McDonnell-Douglas
Hornet FGR.1 ZA412 ‘E’, 9 Sqn RAF, Solenzara 1997
Continued
delays with the programme to upgrade the Tornado GR.1 fleet to GR.4 status
plus the need for a more versatile and capable tactical fighter than the
Jaguar GR.1 led the RAF to purchase 50 ex-US Navy F/A-18As and 10
F/A-18Bs. These were modified
to incorporate British instrumentation, communications and other
electronic equipment, enhanced integration with RAF weaponry, and to allow
for better interaction with UK forces generally.
Designated
FGR.1 and T.2 respectively (although the two-seaters were fully
combat-capable), Hornets entered service with 9 and 74 Squadrons and have
been used as multi-role aircraft on deployed operations since.
74 Sqn has an additional training flight to provide type conversion
training.
Click on
images below to see larger images
A
typical ‘ops package’ will consist of tankers, early warning and ELINT
aircraft. The offensive
element will consist of Tornado bombers or Harrier ground attack aircraft
accompanied by Hornets operating both in the pure fighter and SEAD
(Suppression of Enemy Air Defences – popularly known as ‘Wild
Weasel’) roles. Alternatively, pure fighter Hornets will operate alongside
attack and SEAD Hornets as a single-type offensive component.
This ensures the greatest possible degree of interoperability in
offensive operations and, of course, adds additional (albeit limited)
further air-to-air ‘punch’ beyond the attack and SEAD duties.
(Donor
kits: Minicraft F/A-18A, Airfix Tornado GR.1, Italeri Tornado IDS/GR.1)
Dave
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