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03-16-2011, 11:37 AM
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British Air Power in T2K
I thought I'd type up a list of British air forces for the war.
Much of its is based on actual data I could find on British military strenght from the late 1980's to the late 1990's, and various sources and T2K articles, with a few additions of my own. Some aircraft such as the Falcon and the Spitfire never actually existed or hadn't entered service at the start of the T2K time period, but its a reasonable assumption that some Eurofighter's were rushed into service and Britain could buy an F-16 wing from the US. Some squadrons and flights werent around in the 1990's, but they are real and I have them reformed as Britain build up its military strength before and during the early period of the war. All listed forces are at pre-war strength C. October 1996 into early 1997, and I have tried to reference when air units are redeployed, and some limited history. I've also listed Chico's USAF forces based in the UK to illustrate just how much American air power would have been in the UK at this time. I haven't finished what my British air forces in 2000 would like like yet. I'm sure I've missed a few things but I hope you all have fun with it. Abbreviation AWC: Air Warfare Centre CFS: Central Flying School DCAE: Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering DTEO: Defence Test & Evaluation Organisation ETPS: Empire Test Pilot School FRADU: Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit FTS: Flying Training School MRF: Meteorological Research Flight MS: Maintenance Squadron MU: Maintenance Unit OCU: Operational Conversion Unit RAE: Royal Aerospace Establishment RAFC: Royal Air Force College SARTS: SAR Training Squadron STT: School of Technical Training TSS: Training & Standardisation Squadron TTTE: Tri-National Training Establishment TWU: Tactical Weapons Unit British Aircraft Apache AH.1: British made variant of the AH-64D with more powerful British engines, avionics and sensors, a folding blade assembly for naval use and anti-ice protection for Arctic use. The Apache was beginning to replace the Lynx AH.7 in the attack role when the war started, and is only used by the British Army. Boeing 747F: The British government requisitioned Boeing 747-400F cargo aircraft from Britain’s commercial fleet in 1997, and put them into service with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Buccaneer S.2B: British anti-ship strike bomber that was scheduled for retirement before the war, but the RAF had almost 50 aircraft left in service and storage at the end of 1996. Canberra PR.9: Photo-reconnaissance version of the Canberra, with a modified fuselage, more powerful engines and infrared cameras, and reportedly fitted with similar long range optics to the U2 spy plane. Chinook: US CH-47D transport helicopter knows as Chinook in British service. 12 additional Chinooks were delivered from US Army stocks in 1997 to augment the RAF Chinook fleet, while some commercial Boeing Model 234 Chinook helicopters were also incorporated into the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Falcon F.1: The Falcon is the British designation of the US F-16C Block 40/50 tactical fighter, of which 48 were purchased directly from USAF stocks in 1996 to replace the Phantom in frontline air defence roles. Gazelle: French designed light utility/scout helicopter used by the Army, Royal Navy and the RAF. Some army models fitted with fixed light machine guns and rocket pods during the war. Harrier GR.5: Second generation British VTOL aircraft equivalent to the USMC AV-8B, but with no radar and British avionics, weapons and countermeasures. The GR.5 was being replaced by the improved GR.7/9 model before the war, but GR.5’s were quickly brought back into service. Harrier GR.7: Frontline RAF Harrier with upgraded engines, increased performance during carrier-borne operations, and upgraded ordinance such as the Maverick and enhanced Paveway. The Harrier’s lack of reliance on airfields proved particularly useful to NATO forces. Harrier GR.9: The most advanced version of the Harrier with improved engines, avionics and weapons. The GR.9 was rated for night operations and the latest NATO smart weapons. Hawk: British advanced training aircraft that was used as a light attack/fighter aircraft. Hawk units equipped with gun pods and AAM’s were attached to Phantom FGR.2 or Tornado F.3 to utilise their radars. Hercules C.1: British designation of the C-130H. Some equipped with in-flight refuelling probes, fuel tanks for long range operations and modern ESM, jammers, decoys and flares. Hercules C.1K: 6 C.1s were fitted with probes, four fuel tanks, and a hose-drogue unit to refuel other aircraft and were designated C.1K Hercules C.3: 30 C.1s were fitted with 4.57 m fuselage plugs and designated C.3, and equipped with in-flight refuelling probes, fuel tanks for long range operations, and modern ESM, jammers, decoys and flares. Hercules C.4: 6 purchased from the US in 1997, and equivalent to the C-130J. Hercules C.5: 3 purchased from the US in 1997, and equivalent to the C-130J-30. Jaguar GR.3: Anglo-French ground attack aircraft used by the RAF for rapid deployment and regional reinforcement. The Jaguar also had the ability to operate from improvised runways such as stretches of motorway. Lynx AH.7: The British Lynx AH.7 was the main battlefield helicopter of the British Army. Used in the attack, transport and reconnaissance role, its 8 TOW missiles gave it a potent anti-armour capability. Lynx AH.9: Unarmed utility version of the Lynx with upgraded engines and undercarriage. Lynx HAS 2/3: Naval version of the Lynx with folding rotors, deck and tail harpoon. Lynx can carry depth charges, torpedoes and Sea Skua missiles. The HAS.3 variants have improved avionics, sensors and radios. Merlin HC.3: Anglo-Italian transport helicopter that was only beginning to enter service with the RAF at the start of the war. Merlin HM.1: Naval variant of the Merlin used in the anti-submarine role by the Royal Navy. Nimrod MR.2: Long ranged maritime patrol aircraft with in-flight refuelling capabilities and modern surveillance and ESM sensors. The MR2’s primary role is anti-submarine warfare, with a large weapons bay including depth charges, torpedoes, naval mines and sonobuoys. The MR.2 can also carry AGM-84 Harpoon missile and is rated to carry British WE.177A and US Mark 57 and 101 nuclear depth bombs. In the 1980’s the Nimrod MR.2 fleet was fitted with wing hard points to carry air-to-air missiles. Nimrod R.1: Signal intelligence aircraft with advanced sensors and surveillance equipment. Phantom FGR.2: A variant of the US F-4 Phantom II, with British engines and avionics. RAF Phantom’s were replaced by Falcon F.1 prior to the Twilight War, but at least 36 Phantom’s were held in storage at the start of the war and they were soon put back in operational service. Some also ended up in the Mediterranean and the Far East. Puma: French transport helicopter produced under license in Britain and used by the RAF. Commercial SA 330 Puma’s were also incorporated into the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1997. Sea Harrier FA.2: Naval variant of the Harrier deployed on British aircraft carriers. FA.2 uses the powerful Blue Vixen radar system and can carry a wide variety of ordinance including the Sea Eagle anti-ship missile. Sea King AEW.2: AEW Sea King variant used by the Royal Navy from their aircraft carriers. Sea King HAR.3: Search and rescue Sea King variant used by the RAF. Sea King HAS.5: Anti-submarine Sea King variant used by the Royal Navy. Sea King HAS.6: Upgraded Anti-submarine Sea King variant used by the Royal Navy. Sea King HC.4: Commando assault transport Sea King variant used by the Royal Navy to support the Royal Marines. Sentry: The Sentry AEW.1 is the British designation of the E-3D AWAC. The RAF purchased 7 aircraft in the 1990’s to replace the obsolete Shackelton AEW.2. Spitfire/Eurofighter FGR.1: The Eurofighter was designed as an air superiority fighter for the air forces of Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. However the deteriorating situation in Europe led to the withdrawal of Italy and Spain from the programme, leaving Britain and Germany to step up development and production. Named Spitfire in British service, no more than 28 were delivered to the RAF operating with two squadrons. Tornado F.3: The fighter-interceptor variant of the Tornado. Planned as a long ranged interceptor, the F.3 was designed to engage targets at long range rather than perform tactical and air superiority missions. Tornado GR.1: First generation strike bomber variant of the Tornado, designed for low-level and all-weather conventional and nuclear penetration strike missions. Tornado GR.1B: The anti-shipping Tornado variant equipped with Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles. Tornado GR.4: Strike bomber Tornado variant with updated avionic, computers and weapons systems, as well as FLIR, HUD and NVG. Tornado GR.4A: Reconnaissance Tornado variant with advanced internal TIRRS sensors, and also capable of being used for strike missions. TriStar: Lockheed L-1011 TriStar airliners converted to duel role air-to-air tankers and transports in the 1980’s. Only 6 aircraft (K1, KC1) are capable of air-to-air refuelling, three others (C2, C2A) are cargo aircraft only. Wessex: British built version of the 1950’s era Sikorsky S-58 transport helicopter. Many were still in use at the start of the war by the RAF and Royal Navy. VC-10: Former British commercial airliners converted to air-to-air tankers in the 1970s and 1980s. British Ordinance AGM-65G2 Maverick: US air to surface anti-armour missile deployed on Harrier GR.7/9 only. AGM-84B/E Harpoon: US air launched anti-ship missile deployed on Nimrod MR.2 only. AGM-88 HARM: US high speed anti-radiation missile deployed on Tornado GR.4. AGM-114 Hellfire: US anti-armour missile used by army Apache AH.1 only. AIM-9G/L/L1/M Sidewinder: US short ranged air to air missile. AIM-92 Stinger ATAS: US surface to air missile modified for air to air role and used by Apache AH.1 only. AIM-120 AMRAAM: US medium ranged air to air missile. AIM-132 ASRAAM: Anglo-German short ranged air to air missile. ALARM: British anti-radiation missile deployed on Tornado GR.4, Tornado F.3 and Jaguar GR.3 only. AN/AAQ-28: Israeli precession targeting pod deployed on Tornado GR.4 and Spitfire FGR.1 only. AN/AAQ-33: US precession targeting pod deployed on Harrier GR.9 only. BGM-71 TOW: US anti-armour missile used on army Lynx AH.7 BL755: British cluster-bomb that can only be dropped from a maximum altitude of 2600 metres. Brimstone: British anti-armour missile with a range of 4.3 nm, or as high as 17.3 nm depending on aircraft speed. Was scheduled to enter service in early 2000’s but production rushed for T2K. CBU-87: US cluster bomb. CRV7: Canadian 2.75 inch rocket pod. GBU-10 Paveway II: US laser guided 2000 IB bomb. GBU-12 Paveway II: US laser guided 500 IB bomb. GBU-16 Paveway II: US laser guided 250 IB bomb. GBU-24 Paveway III: US laser guided 2000 IB bomb with penetration warhead. JDAM: US joint direct attack munition guidance kit. JP 233: British air dropped submunition delivery system with 30 runway cratering submunitions and 215 anti-personnel mines. LANTIRN: US Low altitude navigation and targeting infrared pod. Mk.1 Bomb: British freefall 570 IB bomb Mk.2 Bomb: British freefall 570 IB bomb Mk. 2 Depth Charge: British depth charge used by navy helicopters. Mark 11 Mod 3: British depth bomb used by navy helicopters. Mark 44 Torpedo: US torpedo built in Britain and deployed on Nimrod MR.2 and navy helicopters. Mark 46 Torpedo: US torpedo deployed on Nimrod MR.2 and navy helicopters. Mark 57: US variable 5-20kt nuclear fission depth charge/bomb under dual US/British control carried by RAF Nimrod MR.2s. Mark 101: US 11kt nuclear fission depth charge/bomb under dual US/British control carried by RAF Nimrod MR.2s. Pave Spike: US laser designator pod. RAPTOR: US reconnaissance pod deployed on Tornado GR.4A. Sea Eagle: British anti-ship missile deployed on RAF Tornado GR.1B, Buccaneer S.2B and navy Sea Harrier FA.2 Sea Skua: British short ranged anti-ship missile deployed from navy helicopters, Skyflash: British medium ranged air to air missile derived from the US AIM-7 Sparrow. Starstreak: British surface to air missile modified for air to air role and used by Apache AH.1 only. Sting Ray: British torpedo used by Nimrod MR.2 and navy helicopters. Stonefish: British naval mine used by Nimrod MR.2 only. Storm Shadow: Anglo-French air launched cruise missile with 162 nm range and 700 knots terminal attack speed. Was scheduled to enter service in early 2000’s but production rushed for T2K. TIALD: British thermal imaging airborne laser designator pod deployed on Tornado GR.4. WE 177A: British variable 5-20kt nuclear fission depth charge/bomb used by naval helicopters and the RAF Nimrod MR.2s. WE 177B: British 450kt thermonuclear bomb. Decommissioned before the war but a few may have been recommissioned and carried by RAF Tornado GR.4. WE 177C: British 200kt thermonuclear bomb. Used by RAF Tornado GR.1/4s and Buccaneers and the navy Sea Harrier. ROYAL AIR FORCE RAF aircraft strength 005: Bae 146 (5 requisitioned in 1997) 015: Bae Domino T.1 (15 training and storage) 018: Bell 412 (18 requisitioned in 1997) 008. Boeing 747F (8 requisitioned in 1997) 006: Boeing model 234 Chinook (6 requisitioned in 1997) 049: Buccaneer S.2B (17 in storage) 005: Canberra PR.9 012: Canberra T.4/12 (12 training and storage) 006. Canberra T.17 (6 training) 045: Chinook (8 training and reserve) (+ 12 delivered from US Army stocks in 1997) 048: Falcon F.1 (Delivered from USAF stocks in 1996-97) 030. Gazelle HT.3 (24 training and storage) 029: Harrier GR.5 (29 in storage) 064: Harrier GR.7 024: Harrier GR.9 (8 built in 1997) 016. Harrier T.10/12 (16 training) 070: Hawk T.1: (70 training and storage) 090: Hawk T.1A: (30 training and storage) 024: Hercules C.1 (11 training and storage) 006: Hercules C.1K 030: Hercules C.3 006: Hercules C.4 (6 delivered from US in 1997) 003: Hercules C.5 (3 delivered from US in 1997) 016: Jaguar GR.1 (16 in storage) 096: Jaguar GR.3 (16 in storage) 024: Jaguar T.4 (24 training) 016: Jet Provost (16 training and storage) 011: Jet Stream T.1 (11 training) 006: Merlin HC.3 (6 built in 1997) 036. Nimrod MR.2 (3 training) 003. Nimrod R.1 036: Phantom FGR.2 (36 in storage) 041: Puma (7 training) 009: SA 330 Puma (9 requisitioned in 1997) 023: Sea King HAR.3 (3 training) 007: Sentry AEW.1 (1 storage) 012: Shorts 330 (12x requisitioned in 1997) 028: Spitfire FGR.1 (16 built in 1997) 134: Tornado F.3 024: Tornado GR.1 (24 training and storage) 032: Tornado GR.1B 084: Tornado GR.4 036: Tornado GR.4A 003: TriStar C.2 006: TriStar K.1/KC.1 094: Tucano T.1 (94 training and storage) 042. Wessex HC.2 (12 training and storage) 023: VC-10 (5 in storage) EUROPE RAF forces in Europe were centered on RAF Germany which was part of NATO’s 2nd ATAF (Second Allied Tactical Airforce), with 15 RAF squadrons based at four British air bases in West Germany before the war. In 1996 RAF Phantom FGR.2 squadrons were replaced by modern F-16s purchased from the US, which was part of a emergency buildup of British military capabilities leading up to the war. From late 1996 a total of 14 RAF squadrons were deployed from the UK to reinforce NATO air forces in Germany, with another 6 squadrons and 4 flights going to Norway, and another squadron sent to Denmark. This was the largest deployment of British air power since the Second World War, and RAF units were heavily engaged against Warsaw Pact forces throughout the period of the war. RAF combat forces in Germany were largely Falcon F.1, Harrier GR.7 and Tornado GR.4 units, which were heavily engaged against Warsaw Pact opponents. Tornado F.3, Spitfires, Hawks and other aircraft were later deployed to bolster NATO airpower in Central Europe. RAF losses and attrition rates were very high, and Soviet nuclear strikes against British air bases at Bruggen, Gutersloh, Laarbuch and Wildenrath in October 1997 decimated units stationed there. However many units had dispersed prior to the nuclear attack and the RAF remained a cohesive force into 1998. Harrier and helicopter units had also long dispersed from their air bases following the path of British ground forces, and some Harriers were even seen operating from Poland in 1997. RAF units in Norway survived in better shape, but also suffered from high casualty and attrition rates. By 2000 the majority of surviving RAF aircraft had been withdrawn to the UK and the scarcity of avgas had severely curtailed air operations. RAF units based in Europe are now a few Harrier and Hawk jets and a half dozen transport helicopters. RAF Germany (HQ: Rheindahlen, Germany) No. II (AC) Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4A): Laarbruch, Germany No. 3 Squadron (16x Harrier GR.7): Gutersloh, Germany No. 4 Squadron (16x Harrier GR.7): Gutersloh, Germany No. IX Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Bruggen, Germany No. 14 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Bruggen, Germany No. XV Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Laarbruch, Germany No. 16 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Laarbruch, Germany No. 17 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Bruggen, Germany No. 18 Squadron (18x Chinook): Gutersloh, Germany No. 19 Squadron (12x Falcon F.1): Wildenrath, Germany No. 20 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Laarbruch, Germany No. 31 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4): Bruggen, Germany No. 60 Squadron (9x Wessex HC.2): Bruggen, Germany No. 92 Squadron (12x Falcon F.1): Wildenrath, Germany No. 230 Squadron (16x Puma): Wildenrath, Germany No. 431 MU: Bruggen, Germany United Kingdom Strike Command: HQ: High Wycombe Strike Command controlled all UK based air assets and was essentially the principle authority for all RAF units. Strike Command was organized into three active air groups (No. 1, 11 and 18), and also controlled support command, the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and Royal Auxiliary Air Force. No. 1 Group controlled all UK based Harrier, Jaguar and Tornado GR.4 squadrons, and most of the RAF’s transport, tanker and helicopter assets. Nearly all combat squadrons were sent to Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere to reinforce British and other NATO forces, leaving a just transport, tanker and OCU operated combat aircraft in Britain by the mid-1997. Following over a year of heavy aerial combat and nuclear conflict in Europe, most surviving combat aircraft attached to No. 1 Group were withdrawn from Germany and Norway in 1998 along with some survivors from RAF Germany, although a significant air contingent was still based in the Middle East in 2000. Transport and tanker assets were less affected by losses in the war as they rarely were deployed to the front lines, although many were grounded due to heavy attrition and a scarcity of parts. A few dozen surviving support aircraft are dispersed throughout the UK. No. 11 Group controlled Britain’s air defences through fighter-interceptor and early warning aircraft. In 1997 the US Army placed 18 Patriot SAM launchers under RAF control to help protect British and USAF assets in the UK. Until mid-1997 No. 11 Group was largely concerned with defending the UK from Soviet bombers, and Tornado F.3’s severely disrupted and inflicted major casualties on Soviet bomber penetrations from the Arctic across the North Sea and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Following heavy losses among the RAF’s Falcon units in Europe, No. 11 Groups fighter assets were increasingly called upon to reinforce air forces in Europe. Eight Tornado F.3 squadrons and two squadron and a flight of the new Spitfires were sent to Germany and Scandinavia in 1997, along with two Hawk equipped TWUs, while a Tornado F.3 squadron was also sent to Bahrain. Phantom FGR.2s were also brought out of storage to reinforce Britain’s air defences, with some eventually ending up in Cyprus, Gibraltar and Hong Kong. In 1998 all surviving Tornado’s and Spitfire’s were withdrawn to the UK, leaving just a force of a few Hawk’s in Germany by 2000. No. 18 Group was concerned with the maritime defence of the UK, and supporting the Royal Navy and NATO naval forces in the Atlantic. No. 18 Groups Buccaneer S.2Bs and Tornado GR.1Bs were heavily used in anti-shipping strikes on Soviet surface naval groups trying to penetrate the GIUK gap from the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic, and also in the Baltic. Nimrod MR.2s played an important role in hunting down Soviet nuclear submarines, working closely with ships and aircraft of the Royal Navy and the US Atlantic Fleet. No. 18 Groups Nimrod R.1s and Canberra’s also assisted NATO intelligence gathering operations, while SAR helicopter units worked closely with the Royal Navy. In 1997 Buccaneer and Tornado squadrons were sent to Norway to strike Soviet naval forces assisting in the invasion of Norway. Losses among the Buccaneer and Tornado squadrons were very high, and by 2000 only a few Tornado and none of the Buccaneers survive. About a dozen maritime patrol and intelligence gathering aircraft also survive, while the helicopters have been integrated into the Royal Navy or other RAF units. No. 1 Group (HQ: High Wycombe, England) No. 1 Squadron (16x Harrier GR.9): Wittering, England (* Assigned to HMS Ark Royal, Atlantic Fleet in late 1996) No. 6 Squadron (16x Jaguar GR.3): Coltishall, England (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 7 Squadron (18x Chinook): Odiham, England (* Relocated to Germany in late 1996) No. 10 Squadron (12x VC-10): Brize Norton, England No. 24 Squadron (12x Hercules C.3): Lyneham, England No. 27 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4A): Marham, England (* Relocated to Bahrain in 1997) No. 30 Squadron (12x Hercules C.3): Lyneham, England No. 32 Squadron (12x Dominie, 6x Gazelle HT.3): Northolt, England No. 33 Squadron (18x Puma): Odiham, England (* Relocated to Germany in late 1996) No. 41 Squadron (16x Jaguar GR.3): Coltishall, England No. 47 Squadron (6x Hercules C.3, 5x Hercules C.1K): Lyneham, England (* Relocated to Oman in 1997) No. 54 Squadron (16x Jaguar GR.3): Coltishall, England (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 55 Squadron (8x TriStar): Brize Norton, England No. 70 Squadron (12x Hercules C.1): Lyneham, England No. 72 Squadron (9x Wessex HC.2): Aldergrove, Northern Ireland No. 99 Squadron (3x Hercules C.5, 6x Hercules C.4): Brize Norton, England No. 101 Squadron (6x VC-10): Brize Norton, England (* Relocated to Bahrain in 1997) No. 105 Squadron (16x Harrier GR.7): Wittering, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1996) No. 169 Squadron (16x Harrier GR.7): Wittering, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 617 Squadron (12x Tornado GR.4A): Marham, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 1417 Flight (5x Harrier GR.5): Wittering, England (* Formed from 233 OCU and relocated to Hong Kong in 1997) No. 1451 Flight (4x Harrier GR.5): Wittering, England (* Formed from 233 OCU and relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 1452 Flight (4x Harrier GR.5): Wittering, England (* Formed from 233 OCU and relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 1455 Flight (4x Jaguar GR.3): Coltishall, England (* Formed from 226 OCU and relocated to Oman in 1997) No. 1456 Flight (4x Harrier GR.5): Wittering, England (* Formed from 233 OCU and relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 1568 Flight (4x Chinook): Odiham, England (* Formed from No. 240 OCU and relocated to Oman in 1997) No. 1569 Flight (4x Merlin HC.3): Odiham, England (* Formed from No. 240 OCU) 226 OCU (16x Jaguar GR.3): Coltishall, England 233 OCU (29x Harrier GR.5, 15x Harrier T.10/12): Wittering, England 240 OCU (18x Chinook, 6x Merlin HC.3, 7x Puma): Odiham, England 241 OCU (1x TriStar, 5x VC-10, 3x Bae 146): Benson, England 242 OCU (11x Hercules C.1): Lyneham, England TTTE (19x Tornado GR.1): Cottesmore, England TWU: (4x Tornado GR.1): Honington, England No. 11 Group (HQ: Stanmore, England) No. 5 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Coningsby, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 8 Squadron (6x Sentry): Waddington, England No. 11 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Leeming, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 23 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Leeming, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 25 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Leeming, England No. 29 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Coningsby, England (* Relocated to Denmark in 1997) No. 43 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Leuchars, Scotland (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 56 Squadron (12x Falcon F.1): Wattisham, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1996) No. 58 Squadron (12x Spitfire FGR.1): Coningsby, England (* Formed form 229 OCU) (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 63 Squadron (12x Hawk T.1A): Chivenor, England No. 64 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Leuchars, Scotland (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 65 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Coningsby, England (* Relocated to Bahrain in 1997) No. 74 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Wattisham, England No. 79 Squadron (12x Hawk T.1A): Brawdy, Wales No. 85 Squadron: (18x Patriot PAC-2/PAC-2 GEM SAM) West Raynham, England (* Dispersed) (* Supplied from US Army) No. 100 Squadron (12x Hawk T.1A): Leeming, England No. 111 Squadron (12x Tornado F.3): Leuchars, Scotland (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 151 Squadron (12x Hawk T.1A): Chivenor, England No. 234 Squadron (12x Hawk) T.1A: Brawdy, Wales No. 618 Squadron (12x Spitfire FGR.1): Goose Bay, Canada (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 1115 Flight (4x Phantom FGR.2): Coningsby, England (* Formed from 229 OCU and relocated to Hong Kong in 1997) No. 1419 Flight (4x Phantom FGR.2): Coningsby, England (* Formed from 229 OCU and relocated to Gibraltar in 1997) No. 1422 Flight (4x Spitfire FGR.1): Coningsby, England (* Formed from 229 OCU) No. 1453 Flight (4x Spitfire FGR.1): Coningsby, England (* Formed from 229 OCU and relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 1457 Flight (4x Phantom FGR.2): Leuchars, Scotland (* Formed from 229 OCU) No. 1458 Flight (4x Phantom FGR.2): Leuchars, Scotland (* Formed from 229 OCU) No. 1459 Flight (4x Phantom FGR.2): Coningsby, England (* Formed from 229 OCU) No. 1563 Flight (4x Phantom FGR.2): Coningsby, England (* Formed from 229 OCU and relocated to Cyprus in 1997) 228 OCU (12x Falcon F.1): Wattisham, England 229 OCU (10x Tornado F.3): Coningsby, England No. 1 TWU (12x Hawk T.1A): Brawdy, Wales (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 2 TWU (12x Hawk T.1A): Chivenor, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1998) No. 18 Group (HQ: Northwood, England) No. 12 Squadron (16x Buccaneer S.2B): Lossiemouth, Scotland (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 13 Squadron (16x Tornado GR.1B): Lossiemouth, Scotland No. 22 Squadron (9x Sea King HAR.3): Finningley, England (* Dispersed) No. 39 Squadron (5x Canberra PR.9): Wyton, England No. 42 Squadron (9x Nimrod MR.2): St. Mawgan, England No. 45 Squadron (16x Tornado GR.1B): Lossiemouth, Scotland (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 51 Squadron (3x Nimrod R.1): Waddington, England No. 120 Squadron (9x Nimrod MR.2): Kinloss, Scotland No. 201 Squadron (6x Nimrod MR.2): Kinloss, Scotland (* Relocated to Northern Ireland in 1997) No. 202 Squadron (9x Sea King HAR.3): Finningley, England (* Dispersed) No. 206 Squadron (6x Nimrod MR.2): Kinloss, Scotland No. 208 Squadron (16x Buccaneer S.2B): Lossiemouth, Scotland No. 360 Squadron (6x Canberra T.17): Wyton, England No. 1454 Flight (3x Nimrod MR.2): Goose Bay, Canada (* Formed from No. 201 Squadron and sent to Canada in 1997) 231 OCU (12x Canberra T.4/12): Wyton, England 236 OCU (3x Nimrod MR.2): St. Mawgan, England 237 OCU (16x Buccaneer S.2B): Lossiemouth, Scotland AWC: Waddington, England SARTS (3x Sea King HAR.3, 6x Wessex HC.2): Valley, Wales Royal Air Force Support Command (HQ: High Wycombe, England) No. 1 FTS (20x Tucanos): Linton-on-Ouse, England No. 2 FTS (8x Gazelle HT.3, 3x Wessex HC.2): Shawbury, England No. 3 FTS (20x Tucanos): Leeming, England No. 4 FTS (20x Hawk T.1): Valley, Wales No. 6 FTS (12x Dominie T.1, 11x Jetstream, 6x Jet Provost, 6x Tucanos): Finningley, England No. 7 FTS (20x Tucanos): Church Fenton, England No. 1 MS: Abingdon, England No. 2 MS: Abingdon, England (* Relocated to Germany in 1997) No. 7 MU: Quedgeley, England (* Relocated to Bahrain in 1997) No. 11 MU: Chilmark, England No. 14 MU: Carlisle, England (* Relocated to Norway in 1997) No. 16 MU: Stafford, England No. 25 MU: Hartlebury, England No. 30 MU: Sealand, England No. 231 MU: Cardington, England No. 4 STT: St Athan, Wales CFS (6x Hawk T.1A): Scampton, England Middle East & Mediterranean With tension building in the Middle East the British government dispatched an RAF force to Oman to help stabilise the region, as well as maintaining a small air presence in Cyprus. As the political situation deteriorated after war broke out in Europe, more RAF units were sent in 1997 to bolster other allied forces and friendly governments. Combat and air support units from No. 27, 47, 65, 101 squadrons and No. 1455 and 1568 flights were sent to Bahrain and Oman, with some units also later deploying to Iran. No. 1419 and 1563 flights were also sent to Cyprus and Gibraltar to increase Britain’s military presence in the Mediterranean. Despite being heavily involved in air operations since the beginning of 1997, the wider availability of oil has allowed a sizeable RAF force to remain active in the region. No. 21 Squadron (16x Jaguar GR.3): Thumrait, Oman (* Relocated to Bahrain in 1997) No. 35 Squadron (16x Jaguar GR.3): Thumrait, Oman (* Relocated to Bahrain in 1997) No. 78 Squadron (7x Puma): Thumrait, Oman (* Relocated to Iran in 1997) No. 84 Squadron (6x Wessex HC.2): Akrotiri, Cyprus Far East The RAF force in the Far East was initially just an army support unit equipped with older Wessex helicopters. As Britain built ups its military presence in Asia following the activation of the British Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the Wessex squadron was combined with Army Air Corp units in the region, while Harrier GR.5s and Phantom FGR.2s were sent with 1115 and 1417 flights to Hong Kong. Following the nuclear exchanges only a few Phantoms and helicopters survive into 2000. No. 28 Squadron (6x Wessex HC.2): Sek Kong, Hong Kong South Atlantic The RAF maintained a small but robust force in the Falklands which was maintained along with other British forces throughout the war. The presence of RAF Tornado F.3 interceptors was the principle guarantor against Argentine invasion of the island, successfully defeating a number of Argentine air sorties against British forces. One Tornado was lost in action and another is being used for parts, but the other aircraft remain operational although limited avgas has severely restricted their use. No. 1312 Flight (1x Hercules C.1, 1x Hercules C.1K): Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands No. 1435 Flight (4x Tornado F.2): Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands No. 1564 Flight (1x Chinook, 2x Sea King HAR.3): Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve The Reserve was activated in late 1996 and provided trained aircrews and technical personnel to other RAF units, as well as flight instructors and various administration staff for the RAF command structure. 7006 Intelligence Squadron: Waddington, England 7010 Photographic Interpretation Squadron, Waddington, England 7630 Intelligence Squadron: Waddington, England 7644 Media Operations Squadron: Halton, England No. 1359 Flight: Lyneham, England Mobile Met Unit: Benson, England TSS: Shawbury, England Royal Auxiliary Air Force The British government reactivated the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1997 by requisitioning commercial air transports, primarily short haul STOL transports, helicopters, and large freight aircraft. Squadrons were mainly used for internal communications in the UK and supplying land forces in central Europe. The sizeable North Sea helicopter fleet proved particularly useful as it freed up No.1 Group’s helicopter resources for deployment to Europe, and some helicopters were assigned to support roles on the continent and supported the Army Air Corps. The long ranged cargo fleet were centred on 8 Boeing 747Fs which were initially based in London’s airports, but were later integrated into the RAF transport fleet and moved to Brize Norton. Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons directly reported to No.1 Group. No. 601 Squadron (6x Shorts 330): Aldergrove, Northern Ireland No. 602 Squadron (9x SA 330 Puma): Aberdeen IAP, Scotland (* Some aircraft sent to Germany in 1997) No. 603 Squadron (5x Bae 146): Northolt, England No. 605 Squadron (6x Bell 412): Oxford AP, England No. 606 Squadron (12x Bell 412): Newcastle IAP, England (* Some aircraft sent to Germany in 1997) No. 607 Squadron (8x Model 234 Chinook): Newcastle IAP, England (* Some aircraft sent to Germany in 1997) No. 609 Squadron (6x Shorts 330): Leeming, England No. 610 Squadron (8x Boeing 747F): Brize Norton, England No. 4624 Operational Support Squadron: Brize Norton, England No. 4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron: Lyneham, England No. 7010 Squadron: Waddington, England Royal Air Force Regiment Air Defence No. 16 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Wildenrath, Germany No. 19 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Brize Norton, England (* Dispersed) No. 20 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Honington, England (* Dispersed) No. 26 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Laarbruch, Germany No. 27 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Leuchars, Scotland (* Dispersed) No. 37 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Bruggen, Germany No. 40 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Honington, England (* Deployed to Bahrain in 1997) No. 48 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Lossiemouth, Scotland (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) No. 63 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): Gutersloh, Germany No. 66 Squadron, RAF Regiment (8x Rapier): West Raynham, England (* Dispersed) Field No. 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment (6x Scorpion, 15x Spartan, 1x Sultan): Laarbruch, Germany No. 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment (6x Scorpion, 10x Spartan, Land Rovers): Honington, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) No. 3 Squadron, RAF Regiment (Land Rovers): Aldergrove, Northern Ireland No. 15 Squadron, RAF Regiment (6x Scorpion, 15x Spartan, 1x Sultan): Honington, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) No. 34 Squadron, RAF Regiment (6x Scorpion, 15x Spartan, 1x Sultan): Akrotiri, Cyprus No. 51 Squadron, RAF Regiment (6x Scorpion, 15x Spartan, 1x Sultan): Bruggen, Germany No. 58 Squadron, RAF Regiment (6x Scorpion, 15x Spartan, 1x Sultan): Catterick, England (* Deployed to Norway in 1997) Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment No. 2503 Squadron (Land Rovers): Scampton, England (* Dispersed) No. 2620 Squadron (Land Rovers): Marham, England (* Deployed to Bahrain in 1997) No. 2622 Squadron (Land Rovers): Lossiemouth, Scotland No. 2623 Squadron (Land Rovers): Honington, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) No. 2624 Squadron (Land Rovers): Brize Norton, England (* Dispersed) No. 2625 Squadron (Land Rovers): St Mawgan, England (* Dispersed) No. 2623 Squadron (4x Rapier, Land Rovers): Honington, England (* Deployed to Falkland Islands in 1997) No. 2729 Squadron (12x 2x35mm AA): Waddington, England (* Dispersed) No. 2890 Squadron (6x 2x35mm AA): Waddington, England (* Deployed to Oman in 1997) ROYAL NAVY FLEET AIR ARM The Fleet Air Arm provided naval aircraft for British warships, and land based aircraft for anti-submarine and SAR operations. At the start of the war three Sea Harrier squadrons (800, 801, 809) were deployed from the aircraft carriers, which were joined in 1997 by the training squadron (899) and the Harrier GR.9s of No.1 Squadron RAF. Most anti-ship/anti-submarine helicopters squadrons were deployed on destroyers, frigates and from the carriers were they saw a lot of action in the Atlantic and in other locations. No. 847 Squadron supported the Royal Marines and was sent to Norway in 1997, while the helicopters of No. 707, 845 & 846 squadrons were used to support the marines and army in Norway and later the Middle East. As the war progressed aircraft from land based squadrons and the OCU’s were increasingly used to reinforce and replace losses in the naval squadrons. The Royal Navy suffered heavy losses during the Twilight War, losing two carriers and many escorts. But in 2000 it still remained a powerful force and over 30% of the aircraft fleet survived. Depending on the availability of aviation fuel, Fleet Air Arm aircraft are used on operational warships and land bases in the UK and abroad. Royal Navy and Marines aircraft strength 003: Canberra T.12 (3 training) 021: Falcon 20 (3 in storage) 006: Gazelle AH.1 (Royal Marines only) 015: Gazelle HT.2 (15 training) 004: Harrier T.4 (4 training) 012: Hunter GA.11/T.B (12 training) 006: Lynx AH-7 (Royal Marines only) 068: Lynx HAS.2/3 (8 training and storage) 015: Merlin HM.1 (9 built in 1997) 051: Sea Harrier FA.2 (15 training and storage) 010: Sea King AEW.2A (1 in storage) 048: Sea King HAS.5 (12 training and storage) 042: Sea King HAS.6 (12 training and storage) 032: Sea King HC.4 No. 702 Squadron (12x Lynx HAS.3): Portland, England (* Assigned to frigates and destroyers) No. 707 Squadron (8x Sea King HC.4): Yeoviltan, England (* Deployed to Oman in 1997) No. 750 Squadron (19x Jetstream T.2/3): Roborough, England No. 771 Squadron (12x Sea King HAS.5): Culdrose, England No. 772 Squadron (12x Sea King HAS.5): Portland, England No. 800 Squadron (12 Sea Harrier FA.2): Yeovilton, England (* Assigned to HMS Illustrious, Atlantic Fleet) No. 801 Squadron (12x Sea Harrier FA 2): Yeovilton, England (* Assigned to HMS Invincible, Atlantic Fleet) No. 809 Squadron (12x Sea Harrier FA 2): Yeovilton, England (* Assigned to HMS Ark Royal, Atlantic Fleet) No. 810 Squadron (6x Sea King HAS.6): Culdrose, England No. 814 Squadron (6x Merlin HM.1): Culdrose, England (* Assigned to carriers) No. 815 Squadron (12x Lynx HAS.3): Portland, England (* Assigned to frigates and destroyers) N0. 816 Squadron (6x Sea King HAS.6): Culdrose, England (* Assigned to carriers) No. 819 Squadron 6x Sea King HAS.6): Culdrose, England (* Assigned to carriers) No. 820 Squadron (6x Sea King HAS.6): Culdrose, England (* Assigned to carriers) No. 821 Squadron (12x Lynx HAS.2): Portland, England (* Assigned to frigates and destroyers) No. 824 Squadron (12x Sea King HAS.5): Portland, England No. 825 Squadron (12x Lynx HAS.3): Portland, England (* Assigned to frigates and destroyers) No. 826 Squadron (6x Sea King HAS.6): Culdrose, England No. 829 Squadron (12x Lynx HAS.3): Portland, England (* Assigned to frigates and destroyers No. 845 Squadron (12x Sea King HC.4): Yeoviltan, England (* Assigned to HMS Ocean, Atlantic Fleet) No. 846 Squadron (12x Sea King HC.4): Yeoviltan, England (* Deployed to Norway in 1997) No. 847 Squadron (6x Lynx AH.7, 6x Gazelle AH.1): Yeoviltan, England (* Deployed to Norway in 1997 with Royal Marines) No. 849 Squadron (9x Sea King AEW.2A): Culdrose, England (* Assigned to carriers) No. 899 Squadron (15x Sea Harrier FA.2, 4x Harrier T4.N): Yeovilton, England (* Assigned to carriers in 1997) No. 700 OCU (9x Lynx HAS.2/3): Yeovilton, England (* Assigned to frigates and destroyers) No. 705 OCU (15x Gazelle HT.2): Culdrose, England No. 706 OCU (1x Sea King AEW.1, 12x Sea King HAS.5, 18x Sea King HAS.6): Culdrose, England FRADU (3x Canberra T.12, 12x Hunter GA.11/T.B, 15x Falcon 20, 15x Jetstream T.2/3): Yeovilton, England ARMY AIR CORPS The AAC accompanied the main ground force of the British Army before the war. All of its air regiments were located in the UK and Germany, with a scattering of squadrons and flights located in other areas of British interest. As the war progressed new squadrons and flights were created from aircraft taken out of storage or requisitioned and assigned to the training establishments of 2nd and 9th AAC Regiments. Some newly formed units were sent to the main front in Germany, but others were also despatched to Norway, the Middle East and elsewhere. Before the war the new Apache AH.1 was planned to replace or supplement the Lynx AH.7 as the British Army’s main attack helicopter, but the war disrupted production and barely more than a dozen were built. The AAC was heavily committed to supporting British and other NATO forces in Europe, and losses and attrition was very high. The destruction of Britain’s helicopter plant at Yeovil also effected replacement and part production, and depending on the location about 10% to 30% of the pre-war fleet is operational. Army aircraft strength 004: A-109A 016: Apache AH.1 (10 built in 1997) 018: Bell 212 (15 purchased in 1997) 160. Gazelle AH.1 (82 training and storage) 009. Islander AL.1 118: Lynx AH.7 (10 in storage) 022: Lynx AH.9 (10 built in 1997) 003: Scout AH.1. 003: UH-1N 1st Regiment AAC (24x Lynx AH.7, 12x Gazelle AH.1): Hildesheim, Germany 2nd Regiment, AAC (30x Gazelle AH.1): Middle Wallop, England 3rd Regiment AAC (24x Lynx AH.7, 12x Gazelle AH.1): Soest, Germany 4th Regiment AAC (24x Lynx AH.7, 12x Gazelle AH.1): Detmold, Germany 5th Regiment AAC (6x Lynx AH.7, 12x Gazelle AH.1): Aldergrove, Northern Ireland 7th Regiment AAC (6x Apache AH.1, 12x Lynx AH.7, 12x Gazelle AH.1): Netheravon, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) 9th Regiment AAC (12x Lynx AH.7, 12x Lynx AH.9, 6x Gazelle AH.1): Dishforth, England 655 Squadron, AAC (6x Lynx AH.7): Ballykelly, Northern Ireland 660 Squadron, AAC (3x Bell 212, 3x Scout AH.1): Sek Kong, Hong Kong 664 Squadron, AAC (6x Gazelle AH-1): Minden, Germany 667 Squadron, AAC (6x Apache AH.1): Netheravon, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) 676 Squadron, AAC (6x Lynx AH.7): Netheravon, England (* Deployed to Iran in 1997) 677 Squadron, AAC (6x Bell 212): Middle Wallop, England (* Deployed to Iran in 1997) 678 Squadron, AAC (6x Bell 212): Middle Wallop, England (* Deployed to Iran in 1997) 1 Flight, AAC (5x Islander AL-1): Aldergrove, Northern Ireland 2 Flight, AAC (4x Apache AH.1): Netheravon, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) 3 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Leuchars, Scotland 4 Flight, AAC (4x Apache AH.1): Netheravon, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) 5 Flight, AAC (4x Lynx AH.7): Netheravon, England (* Deployed to Norway in 1997) 6 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Shawbury, England 7 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Berlin, Germany 8 Flight, AAC (4x A-109A): Hereford, England (* Deployed to Germany in 1997) 9 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle): Middle Wallop, England 10 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Middle Wallop, England (* Deployed to Oman in 1997) 11 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Middle Wallop, England (* Deployed to Iran in 1997) 12 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Wildenrath, Germany 13 Flight, AAC (4x Islander AL-1): Middle Wallop, England 14 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Middle Wallop, England (* Deployed to Norway in 1997) 15 Flight, AAC (3x UH-1N): Brunei 16 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Dhekelia, Cyprus 25 Flight, AAC (3x Bell 212): Belmopan, Belize 29 Flight, AAC (3x Gazelle AH.1): Suffield AB, Canada BRITISH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Government agencies aircraft strength 001: Apache AH.1 001: A-109A 001: Bae 146 004: Beech Super King Air 200 001: DHC-7 004: DHC-4 002: Do-228 002: Dominie T.1 001: Cessna 337 009: Cessna F406 001: Chinook 004: Gazelle HT.3 004: Harrier GR.7/T.4 007: Hawk T.1 010: Islander BN.2 002: Islander C.2 003: Lynx AH.7 001. Lynx HAS.3 002: Jaguar T.2 001: Merlin HC.3 001: Piper Navaho Chieftain 002: Sea King HC.4 010: Sikorsky S-61 003. Sikorsky S-70A 006: Sikorsky S-76 004: Slingsby T-67-200 001: Tornado F.2 001: Tornado GR.4 002: Tucano T.1 086: * Various light utility helicopters COAST GUARD & FISHERIES PATROL Channel Navigation Information Service (1x Islander C.2): Lydd, England Counter Pollution (3x Cessna F406): Coventry AP, England Fisheries Patrol (2x Cessna F406, 2x Do-228, 1x Islander C.2): Southend, England Pollution Control North (1x Cessna F406): Inverness IAP, Scotland Pollution Control South (1x Cessna F406)): Coventry AP, England SAR English South Coast 1 (2x Sikorsky S-61): Southampton, England SAR English South Coast 2 (2x Sikorsky S-61): Plymouth, England SAR Scottish West Coast (2x Sikorsky S-61): Stornoway AP, Outer Hebrides SAR Shetland Islands (2x Sikorsky S-61): Sumburgh, Shetland Islands Scottish Fisheries Patrol (2x Cessna F406): Inverness IAP, Scotland TEST & EVALUATION DCAE: Cosford, England DTEO (1x Tornado F.2, 1x Tornado GR.4, 4x Harrier GR.7/T.4, 2x Jaguar T.2, 7x Hawk T.1, 2x Dominie T.1): Boscombe Down, England ETPS (2x Tucano T.1, 1x Apache AH.1, 1x A-109A, 1x Chinook, 3x Gazelle HT.3, 3x Lynx AH.7, 1x Lynx HAS.3, 1x Merlin HC.3, 2x Sea King HC.4): Boscombe Down, England MRF (1x BAe 146): Boscombe Down, England RAE: Farnborough, England RAFC: Cranwell, England MEDICAL AVIATION England: 2x Beech Super King Air 200, 26x Light Utility Helicopters Scotland: 2x Beech Super King Air 200, 2x Light Utility Helicopters Wales: 3x Light Utility Helicopters Northern Ireland: 1x Light Utility Helicopter Isle of Man: 1x Piper Navaho Chieftain, 1x Light Utility Helicopter POLICE AVIATION England: 4x Islander BN-2, 1x Cessna 337, 44x Light Utility Helicopters Scotland: 3x Light Utility Helicopters Wales: 6x Light Utility Helicopters Northern Ireland: 1x Islander BN-2 FIRE SERVICE England: 2x Light Utility Helicopters OTHER British Antarctic Survey (1x DHC-7, 4x DHC-6): Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands Falkland Island Government Service (5x Islander BN.2, 2x Sikorsky S-61): Port Stanley AP, Falkland Islands Hong Kong Government Flying Service (2x Super King Air 200, 4x T-67-200, 6x Sikorsky S-76, 3x S-70A): Hong Kong IAP, Hong Kong USAF US Air Force Europe 193rd Special Operations Wing (8x EC-130E, 7x HC-130P, 13x MH-53J): Woodbridge, England 3rd Air Force (HQ: Mildenhall, England) 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (72x F-111E): Mildenhall, England 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing (72x F-15C): Coltishall, England 48th Tactical Fighter Wing (72x F-111F): Lakenheath, England 132nd Tactical Fighter Wing (45x A-7D, 3x A-7K): Molesworth, England 174th Tactical Fighter Wing (24x A-16): Marham, England 183rd Tactical Fighter Wing (48x F-16A): Greenham Common, England 366th Tactical Fighter Wing (48x F-111G, 24x EF-111A): Scunthorpe, England 474th Tactical Fighter Wing (72x F-16C): Wethersfield, England 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (54x RF-16C): Waddington, England 513th Airborne Command & Control Wing (4x EC-135H, 1x WC-135): Mildenhall, England 303rd Tactical Missile Wing (64x BGM-109G ALCM): Molesworth, England 501st Tactical Missile Wing (96x BGM-109G ALCM): Greenham Common, England 4th Air Force (HQ: Fairford, England) 94th Tactical Airlift Wing (27x C-130H): Boscombe Down, England 171st Aerial Refuelling Wing (20x KC-135E): Fairford, England 434th Aerial Refuelling Wing (17x KC-10B): Kinloss, Scotland 67th Military Airlift Squadron (20x C-23): Mildenhall, England 8th Air Force 67th Reconnaissance Wing (10x TR-1): Alconbury, England 10th Air Force 81st Tactical Fighter Wing (72x A-10B): Bentwaters, England 91st Tactical Fighter Squadron (24x A-10B): Woodbridge, England 12th Air Force 10th Tactical Fighter Wing (36x A-10A): Alconbury, England 15th Air Force det 4/1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (2x SR-71): Mildenhall, England 17th Air Force 42nd Electronic Countermeasure Squadron (18x EF-111A): Upper Heyford, England 23rd Air Force 1401st Military Airlift Squadron (16x C-12): Alconbury, England Last edited by RN7; 03-17-2011 at 08:10 AM. 
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#2
03-16-2011, 11:49 AM
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Warthog nitpick: the A-10B was a proposed two-seat variant. Depending on the data source, it was either a trainer or a night/adverse weather attack bird. Production was limited to one or two (again, depending on the source). Did you intend for that variant to have entered full production in your setting?
Note that I'm not opposed to the possibility...  Just askin'. - C.
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Clayton A. Oliver Occasional RPG Freelancer Since 1996 Author of The Pacific Northwest, coauthor of Tara Romaneasca, creator of several other free Twilight: 2000 and Twilight: 2013 resources, and curator of an intermittent gaming blog. It rarely takes more than a page to recognize that you're in the presence of someone who can write, but it only takes a sentence to know you're dealing with someone who can't. - Josh Olson
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#3
03-16-2011, 11:54 AM
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#4
03-16-2011, 12:24 PM
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Yeah, according to my books here the 2-seater A10 was designated the N/AW-10 (Night/Adverse Weather).
Speaking of British air power I was just looking over my RDF sourcebook and given how much stuff is still flying in that part of the world I was a little surprised that there are no UK air assets there at all.
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#5
03-16-2011, 01:21 PM
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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#6
03-16-2011, 06:56 PM
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This might help, found it surfing for British details:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dh...t2k/raf2kh.htm
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Better to reign in hell, than to serve in heaven.
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#7
03-16-2011, 07:23 PM
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Sorry for the tangent there. I get tunnel vision when I post from my phone. :/
Back on the main topic... I seem to recall, back in the eighties, a proposal for operating Harriers from dispersed bases, using shopping malls with their front walls knocked out as impromptu hangars to screen the birds and support units from aerial observation. Was anything like this ever attempted on exercises or was it strictly an on-paper proposition? - C.
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Clayton A. Oliver Occasional RPG Freelancer Since 1996 Author of The Pacific Northwest, coauthor of Tara Romaneasca, creator of several other free Twilight: 2000 and Twilight: 2013 resources, and curator of an intermittent gaming blog. It rarely takes more than a page to recognize that you're in the presence of someone who can write, but it only takes a sentence to know you're dealing with someone who can't. - Josh Olson
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#8
03-16-2011, 07:48 PM
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Yeah, I can really see the property owners helping out with the whole knocking the wall down thing...
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If it moves, shoot it, if not push it, if it still doesn't move, use explosives. Nothing happens in isolation - it's called "the butterfly effect" Mors ante pudorem
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#9
03-16-2011, 11:44 PM
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I also recall proposals to use commercial ships as carriers for them.
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#10
03-16-2011, 11:45 PM
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#11
03-16-2011, 11:58 PM
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Why?
Take Australian deployments for example. Since Vietnam, not once have we sent over a balanced force consisting of all the unit types needed in a conflict zone (except perhaps East Timor, but in that case the aircraft were still based in Australia just outside Darwin). We usually send over a couple of ships, or a medical team, or a battalion or two of infantry plus APCs and a small artillery unit, or some other mix of troops and equipment. All the additional needs are met by other countries - US supplying fighter cover for example, while our units fill in deficiencies in their OOB. As long as other countries have a reasonable number of the necessary supporting units, and are willing to operate as a combined command, there's no reason I can see for the British reducing committment to the European theatre and redirecting to the arguably less warlike middle east.
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If it moves, shoot it, if not push it, if it still doesn't move, use explosives. Nothing happens in isolation - it's called "the butterfly effect" Mors ante pudorem
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#12
03-17-2011, 01:02 AM
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Also France is building up its forces in the Middle East from 1997, and Britain would want its share of influence over oil supplies as welll. Before the war goes nuclear both Britain and France are on roughly the same military level from an international point of view. No longer powers on the level of the US and USSR, but still powerful nations with a great deal of global influence in their own right. Remember Britain only pulled its forces out of Asia in 1971, excluding small garrisons in Hong Kong and Brunei, while its realy only since the 1960's that Britain had started to think of itself as a "smaller" power compared to the likes of the USA. Up until the Suez Crisis Britain's Anglo-Persian Oil Company which is the antecendant of British Petrolium, probably had more influence in the Middle Eastern oil industry than any other. If it wasn't for a number of Scitzo British defence white papers in the 1960's, Britain would probably have built a couple of 60,000+ ton aircraft carriers, the Blue Streak IRBM, the TSR-2 bomber, and probably had its own space programme. Old habits can die hard!
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#13
03-17-2011, 04:50 AM
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I recall the RAF having a system of metal, for lack of a better term, mats that they could lay down to form a temp Harrier base. pretty much setting up a flight or even a squadron of Harriers pretty much anywhere out of the back of a truck.
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Better to reign in hell, than to serve in heaven.
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#14
03-17-2011, 05:58 AM
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#15
03-17-2011, 06:40 AM
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Government Flying Service of Hong Kong
I notice you left out the Government Flying Service of Hong Kong. Here is some info.
Government Flying Service It was established on 1 April 1993, when Hong Kong was under British rule. It then took over all the non-military operations of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (RHKAAF), which was an auxiliary unit of the United Kingdom Royal Air Force. It was responsible for search and rescue (SAR), air ambulance, firefighting and police operations. The fleet comprised (1993-1996): 2x Beechcraft Super King Air; used for maritime surveillance and VIP transport. 3x Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk; medium lift utility helicopter 6x Sikorsky S-76 Spirit; medium utility helicopter 4x Slingsby T-67M-200 Firefly; fixed wing trainer
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"You're damn right, I'm gonna be pissed off! I bought that pig at Pink Floyd's yard sale!"
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#16
03-17-2011, 06:53 AM
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The Harrier force was supposed to be dispersed into clearings in the German forests, according to an old and bold RAF Regiment Gunner I know. That's also the reason that groundcrew on Harrier squadrons used to get the crap knocked out of them by burly Paras with pickaxe handles simulating Spetsnatz on exercises, apparently. (To be fair, so did groundcrews on Tornado and Jaguar squadrons in the UK - the Harrier force guys just got it more often as their war role expected them to be closer to the FEBA).
In war, a number of the RAF Regiment field squadrons would have been deployed to support Harrier dets dispersed like that.
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#17
03-17-2011, 07:57 AM
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Thanks I'll add that.
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#18
03-17-2011, 08:23 AM
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Better to reign in hell, than to serve in heaven.
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#19
03-17-2011, 11:09 AM
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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#20
03-17-2011, 03:39 PM
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Interesting and thorough piece...well done...would be interested in seeing your take on things in 2000 when it’s done.
Just a couple of questions / comments... 1. Eurofighter. I appreciate there are a great many “what ifs” involved in conversations such as these, especially in a V1 timeline, however as far as I know IRL Eurofighters did not enter service until well into the 21st Century, so even with a continuing Cold war, I’m simply not sure how feasible it would be for any to be in general service circa 1996 / 1997? (Admittedly I do like the idea of the small number of test aircraft being rushed into service at some point). 2. F16’s in British service. I’ve seen this mentioned on the etranger site before. Interesting idea, particularly in a V1 timeline where there’s a need for something to replace the Phantom until such times as Eurofighter enters service. My only question here would be whether the US would be able to provide forty eight Falcons in 1996 when the Sino Soviet War is already in full swing and the USAF is presumably already mindful of its own possible needs in the event of a War. Perhaps a Falcon purchase would have been more likely earlier in the decade? Also, for what it’s worth, I also think there would be an RAF presence in the Middle East. Jaguars for sure and most likely a fighter Squadron and a C130 detachment as well. I’m not sure about Harriers though...whilst I absolutely agree they’re a logical choice I think it depends on numbers....does the RAF of 1996 have enough to send some to the Gulf, or does the MEFF have to rely on the US for CAS?
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Author of the unofficial and strictly non canon Alternative Survivors Guide to the United Kingdom
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#22
03-17-2011, 05:27 PM
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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#23
03-17-2011, 05:34 PM
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I believe there were 28 F16's intended for the Pakistani Air Force that were never delivered because of an embargo (the Pressler Amendment?) and ended up going from the factory at Fort Worth straight to storage at Davis Monthan AFB sometime in the early 90's?
Perhaps an arrangement was reached for the RAF to get those planes? Just a thought...
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Author of the unofficial and strictly non canon Alternative Survivors Guide to the United Kingdom
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#24
03-18-2011, 12:01 AM
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In T2K Italy joins the Commy block, and Spain who I'm not to sure who's side it was on, pulled out of the Eurofighter as well, leaving Britain and Germany to develop it. The British named their Eurofighters the Spitfire, while the Germans probably named their ones something more agreable to them.
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#25
03-18-2011, 12:56 AM
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1. While its true the Eurofighter didn't start serious testing until 2004, the prototype had its maiden flight in 1994, some ten years earlier. I would be certain that much of this delay was down to four countries arguing over what they wanted on their version of the Eurofighter, and who built what. The main stumbling blocks was over the radar. Basically the radar and the engine are largely British technology, despite the multi-national and ownership of the company that supposedly designed them. Britain and Germany are realy the two dominant partners, and without Italy and Spain squabbling over what work share they get, things could get done a lot quicker, particulary with a world war looming over the horizon. Certainly the Eurofighter of T2K is not a finished article, a lot of test-bed tech and gliches, but it can fly, and when things work it would be a very nasty surprise for the Red Air Force over Europe, and can be built in limited numbers into 1997. 2. Well I got the idea from Dan's RAF article on Etranger, but I don't see the problem. Basically the RAF Phantom's will get slaughtered by front line Soviet Su-27s and Mig-29s in Central Europe, and the Tornado F.3 is not a tactical fighter. America realy has a lot of F-16s and is still producing them right up until November 1997, and many would be already earmarked for service with the USAF in the same area that RAF F-16s would be operating in. Sending RAF Phantom pilots to the US and training them on F-16's is not a big issue, as the RAF pilots are hardly novices in the first place, and might represent better value for money to the USAF as the RAF pilots would be a lot better trained and experienced than the replacement Air National Guard F-16 pilots who would be sent over from 1997. Maybe some politics as well. We give you and F-16 wing, you send some of your own squadrons to the Middle East to back us up, or your carriers work the North Atlantic etc etc. 3. As far as I know I haven't listed any Harriers in the Middle East, although I sent a flight of older Harrier GR.5s to Hong Kong. Last edited by RN7; 03-18-2011 at 01:02 AM.
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#26
03-18-2011, 03:57 AM
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Author of the unofficial and strictly non canon Alternative Survivors Guide to the United Kingdom
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#27
03-18-2011, 06:18 AM
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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#28
03-18-2011, 06:28 AM
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From what I can gather, the F-16s ordered for Pakistan where not completely stripped back. At one point they were offered to New Zealand to replace the RNZAF's A4 Skyhawks and it was claimed that only a modest amount of work was needed to make them operational.
The deal was said to be particularly favourable towards New Zealand but the Helen Clark lead government decided that New Zealand didn't need fighter or attack aircraft and so the deal was dropped. New Zealand's loss.
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#29
03-18-2011, 06:38 AM
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There's a bit of detail about the embargoed Pakistani F16's here.
http://www.f16falcon.com/facts/f16_17.html In summary, it appears that they initially ordered 71. Twenty eight were built and placed in storage, whilst the remainder were never built. As best as I can tell the planes that went in to in storage remained fully intact and operational whilst diplomatic wrangling went on over whether they would be a) delivered to the PAF as ordered or b) the Pakistanis got their money back. Circa 1995 it was proposed that they be sold to other countries, with the proceeds going to the Pakistanis. Initial suggestions were Taiwan (17 aircraft) and the Phillipines (11 aircraft), however that fell through as did a proposed deal with New Zealand and IRL the planes were still in Arizona as of sometime in 2001 (I don't know what state they're in now). I think it is, therefore, possible that the PAF F16's might have found their way into Royal Air Force service in a T2K World. One possible stumbling block might be that it appears they were relatively older models (A/B's) so not state of the art, however the RAF might have decided that older model F16's were a better option than aging Phantom FGR2's. Personally, I'm quite sold on the idea... (And I'm sure if the RAF didn't take them, then someone would have done in the months leading up to the Twilight War - perhaps New Zealand as originally planned).
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Author of the unofficial and strictly non canon Alternative Survivors Guide to the United Kingdom Last edited by Rainbow Six; 03-18-2011 at 06:51 AM.
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#30
03-18-2011, 10:56 AM
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F-16C/D Block 40/42/50/52 production was...
F-16C/D Block 40/42 472: USA (1988-1992) 138: Egypt (1991-2002) 117: Turkey (1990-1995) 060: Israel (1991-1993) 022: Bahrain (1990-2000) F-16C/D Block 50/52 264: USA (1991-2004) 140: South Korea (1994-2004) 070: Turkey (1996-1999) 064: Greece (1997-1998) 062. Singapore (1998-2002) Production is on going to the USAF and export customers before and during the T2K period, at least up until the end of 1997. In 1996 its clear that a big war is looming, and the US government is going to have to decide who takes precedence in war production. We can rule out Singapore as it didn't get F-16s till 1998, while the Greeks went commy and probably would have only recieved a dozen at most. The USAF and Israel are going to get what they want, but is the US going to keep delivering F-16s to Egypt, Turkey and even South Korea when Britain wants an F-16 wing. The simple fact is Britain is America's closest military ally, and more important than even Israel, and whatever Britain wants it gets, even nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Last edited by RN7; 03-18-2011 at 04:14 PM.
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