Portal:Royal Air Force/Selected ship
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[edit] Chinook
| CH-47 Chinook | |
|---|---|
 Field artillery section slingloading an M-198 howitzer for airlift by a CH-47 Chinook |
|
| Type | Cargo helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Helicopters |
| Maiden flight | 1961-09-21 |
| Introduction | 1962 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users | United States Army Royal Air Force |
| Number built | more than 1,000[1] |
| Developed from | CH-46 Sea Knight |
| Variants | Boeing Chinook (UK variants) |
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a versatile, twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. The contra-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be used for lift and thrust. Its top speed of 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h) was faster than 1960s, and even many contemporary, utility and attack helicopters. Its primary roles include troop movement, artillery emplacement and battlefield resupply. There is a wide loading ramp at the rear of the fuselage and three external-cargo hooks. It has replaced the CH-54 Tarhe as a lifter.
Chinooks have been sold to 16 nations, the largest users are the U.S. Army and the Royal Air Force (see Boeing Chinook (UK variants)). The H-47 is now sold by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
A commercial model of the Chinook, the Boeing-Vertol Model 234, is used worldwide for logging, construction, fighting forest fires and supporting petroleum exploration operations. As of December 15, 2006 Columbia Helicopters, Inc of Aurora, Oregon has purchased the Type certificate of the Model 234 from Boeing.
[edit] References
- ^ CH-47D/MH-47E Chinook. Army Technology. SPG Media Limited (©2006). Retrieved on 2006-08-27.
[edit] AgustaWestland EH101
| AgustaWestland EH101 | |
|---|---|
 A Royal Navy EH101 |
|
| Type | Anti-submarine warfare & medium-lift transport / utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | AgustaWestland |
| Maiden flight | 9 October 1987 |
| Introduced | 2000 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users | Royal Navy Marina Militare Royal Air Force Portuguese Air Force |
| Produced | 1990s-present |
| Variants | CH-149 Cormorant VH-71 Kestrel |
The AgustaWestland EH101 is a medium-lift helicopter for military applications but also marketed for civil use. The helicopter was developed as a joint venture between Westland Aircraft in the UK and Agusta in Italy (now merged as AgustaWestland).
The designation "EH101" is a typographical error that stuck: the aircraft was originally designated EHI (Elicottero Helicopter Industries) - 01. The aircraft is manufactured at the AgustaWestland factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate in Italy.
Development
In 1977, the UK Ministry of Defence issued a requirement for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Royal Navy's Westland Sea Kings. Westland responded with design WG.34 that was approved for development. Meanwhile, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) was also seeking a replacement for its (Agusta-built) Sea Kings, leading Agusta to discussions with Westland about the possibility of a joint development. This culminated in the joint venture being finalised in November 1979 and a new company (EH Industries) being formed to manage the project the following year. EH is an abbreviation for Elicottero Helicopter, incorporating the English and Italian words for "helicopter." As the design studies progressed, EHI became aware of a broader market for an aircraft with the same capabilities required by the British and Italian navies, leading to a more generalised design that could be customised. After a lengthy development, the first prototype flew on October 9 1987. EHI no longer exists, having been incorporated into the parent when the two companies merged.
[edit] C-17 Globemaster
| C-17 Globemaster III | |
|---|---|
 Unlike most strategic airlifters, the C-17 Globemaster III excels at operating from rough or improvised landing strips. |
|
| Type | Strategic airlifter |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas/Boeing |
| Maiden flight | 15 September 1991 |
| Introduction | 14 July 1993 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air Force Royal Air Force Royal Australian Air Force Canadian Forces |
| Number built | at least 180[1] |
| Unit cost | est. US$180 million[1] |
| Developed from | McDonnell Douglas YC-15 |
The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is an American strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and operated by the United States Air Force, the British Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. It has also been selected by the Canadian Forces with a planned 2007. NATO also has plans to acquire the airlifter.
The C-17 takes its name from two previous heavy lifter aircraft, the C-74 Globemaster and the C-124 Globemaster II.
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest purpose-built cargo aircraft to enter the United States and Western air forces. It is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. It is also capable of performing tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.
In recent years the size and weight of U.S. mechanized firepower and equipment have grown, which has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. The C-17 can airlift such cargo close to a potential battle area.
[edit] References
- ^ CH-47D/MH-47E Chinook. Army Technology. SPG Media Limited (©2006). Retrieved on 2006-08-27.
[edit] Panavia Tornado
| Tornado | |
|---|---|
 Tornado GR4s of the Royal Air Force over Iraq |
|
| Type | Ground attack Interceptor Electronic warfare |
| Manufacturer | Panavia Aircraft GmbH |
| Maiden flight | 14 August 1974 |
| Introduced | 1979 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force Luftwaffe Aeronautica Militare Royal Saudi Air Force |
| Produced | 1979 - 1999 |
| Number built | 992 |
| Variants | Tornado IDS Tornado ADV Tornado ECR |
The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine fighters, which was jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. There are three primary versions of the Tornado, the fighter-bomber Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike), the interceptor Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant), and the suppression of enemy air defences Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance).
Developed and built by Panavia, a trination consortium consisting of British Aerospace (then the British Aircraft Corporation), MBB of Germany, and Alenia Aeronautica of Italy, the Tornado first flew on August 14, 1974, and saw action with the RAF and AMI (Italian Air Force) in Operation Granby / Gulf War. International co-operation continued after its entry into service within the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment, a tri-nation training and evaluation unit operating from RAF Cottesmore in Rutland in the English Midlands. Including all variants, 992 aircraft were built for the three partner nations and Saudi Arabia. Though still in service, plans are currently underway to replace the aircraft.
Development
During the 1960s, aeronautical designers looked to variable geometry designs to gain the manoeuvrability and efficient cruise of straight wings with the speed of swept-wing designs. Britain and France initiated the AFVG (Anglo French Variable Geometry) project in 1965, which ended with French withdrawal in 1967. In 1968, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Canada formed a working group to examine replacements for the F-104 Starfighter, initially called the Multi Role Aircraft (MRA), and later called the Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). Britain joined the MRCA group in 1968, and a memorandum of agreement was drafted between Britain, Germany, and Italy.
 Tornado GR.4 taking off at the Farnborough Air Show, 2006.]] |
 |
 RAF Tornado ZA463 |
[edit] Lockheed C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 50 nations. On December 2006 the C-130 was the third aircraft (after the English Electric Canberra in May 2001 and the B-52 Stratofortress in January 2005) to mark 50 years of continuous use with its original primary customer (in this case the United States Air Force).
Capable of short takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship, and for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling and aerial firefighting. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service the family has participated in military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations.
[edit] Airbus A400M
 |
This article contains information about a scheduled or expected future product. It may contain preliminary information that does not reflect the final version of the product. |
| Airbus A400M | |
|---|---|
 Artist's impression of the A400M |
|
| Type | Long-range military transport |
| Manufacturer | EADS (Airbus Military) |
| Maiden flight | 2008 |
| Introduced | 2009 |
| Status | Early assembly |
| Primary users |  Germany France, Spain United Kingdom Turkey Belgium Luxembourg South Africa Chile Malaysia |
| Number built | 195 (planned) |
| Unit cost | €100 million |
The Airbus A400M is a four-engine turboprop aircraft, designed by EADS (Airbus Military) to meet the demand of European nations for military airlift. Since its formal launch the aircraft has also been ordered by South Africa, Chile and Malaysia. Its maiden flight is scheduled for 1st quarter 2008.
Background
The project began as the Future International Military Airlifter (FIMA) group, set up in 1982 by Aerospatiale, British Aerospace, Lockheed and MBB to develop a replacement for the C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall. Varying requirements and the complications of international politics caused slow progress. In 1989 Lockheed left the grouping and went on to develop a second generation Hercules, the C-130J. With the addition of Alenia and CASA the FIMA group became Euroflag.
The partner nations, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and Luxembourg, signed an agreement in May 2003 to buy 212 aircraft. These nations decided to charge OCCAR with the management of the acquisition of the A400M.
Following the withdrawal of Italy and revision of procurement totals the revised requirement was for 180 aircraft, with first flight in 2008 and first delivery in 2009. On 28 April 2005, South Africa joined the partnership programme.
[edit] Nimrod
| Nimrod | |
|---|---|
 RAF Nimrod MR2 taxis for takeoff |
|
| Type | Maritime patrol aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Hawker Siddeley |
| Maiden flight | May 1967 |
| Introduced | October 1969 |
| Status | Active |
| Primary user | Royal Air Force |
The Nimrod is a maritime patrol aircraft developed in the United Kingdom. It is an extensive modification of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first jet airliner. It was originally designed by de Havilland's successor, Hawker Siddeley, now part of BAE Systems. A major modification was the fit of a large weapon bay under the fuselage that can carry and drop torpedoes, mines, bombs and other stores. Sonobuoys for tracking submarines are dropped from special launchers in the rear of the fuselage.
It has been the Royal Air Force's primary Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) since the early 1970s, when it replaced the piston-engined Avro Shackleton. The RAF uses two Nimrod variants: the MR2 variant in the Maritime and for the Reconnaissance role the R1 variant in a reconnaissance and electronic intelligence gathering capacity (ELINT).
The Nimrod was the first jet-powered MPA of any significance. Earlier MPA designs used piston or turboprop engines to improve fuel economy and allow for lengthy patrols. Jet engines are most economical at high altitudes and less economical at low altitudes. However, the transit to the operational area can be made at high altitude and in a jet aircraft this is not only economical on fuel but fast as well, compared to earlier piston-powered aircraft. After transit, the Nimrod descends to its patrol area.
On patrol, at high weight all four engines are used, but as fuel is used and weight falls, first one engine is closed down and then a second is closed down when weight is lower. This allows the remaining engines to be run at an efficient RPM rather than running all engines at less efficient RPM. A special "rapid start" system is fitted should the closed-down engines have to be started quickly again. Instead of relying only on airspeed for re-starting an engine, compressor air from a live engine is used in a starter turbine which rapidly accelerates the engine being started. For transit back to base, the closed-down engines are re-started and the aircraft climbed to altitude.
Other MPA designs have been jet powered, including the US Navy's S-3 Viking and future P-8.
[edit] Eurofighter Typhoon
| Eurofighter Typhoon | |
|---|---|
 Typhoon T1 of 29 Squadron RAF |
|
| Type | Multirole fighter |
| Manufacturer | Eurofighter GmbH |
| Maiden flight | 27 March 1994 |
| Introduced | 2003 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force Luftwaffe Aeronautica Militare Italiana Spanish Air Force |
| Number built | 114 (as of February 2007) [2] |
| Developed from | British Aerospace EAP |
| Variants | Eurofighter Typhoon variants |
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multi-role canard-delta strike fighter aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of European aerospace manufacturers through Eurofighter GmbH which was formed in 1986. However studies began as early as 1979 into what would become the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The series production of the Eurofighter Typhoon is now underway and the aircraft has formally entered service with the Italian Air Force and with the Spanish Air Force. 'Initial Operational Capability' is expected to be declared by Germany and the United Kingdom later this decade. Austria has purchased 18 Typhoons, while Saudi Arabia signed a contract on 18 August 2006 for 72 to be built by BAE Systems.
Development
- See also: Eurofighter Typhoon timeline.
The United Kingdom had identified a requirement for a new fighter as early as 1971. By 1979 the West German requirement for a new fighter had lead to the development of the TFK-90 concept.
[edit] References
- ^ CH-47D/MH-47E Chinook. Army Technology. SPG Media Limited (©2006). Retrieved on 2006-08-27.
[edit] Harrier BAE II
| Harrier II (UK variants) | |
|---|---|
 RAF Harrier GR7 |
|
| Type | STOVL strike aircraft |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems/Boeing |
| Maiden flight | March 7, 1964 (Kestrel) 28 December 1967 (Harrier) |
| Introduced | 1 April 1969 |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm |
| Developed from | Harrier BAE Sea Harrier |
| Variants | AV-8 Harrier II |
The BAE Systems/Boeing Harrier II (GR5, GR7, and GR9 series) is a second generation vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet aircraft used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and, since 2006, the Royal Navy. It was developed from the earlier Hawker Siddeley Harrier and is very closely related to the US built AV-8B Harrier II. Both are primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, and are often operated from small aircraft carriers.
Overview
Development of a successor to the first Harrier began as a cooperative effort between McDonnell Douglas (US) and Hawker Siddeley (UK). Cost overruns eventually led Hawker to withdraw from the project, but work continued due to US interest in the aircraft. Britain re-entered development in the late 1970s, producing their own version of the Harrier II based on the US design. For UK variants, BAE Systems is the prime contractor and Boeing a sub-contractor.
[edit] Westland Sea King
| Westland Sea King | |
|---|---|
 Royal Air Force Westland Sea King HAR3A search and rescue variant |
|
| Type | Medium-lift transport/utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Westland |
| Maiden flight | 1969 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users | Royal Navy Royal Air Force Royal Australian Navy Indian Navy |
| Number built | 344 |
| Developed from | H-3 Sea King |
The Westland Sea King is a British license-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters now AgustaWestland. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with British Rolls-Royce (Bristol-Siddeley) Gnome engines, British made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised control system. The Westland Sea King was also developed for a wider range of missions than the Sikorsky Sea King.
[edit] Westland Lynx
| AgustaWestland Lynx | |
|---|---|
 Lynx HAS3 of the Black Cats (Royal Navy) display team |
|
| Type | Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Westland/AgustaWestland |
| Maiden flight | 21 March 1971 |
| Introduced | 1978 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users | Army Air Corps (British Army) Fleet Air Arm (Royal Navy) |
| Produced | 1978-date |
| Variants | Westland WG.30 |
The Westland Lynx is a helicopter designed by Westland and built at Westland's factory in Yeovil, first flying on 21 March 1971 as the Westland WG.13. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants, which went into operational usage in 1977 and were later adopted by the armed forces of over a dozen nations. The helicopter is now produced and marketed by AgustaWestland.
As part of the Anglo-French helicopter agreement signed in February 1967 the French company Aérospatiale were given a workshare in the manufacturing programme.
When piloted by Roy Moxam in 1972, it broke the world record over 15 and 25 km by flying at 321.74 km/h. It also set a new 100 km closed circuit record shortly afterwards, flying at 318.504 km/h. In 1986, a specially modified Westland Lynx piloted by John Egginton set an absolute speed record for helicopters over a 15 and 25 km course by reaching 400.87 km/h (249.09 mp/h). The Lynx is one of the most agile helicopters in the world, capable of performing loops and rolls.
The British Army ordered 100 Lynx AH (Army Helicopter) Mk.1 for various roles, including tactical transport, armed escort, anti-tank warfare (with eight TOW missiles), reconnaissance and evacuation. The Army has fitted a Marconi Elliot AFCS system onto the Lynx for automatic stabilisation on three axis.
[edit] Westland Apache
| WAH-64 Apache | |
|---|---|
 An Apache on display at RIAT, RAF Fairford |
|
| Type | Attack helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Westland (under licence) |
| Introduced | January 2001 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary user | British Army Air Corps |
| Produced | 1998-2004 |
| Number built | 67 |
| Developed from | AH-64 Apache |
The WAH-64 is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache "Longbow" attack helicopter, for the British Army. The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing, the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland at Yeovil from kits purchased from Boeing. The WAH-64 is designated Apache AH Mk 1 or AH1 by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
Mission
In British Army service the Apache AH1 will replace the Westland Lynx AH7 Anti-tank helicopters and will be operated by three regiments of the Army Air Corps as part of 16 (Air Assault) Brigade. The Apache will also operate in attack raids as US Army Apaches did on the first night of the 1991 Gulf War, destroying a major air defence node. Another mission is armed reconnaissance. Like the US AH-64D Apache Longbows; the Westland Apache carries a fire-control radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system. The 'Longbow’ radar is the bulbous unit over the rotor hub assembly.
[edit] Chinook
| Chinook | |
|---|---|
 A Royal Air Force Chinook HC.2 |
|
| Type | Cargo helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Helicopters |
| Maiden flight | 1961-09-21 |
| Introduced | 1962 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary user | Royal Air Force |
| Developed from | CH-46 Sea Knight |
| Variants | CH-47 Chinook |
The Royal Air Force is the second largest operator of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook (34 airframes) of the 16 nations that use the type.
RAF Chinooks have been widely deployed; serving in Operation CORPORATE (Falklands War), Operation GRANBY (Gulf 1991), large peace-keeping commitments in the Balkans, the evacuation of Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Operation TELIC (Iraq 2003-), and the evacuation from Lebanon. The RAF's Chinook force also provides more routine support of the British Military, particularly in Operation BANNER (Northern Ireland). Two Chinooks are maintained as part of the Falklands Garrison.
