Chinooks had previously been
placed in 1967 and 1971 but were cancelled under defence budget cuts. The Mk 6
standard has been in service since 2009. Chinook helicopters were first produced by the
United States and the CH-47 Chinook took its first flight in 1962 and saw its first major
usage in the Vietnam War, and although they are widely recognised for their usage by a
number of armed forces around the world due to their various logistical advantages,
civilian versions also exist.
The Chinook includes two Honeywell T55-L-714A 4,168shp turboshaft powerplants; it is
30.14m in length and 5.77m in height with its rotors spinning, rotor diameter is 18.29m for
both; it has a maximum cruise speed of 296km/h and a maximum density altitude of
15,000ft; and can hold up to 55 troops or 10,000kg of freight.
Chinooks are based at both RAF Odiham and RAF Benson; Chinooks fly with the 18
Squadron, providing rapid air mobility worldwide; the 27 Squadron, also providing rapid
air mobility worldwide; the 28 Squadron, who train the RAF’s support helicopter crews;
and the 7 Squadron, again providing rapid mobility worldwide. The Chinooks are also
flown by the Chinook Display Team, and the Falcons parachute display team.
Main Takeaways
Can operate from land bases or ships that support helicopters.
Can operate in pretty much any type of environment.
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Primarily used for troop transport, resupply missions, and casualty evacuation in
active war zones or on humanitarian missions.
Can hold complex underslung and internal freight, including vehicles.
Can also be used in search and rescue and other specialist tasks, including aid to
civil authorities.
Can use two 7.62mm M134 Miniguns and a 7.62mm M60D machine gun for self-
defense.
Weapons and also defensive suite allow operation in active battle zones.
Even with prospect of retiring older variants, the RAF still has the largest Chinook
fleet in Europe.
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Puma HC2
Photo by the Ministry of Defence from defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
The Puma is the other Support helicopter used by the RAF, more specifically it is a
medium support helicopter. It actually has a wide range of support roles within both active
combat zones but also within non-active combat zones, and also has been used for the
evacuation of non-combatants. Within a combat support role, it is used for roles such as
the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores within battlefields. It is
also used to extract casualties and responds to medical emergencies on the frontline
where it can bring in up to six stretchers.
The helicopter can also be used for humanitarian and disaster-relief operations and has
been used for special forces missions as the aircraft has been described as being good
for covert activities. As can be seen the helicopter is a wide blessing. It can also be

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transported by aircraft such as the C17, which can hold up to two Pumas.
The helicopter can choose between either up to 16 passengers, or 12 fully-equipped
troops, or up to two tonnes of cargo, with such cargo either being moved internally or by
being underslung, or even a mix of the two. The helicopter can also be better used in
more confined areas, such as urban environments, over that of the larger Chinook.
The Puma HC2 is actually an upgrade to the previous Puma HC1 with it having more
powerful engines and a greater range, as well as a modern digital cockpit. The Puma
HC2 can operate in many harsh environments, especially within hot-and-high conditions,
which enables it to lift troops, supplies, and humanitarian aid to any place where it is
needed. The aircraft can also be armed with two 7.62mm general purpose machine guns
for self-defense. The helicopter is also highly mobile and easily deployed thanks to the
ability to prepare the helicopter for C-17 transport across the globe, and the ability on
arrival to quickly reassemble the Puma HC2 into operational order.
Several crashes of the older Puma HC1 in Iraq in 2007, one of which killed two British
soldiers, prompted an inquest that although blamed it mostly on pilot error, also criticized
the Ministry of Defense for not equipping the helicopters with night vision goggles and
inadequate maintenance checks that compromised safety.
The original Puma HC1 had served well from when it first came into service in 1971 but
the War in Afghanistan started to show its limitation as it struggled to cope with the hot-
and-high conditions of the country’s mountainous terrain, relegating the aircraft in this war
to a limited but still useful support role, but nonetheless spurred an upgrade so that the
aircraft could be used to its full potential. The new upgrade included improved
performance and avionics and went into full operation from 2015, another piece fit for the
modern era. The aircraft is planned to remain in service until at least 2025 where it is
expected to be replaced by a new helicopter via the New Medium Helicopter
programme.
Many have questioned whether the Puma upgrade was worth the money just to keep it in
service for another 10-years while a new replacement is being planned, and whether it
would have perhaps been more cost-effective to have just waited for the new medium
helicopter replacement.
The helicopter uses two 1,800shp Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft powerplants; is
18.20m in length and 5.14m in height with a 15.09m main rotor diameter; and it has a
maximum speed of 309km/h.
The Puma HC2 is based at RAF Benson and flies with the 230 Squadron, providing
tactical air-mobility; the 28 Squadron, training support helicopter crews for the RAF; and
the 33 Squadron, also providing tactical air-mobility. The helicopter also flies with the
Falcons parachute display team.
Main Takeaways
The RAF’s Medium Support Helicopter.
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Can be armed with two 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns for self-defense.
Can be used in a wide range of support roles in both active and non-active combat
zones.
Can be used to evacuate passengers, such as noncombatants.
Combat support roles can see it used for tactical movement of troops, weapons,
ammunition, and stores on battlefields.
Can hold cargo both internally and underslung.
Used to extract casualties and respond to medical emergencies on the frontline.
Can also be used for humanitarian and disaster-relief operations.
Covert ability can make it good for special forces missions.
Better at operating in more compact urban areas compared to the larger Chinook.
Can quickly be prepared for C17 transport and quickly reassembled at location.
Able to operate within many harsh environments.
Expected to be retired in 2025 and replaced with a new Medium Helicopter.
Griffin HAR2

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Photo by Cpl Phil Dye from defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
The Griffin is a multi-role helicopter as the roles it can take cross a wide area which
includes a support role where it can carry up to six fully-equipped troops or 8 if essential
to the operation. The helicopter can also be used for firefighting via usage of Bambi
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rescue operations, be used in force protection, be used to supply military aid to civilian
authorities, and also has roles within the ISTAR area which covers things like intelligence,
surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
The Griffin also has night vision equipment as well as a FLIR/TV turret allowing the
helicopter to adequately operate during the night. Its main usage is for firefighting and
search and rescue across the region from its Cyprus base, from which it has been based
and operated from since 2003. As can probably be realized the helicopters are not used
in operations beyond the region of where it is based and so is regionally localized unlike
the other helicopters covered here which are used for global operations. Some of these
helicopters are also based in locations within the UK but these ones are only used for
training, where they have a different colour scheme.
The helicopter has one 1,800shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3D Turbo Twin-Pac
turboshaft powerplant; is 17.11 meters in length and 3.48m in height with a 14.02m main
rotor diameter; maximum takeoff weight is 5,397kg; maximum allowed speed is 259km/h;
maximum range with payload is 695km; maximum altitude is 20,000ft.
The helicopters are based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and are flown by the 84 Squadron
who provide vital air-lift and search and rescue capability.
Main Takeaways
Multirole helicopter with primary purpose for firefighting and search and rescue
across the region from its Cyprus base.
Can also be used in a support role to carry a small number of troops.
Can be used in ISTAR roles if needed.
Combat Aircraft
Combat aircraft are those that get down and dirty to secure the skies from enemy aircraft
and also perform strategic strikes against targets on the ground or at sea, such aircraft
are very fast and have supreme maneuverability as to make themselves difficult targets,
can quickly begin, perform, and finish operations as soon as possible, and makes them a
formidable force during combat operations.
As it stands the RAF currently have two combat aircraft in operation both of which are
fighter/strike jets.
F-35B Lightning
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Photo from defenceimagery.mod.uk. OGL v1.0. Source.
This multirole combat jet aircraft operates alongside the Typhoon which is the other
combat aircraft operated by the RAF. The aircraft can be used for air-to-surface strikes,
air-to-air missions, can perform electronic warfare, and is also able to gather intelligence
as well with its advanced sensors. The jet is also outfitted with stealthing technology to
help keep the enemy guessing. They have also been used in operations to police the
skies of NATO countries to deter Russia.
The aircraft’s powerful sensors also provide supreme situational awareness and secure
data links enable the pilot to share intelligence to other platforms, and also can use the
intelligence to decide on the usage of weapons or electronic capabilities.
The aircraft can also perform short takeoffs and vertical landings meaning it can operate
from aircraft carriers and take advantage of short airstrips making it highly strategic and
as such useful in numerous operations around the globe. This will also come in very
useful when the aircraft become a staple part of operations using the UK’s new Queen
Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
The F-35B had been a long time in the making as the next-generation aircraft of its type
(being the first ever 5 -generation fighter jet) with work going on for their creation since
the 1990s (although the search for a new aircraft had begun as far back as the early
1980s) in cooperation with the United States. The RAF only officially got the first batch in
2018 and of which were operational by 2020, the rest of the ordered F-35B’s are
scheduled to arrive by 2025 bringing the total to 48. There are future plans beyond this to
order more of the jets, with plans to have potentially as many as 138 in service, although
it is possible this number will be reduced with the potential of the MoD to focus on the
development of the future Tempest jet.
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The aircraft are usually armed with two air-to-air missiles and also two guided bombs
carried internally (which is useful to decrease drag and radar signature), it also has the
ability to fit a 25mm gun pod as well as underwing pylons that enables carriage of stores
up to 6,800kg. The aircraft have one Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan powerplant; is
15.60m in length and 4.36m in height with a 10.70m wingspan; maximum takeoff weight
is 27,216kg; maximum speed is Mach 1.6; combat radius exceeds 833km using internal
fuel; and the maximum altitude is 50,000ft.
The aircraft are as seen very new and perhaps the most modern military jet aircraft to
currently exist, so much so that when crashes occur there is often a rush to salvage it
before an adversary, such as Russia or China, attempts to do so, which may give them
knowledge of classified advanced technologies incorporated into the aircraft. One of the
most recent crashes of one happened in the South China Sea earlier in Fenbruary with
the US-operated aircraft being lost overboard (there were seven injuries but no deaths),
and since China has disputed claims over the area there are worries that they may try
and salvage it.
The first UK-crash of the aircraft happened in November 2021 over the Mediterranean
during a routine operation, the pilot was safely recovered, and the aircraft, including all
sensitive equipment, were largely salvaged with the help of the US and Italy. An
investigation into the incident is ongoing but early indications suggest some of the covers
and engine blanks on the craft were not removed before takeoff.
There have been several other US crashes of the aircraft which has included grounding
of the fleet temporarily while an issue with the aircrafts fuel tubes were dealt with. So, as
can be seen, this new aircraft still has some hitches that need ironing out, but this should
become less common as the aircraft becomes more established.
The aircraft are based at RAF Marham and fly with the 17 Squadron, which performs
operational testing and evaluation of the aircraft; the 207 Squadron, which trains the
next generation of pilots for the aircraft from the RAF and Royal Navy; the 617
Squadron, which is the UK’s first F-35B Lightning Squadron; and the 6 RAF Police
Lightning Squadron, responsible for providing and assuring a controlled operating
environment for the Lightning at RAF Marham and also on overseas operations and
exercises.
The aircraft will also be flown by the Royal Navy as well with 809 Naval Air Squadron
being setup in 2023 to be the first Royal Navy Squadron to fly the F-35.
Main Takeaways
Can perform air-to-surface strikes and air-to-air missions.
Able to perform electronic warfare.
Can use advanced sensors to gather valuable intel.
Uses stealthing technology to keep ahead of the adversary.
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Able to perform short takeoffs and vertical landings, enabling advantage of aircraft
carriers and short landing strips.
Carries weapons internally to reduce drag and radar signature.
Can equip underwing pylons to hold extra stores.
Usually armed with two air-to-air missiles, two guided-bombs, and can also fit 25mm
gun pod.
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Typhoon FGR4
Photo by Adrian … from Flickr. CC BY 2.0. Source.
The Typhoon FGR4 is a 4 -Generation fighter jet. Originally the Mk 2 variant of this
aircraft was limited to an air-to-air role but has since been upgraded to its current FGR4
status to enable it to be a precision multi-role combat aircraft which can perform
numerous and vast operations. The capable and extremely agile aircraft can be used for
air policing, peace support, and within high-intensity conflict zones. The pilot has access
to a throttle and stick interface combined with an advanced cockpit and helmet equipment
assembly enabling the pilot to conduct various important functions for all aspects of air
operations.
The Typhoon has been used for precision attack missions within all of its current
operations but as it stands the Typhoons most typical role is that of protecting the
territorial skies of Great Britain as well as that of its overseas territories such as the
Falklands Islands, within these roles the Typhoons act under a quick reaction alert to
meet any potential threats in the skies and attempt to escort them away or if needed
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engage them in combat for the defense of the Nation/territory. Within this quick reaction
alert role, the Typhoons have also been used to reinforce NATO air defense in areas such
as the Baltic and Black Sea regions to deter countries such as Russia.
The Typhoon is able to take on a variety of targets thanks to its multi-role capability and
its various weapons, for example within the air-to-air role it has three weapons it can
utilise, an infrared-guided short-ranged air-to-air missile; a ramjet-powered, radar-guided,
beyond-visual-range Meteor; and an advanced medium-ranged air-to-air missile. These
weapons are used in conjunction with the Captor radar and PIRATE electro-optical
targeting system aboard the aircraft and this paired with the aircrafts supreme
performance and maneuverability make the aircraft formidable to face.
When on ground attack and close air support missions the Typhoon has access to
GPS/laser-guided Enhanced Paveway II and Paveway IV bombs as well as Brimstone
guided missiles of which are usually used with the Litening III targeting pod. A regular
configuration for an armed reconnaissance and close air support roles includes the
Litening III, Paveway IV, and the Brimstone rockets, as well as an internal 27mm Mauser
cannon.
The Paveway IV comes along with cockpit-programmable impact angle, impact direction
and fuse delay features to enable precise tailoring of target effects. The 27mm internal
gun is ideal for warning shots and if needed accurate attacks against targets such as light
vehicles and personnel threats.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, as it is more widely known, was developed as a multinational
collaboration between the NATO-member countries of UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and also
initially France before they left over disagreements and made their own fighter jet. The
Typhoon came into active operation in 2003. The FGR4 upgraded variant came into
operation from 2008 and made the jet multirole with air-to-ground strike capabilities
instead of just air-to-air fighter role.
The jets use two Eurojet EJ200 turbofan powerplants at 20,000lb st with afterburning; are
15.96m in length and 5.29m in height with a 11.09m wingspan; weighs 10,000-21,000kg
depending on if it is loaded or not; maximum speed is Mach 1.8 and can brake off to
Mach 1.5 at 35,000ft in less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds; maximum altitude is
55,000ft;
The Typhoon jets are based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby. The jets fly with
many Squadrons including the 1 (F) Squadron, part of Northern Quick Reaction Alert
defending the UK’s airspace; the 12 Squadron, a special joint Squadron between the
RAF and Qatar Emiri Air Force Squadron; the 29 Squadron, a Typhoon Operational
Conversion Unit; the 3 (F) Squadron, first frontline RAF Squadron to operate the
Typhoon and key part for defense of UK airspace.
The 4 RAF Police (Typhoon) Squadron, providing security and protection for the
Typhoon Force; the 41 Squadron, a squadron for fast jet test and evaluation, focusing
on the Typhoon capability and tactics development; the 6 Squadron, part of Northern
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Quick Reaction Alert defending UK airspace; II (AC) Squadron, also part of Northern
Quick Reaction; the IX (B) Squadron, that delivers adversary training and contributes to
UK Quick Reaction Alert; and the XI (F) Squadron, securing the skies and providing
superior air defense at home and on operations. The jets also fly with the Typhoon
Display Team.
A future aircraft, known as Tempest, that is being developed by Team Tempest is planned
to potentially replace the Typhoon jets sometime in the future.
Main Takeaways
Multirole aircraft that can perform air-to-air and air-to-surface operations and
strikes.
Primarily used in Quick Reaction Alert to defend UK skies and overseas territories
from foreign incursions.
Also used in NATO missions to deter countries such as Russia in the Baltics.
Air-to-Air weapons include infrared-guided short-ranged air-to-air missiles; ramjet-
powered radar-guided beyond-visual-range Meteor; and advanced medium-range
air-to-air missile.
Ground attack and close air support weapons include GPS/laser-guided Enhanced
Paveway II and IV bombs, and Brimstone guided missiles used with the Litening III
targeting pod.
There is also a 27mm Mauser cannon primarily for warning shots, but also if needed
to counter light vehicles and personnel threats.
Very distant plans to potentially replace the Typhoon with the future Tempest fighter
jet.
Future Aircraft
This is a special section that showcases three aircraft that are potential future aircraft the
RAF may one day use, although it is entirely possible that these concepts may never
come to fruition, and instead some other next-generation aircraft come along instead. I
would not be surprised if there are many concepts in the works that have not been
officially released. But the three shown here are promising and seem likely to come about
at some point.
This section includes four aircraft, a future concept fighter jet and a future weaponized
drone for ISTAR, an upcoming early-warning aircraft, and also another type of drone
optimized to work alongside the future fighter jet, but also have promise in operating
independently.
Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B)

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Photo in the Public Domain.
Earlier in this post we went over the currently operational MQ-9A drone. The MQ-9B is
described as the successor to the MQ-9A and that it will be the next-generation of
remotely piloted medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft. The drone will be armed just
like the MQ-9A is and will likewise be used across missions that involve intelligence,
surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance, bringing it under the ISTAR grouping of
aircraft. The unmanned drone will be able to fly for up to 40-hours at a time, which is
around twice as long as the MQ-9A Drone.
The drone will also be able to be flown anywhere in the world by personnel safely located
at RAF Waddington, far out of harms way. The aircraft will also be able to operate in
airspace that is cluttered and unsegregated, due to new detect and avoidance technology
that helps prevent it from being a hazard to other aircraft and itself. The drone will also
land and takeoff by itself, meaning it is more flexible and less deployment preparation is
required.
Like other drones, it includes a complex suite of advanced sensors that are very
important for its ISTAR capabilities. One of the most advanced sensors will be the high-
definition electro-optical infra-red camera which is complemented by the drone’s
increased endurance, allowing unparalleled and ongoing reconnaissance across the
electro-magnetic spectrum. The drone will be able to respond quickly to unfolding events
and gives commanders increased flexibility in their decision-making. It can perform
various strategic tasks from things such as close air support and disaster relief
operations.
When we went over the MQ-9A drone, it was also stressed that the MoD wished for the
replacement to be using UK-made weapons rather than US-made ones, and this still
remains the plan, with the plan to use next-generation, low-collateral, precision-strike

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weapons made in the UK, including the Brimstone 3 missile and Paveway IV laser guided
bombs made by UK companies such as MDBA and Raytheon UK.
It is planned for the drone to enter service by 2024 at the earliest, and when it does the
MQ-9A drone will likely be retired from service around that time. The drone programme
for the Protector was first announced in 2015, a prototype took its first transatlantic flight
in 2018, and the first Protector drone took its maiden flight in 2020. So, it seems things
are on track. The 31 Squadron will be the first Protector Squadron.
The drone is 11.43m in length, a little longer than the MQ-9A; and it has a 24m wingspan,
around 3m longer than the MQ-9A.
Wedgetail AEW1
Photo by Airwolfhound from Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0. Source.
The Wedgetail will be the RAF’s new early-warning aircraft that will replace the E-3D
Sentry (which went out of service in 2021). So that will put it within the ISTAR role. Three
(cut down from the original order of five in the 2021 defense review) of these aircraft have
been ordered. The new Wedgetail aircraft are planned to come into active operation from
2023.
This aircraft will fill the role and requirement of the UK’s Airborne Early Warning and
Control capability and will also contribute to NATO’s Airborne Early Warning force. It is
described as an aircraft that will give a technological edge in increasingly complex
battlespace. It will allow pilots to track and target adversaries more effectively. It can track
multiple airborne and maritime targets at the same time.
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The information it gathers will provide needed situational awareness to keep ahead and
will direct assets such as fighter jets and warships.
Personnel of the RAF are training with the Royal Australian Air Force in learning to pilot
and use the new aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force has seen great success in the
usage of the Wedgetail in operations against ISIS in both Iraq and Syria. The aircraft is
also used by Turkey and South Korea.
The E7 is made from a modified standard Boeing 737 airliner that carries a sophisticated
Northrop Grumman active electronically-scanned radar and mission computer system.
The radar covers a huge 4-million square kilometers for up to 10 hours.
Its specific purposes involve producing and disseminating a recognised air picture as well
as providing air battle management and command and control. It will also dynamically
manage air-to-air refueling plans; and will assist in the coordination of combat search and
rescue.
The aircraft will include electronic countermeasure resistance; secure voice
communications; modern tactical datalinks and Beyond Line of Sight IP Communications;
will have modern Electric Support Measure equipment; and Electronic Warfare Self-
Protection.
The aircraft will be able to fly up to 41,000ft and have a crew of 12 which includes 2 pilots
and 10 mission crew. It will have a cruise speed of 530mph. It will use 2 CFM56-78
Turbofan powerplants. It is 33.6m in length and 12.5m in height. The aircraft will be based
at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
There has been some controversy over the lack of competition there was to replace the
E-3D Sentry aircraft, with Boeing being chosen straight up.
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Tempest

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Model of the concept Tempest aircraft at the 2019 Defence and Security International fair.
Photo by Swadim from Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source.
The Tempest is an in-the-works concept next-generation combat jet (it would be a 6 -
generation fighter jet), and it is being hyped up quite extravagantly on the RAF website,
where it talks about the aircraft itself, and also the team behind it, as well as the different
benefits the programme is providing, such as to the UK economy.
There seems to be a lot of excitement around it. I guess this is not too much of a surprise
as this aircraft is tipped to replace the well-known Typhoon fighter as the UK’s next big
mainline fighter jet, so, it is quite the big project. The development is currently a joint
collaboration between the UK, Sweden, Italy, and to a limited extent Japan.
You may find it a bit surprising that a 6 -generation fighter jet is already being worked on,
despite the world’s first 5 -generation fighter jet only having gone into operation in 2018 –
but then again that is already almost 4-years away, and as we know new technological
developments seem to just come faster and faster now. It is possible that further orders of
the F-35B may be cancelled so that full-focus can be placed upon the Tempest
development.
For now, the Tempest remains a concept but with the level of enthusiasm and work that is
going on within Team Tempest, it does seem that this has an almost certain possibility of
becoming a reality in the near future. The plan is for the Tempest (or whatever they
decide to call it by that point) to have its first flight by 2035, and it is hoped to go on to
replace the Typhoon jet as the next-generation main combat aircraft.
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Now as we go over this, it is reminded that a lot of this stuff is still in the works, and so
things are subject to change and be tweaked, and information can be limited on certain
areas. First of all, the aircraft will include a next-generation flight control system, which is
described as flexible and software-driven which allow easy and rapid changes of the
aircraft’s capability to suit the needs of the operator.
The aircraft is being designed to be highly-adaptable, allowing it to be suited for a wide-
range of varying operations, and the ability to change software and hardware, which
includes weapons, sensors, and fuel-tanks. The aircraft is also planned to be hard to
detect, keeping it safer from threats, while being able to get a good picture of the
battlefield while also carrying a ‘significant payload’ – ominous!
And speaking of adaptability, the aircraft is planned to be able to either be piloted in-
person or unmanned, whatever best fits the situation at-hand. This is known as optionally-
manned and if you follow new advancements in military technology, it is likely something
you’ll be hearing more and more, especially with the launch of the US’s Optionally
Manned Fighting Vehicle programme in 2017 aiming to replace the aging M2 Bradley, as
it is deemed to no longer be able to keep up with modern advances through upgrading.
If you want to go really big, the whole area of manned, unmanned, and optionally-manned
capability in one is called Scalable Autonomy, perhaps something else we will be hearing
about more and more as military technology is improved.
The Tempest will include a more efficient power system that enables greater range and
endurance thanks to a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. The generated electrical power will
also be delivered more ‘intelligently’ to the Tempest’s many high-technology systems,
which allows for things such as more advanced sensors. Improved propulsion will allow
superior performance, range, and payload capability. And with better cooling of the air
system, the aircraft will emit less of a thermal signature, helping to keep it hidden.
Cockpit technology is also designed to be more intelligent including a system that
measures gesture control and tracks the pilot’s eyes, detecting the workload of the pilot
and determining the level of fatigue or mental stress.
The cockpit itself will be virtualized, with no single physical dial or screen, but will provide
augmented and virtual reality interactive displays via the Pilot’s own helmet, with controls
displayed in-front of the pilot’s eyes – hopefully not too distracting! There is also haptics
integrated giving the pilot a more real feel within the virtualized software. The Tempest
Team have also mentioned looking into virtual reality assistants for the pilots flying the
aircraft, as well as other pilot support concepts. It all sounds very sci-fi! I wonder what
they’d name such a virtual assistant, Jerry perhaps?
Communication systems will be configurable to adapt to the situation, providing secure
and seamless communication by a network that connects across all spaces – air – land –
sea – space, providing crucial advantage.

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The Tempest plans to include highly-integrated advanced sensors, which will help with
intelligence, quick decision-making, the Tempest’s engagement with a range of non-
kinetic effectors including electronic warfare jamming and directed energy weapons, and
communications that are fast, secure, and resilient. All of this aims to give the operator as
much as an advantage as possible beyond the adversary. There are also plans for
sensors to be changed easily – enabling, again, easy adaptation to the mission or
operation at-hand.
New technologies also plan to give an advanced defensive aid system that is able to
track, target, and intercept hostile missiles, giving the aircraft a good measure of self-
defense.
The Tempest itself is planned to be fitted with next-generation weapons, which may
include things like directed energy weapons, hypersonic missiles, and so-called swarming
technology that would be assisted by artificial intelligence and machine learning –
something that can be scary to some, but it would certainly improve accuracy and
capability. The Tempest would also incorporate a flexible payload bay, for an improved
weapon loadout and ability to keep weapons internal rather than external, while being
able to remain relatively hard to detect at hypersonic speeds.
Such weapons the Tempest may fit include the next-generation meteor missile – an air-to-
air beyond-visual-range missile, and the SPEAR family of weapons, which will be
network-enabled precision surface attack missiles.
The Tempest’s systems, such as the sensors, communications, and non-kinetic effectors
will be designed to be highly-integrated with each other, rather than just single pieces of
equipment. This means things working in tandem will allow the pilot to have a superior
advantage in information, important for decision-making and being a step ahead of their
opponent.
Decisions can be made with more confidence as the pilot can rely on a more integrated
system rather than information from individual systems. The system may even work
alongside other aircraft in a so-called Combat Cloud to mine and coordinate data from
many sources, which can be shared with other aircraft.
So, as you can see this thing has a lot of promise, a lot of new technology, and when
looking at AR and VR technology, seems like something out of a sci-fi novel – but it could
very well be reality quite soon. It is certainly an aircraft for the networked online digital
age if many of the things mentioned come to fruition.
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LANCA – Unmanned Combat Air System

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Model of the BAE Systems Taranis, a demonstrator prototype precursor UCAS. Photo in the
Public Domain.
The LANCA are very interesting unmanned aircraft that are planned to work alongside
combat aircraft such as the Tempest, such as that swarming technology that was
mentioned. And this will at least be its initial capability, but there are hopes LANCA can
expand to be able to operate as independent uncrewed combat air fleets, this will be
significant in that they would utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning – again a
bit scary – and also the fact that the LANCA is a drone far more focused on combat
compared to other unmanned drones that are more focused on ISTAR, although do have
the ability to perform deadly strikes, but which is all still controlled remotely by human
operator judgement.
There is not as much extensive information on the LANCA as there is on the Tempest, but
there are a few things. The LANCA will be able to support a range of sensors, effectors,
and mission systems making them versatile and flexible. It will enable more tactical
options to be considered and used by commanders and manned fighter aircraft during
integrated operations. It will also include a flexible payload bay for weapons such as air-
to-air and air-to-surface weapons. The LANCA would also include electronic attack and
multi-role sensors.
This kind of thing reminds me of those flash games I used to play where you controlled
something like a mothership which was able to create smaller drone units to protect it. It
is certainly another very sci-fi like thing! It will be interesting to see if they come to
fruition.

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This concept is actually a part of the Future Combat Air System project and is known as
an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle. As it stands the UK is currently workinng in
collaboration with France on this. These armed drones are planned to assist fighter jets
and have a rough plan of being in operation by 2030. The current development is based
off of two prototype precursors made by French and British companies (Dassault Aviation
and BAE Systems), the nEUROn and Taranis respectively.
The new jointly-made UCAV was first displayed at a French air show back in 2015.
These new drones are planned to go ahead of fighter aircraft to perform operations that
will clear the way for them and other aircraft. They will take the brunt of the most
dangerous initial parts of these operations, such as dispatching of anti-air defenses and
to get a lock on hostile forces in the area. The aircraft will also incorperate stealth
technology to dramatically decrease its radar signature and make them very hard to
detect.
Unlike existing drones, such as the Reaper, where their areas of operation need to be
cleared of threats towards the drone first, with the UCAV this will not be the case. The
UCAV goes in and hits the threatening ground targets. The UCAV will though not be able
to take on air targets, which will be left to the usual fighter jets.
Due to its nature it is possible that this drone can decrease the risk to pilots of manned
aircraft by taking up the dangerous jobs they would usually perform themselves and
allowing these manned craft to head in afterwards when the more dangerous threats
have been eliminated.
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—
Well, there you have it, this has included all the operational aircraft and drones currently
used by the Royal Air Force, as well as touching on some possible future aircraft. Next up
will be the final part focusing on the United Kingdom, this time looking into what is used
by the Royal Navy, once the most powerful Navy in the world, and still today a formidable
force, especially with the recent addition of two aircraft carriers.
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