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GR3 Jaguar, Royal Air Force
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Photography by Action Asia Photo |
Produced to meet a joint Anglo-French requirement in 1965 for a dual-role advanced/operational trainer and tactical support aircraft, the Jaguar has been transformed into a potent fighter-bomber. The RAF originally intended to use the aircraft purely as an advanced trainer, but this was later changed to the offensive support role on cost grounds. The first RAF aircraft took to the air in October 1969, and each air force placed orders for 200 aircraft - the RAF opting for 165 single-seat and 35 two-seat aircraft. Deliveries began in 1973, and at its peak the Jaguar equipped 8 front-line and 1 training squadron. A variety of weapons including cluster, freefall, retard and laser guided bombs - as well as rockets - can be carried on the four wing and one fuselage stations. Two 30mm cannon are mounted internally. To mark targets for laser-guided weapons, the aircraft carries the thermal imaging and laser designation pod. For self defense, over wing Sidewinder infra-red missiles are carried and the aircraft is fitted with a comprehensive suite of electronic countermeasures. Perhaps the Jaguar's most impressive feature is its navigation and attack system. With mission data fed into the computer, all the necessary information for a pinpoint attack is relayed to the head-up display. From the display, the pilot knows exactly where the target is located and precisely when to release his weapons for maximum effect. The RAF fleet of Jaguars underwent an upgrade program that saw the aircraft fitted with new cockpit displays, helmet-mounted sights, the ability to carry the new Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile and other system improvements. This was the highly capable Jaguar GR3-A which extends the life of the aircraft well into the next century. Crew:
Pilot only
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