The world according to Charlie

[charlie_c67]

Having seen a lot of great Whif's on here and having read a lot of The Empire Twilight site and thread I thought I'd have a go myself. Hopefully they will be realistic and the back stories will make sense, but any advice gratefully taken! I've an idea of how I'd like the timeline to pan out, but it might be a little bitty to start.

First up is an idea stolen from Cookie, but with a slightly different slant on it. Hope he won't mind too much!

Falcons in the RAF - Part 1

In 1980 the RAF's Buccaneers were grounded when fatigue to the main spar caused one to crash killing both of the crew. Since the Tornado was due to start coming into service, the initial decision was taken not to replace any machine found to be damaged in this way. When similar problems were identified in the FAA Buccaneers as well, the entire fleet was combined and the best remaining airframes were returned to the control of the Navy to operate from the two Malta-class carriers HMS Gibraltar and HMS Malta. The RAF were understandably unhappy at losing several squadrons and petitioned for more Tornados to fill the looming gap in its strike force. Initial proposals were rebuffed, but when it became clear that the Tornado ADVs development was going to be protracted, a change of tack was made to an aircraft with a primary strike capability and secondary air defence. When it was highlighted that these could also replace the remaining Lightning's in service as well, an Air Staff requirement was finally published.

To assist British industry, it was stipulated that the aircraft chosen would be in current production to speed up procurement as well as incorporating avionics, equipment and engines produced in the UK. Several companies applied to take part in the competition including the Mirage F-1, a land based version of the F/A-18 and the eventual winner the F-16. As an untried proposal, the F/A-18 was soon dropped and leaving the F-16 and the Mirage as the front-runners to win. Ultimately the better performance of the American craft as well as General Dynamics being more willing to enter partnership with BAe over production won the day. Surprisingly for a Government program, this was all completed by the end of 1981 and the first 6 F-16A and 2 F-16B Block 15 airframes were delivered for flight testing and equipment fitting before the end of the year was out.

When it became clear that the aircraft chosen would have a single engine, Rolls-Royce began to explore options for a suitable powerplant. Several ideas were considered, including the original PW F-100-PW-200 under license until it was realised that the company had the answer in its stable already. In the 1960's Bristol-Siddeley had been selected to build an afterburning version of it's Olympus engine for the TSR.2 known as the Mk.320 which had produced a mighty 150 kN with full burn during ground testing. This had since developed into the 593 as found in Concorde, but the original plans were still available at Filton, making reverse engineering a not inconceivable prospect. Combined with advances made in engine efficiency over the past 15 years a viable engine was soon produced for ground testing, easily matching the 135kN of the first sets of runs going up to the 150kN while at the same time having a lower specific engine consumption allowing a greater range. When fitted to the test airframes, it gave a better performance and max take off weight than the original aircraft at the inevitable loss of range. Despite initial concerns that the engine would be too powerful for the airframe, rigorous ground and flight testing ensured most fears were put to bed. This led to the US armed forces designating the aircraft the F-16U and although there was some interest in the sub-type, the loss in range deterred several potential buyers. However, the USAF did place an order for several examples to use as aggressor aircraft for DACT training. To their credit, Rolls-Royce recognised this being a problem and resolved to continue work on improvements that would allow them to submit it for future contests.

Since it would be acting in both Strike and Anti-Air roles, a quality multi-mode radar was required to allow the aircraft to fulfil it full potential. As stipulated for the initial aircraft, the set used would have to be a proven off-the-shelf unit produced in the UK. At the time GEC had been supplying the Blue Fox the FAA for their new Sea Harriers and offered to supply sets for the new aircraft while developing a more powerful set, named Green Fox, which would have a greater range but with the same underlying design therefore reducing the risk of development being protracted. This was deemed an acceptable arrangement to the RAF and the first of the new Radar's were fitted in 1985 after experience gained during the Falklands was also incorporated into its development allowing better resistance to hostile Electromagnetic environments.

The Falklands conflict also defined the final role the first aircraft, now known as the Falcon FGR.1, in RAF service. Despite the swift conclusion to the conflict, several aircraft were lost to Radar guided mobile SAM's supplied from Russia via Cuba. Although no lives were lost, it highlighted a lack of SEAD planning within the UK forces and at the time, Buccaneers of the FAA and Harriers of the RAF were swiftly loaded with AS.37 Martels to counter the threat. The AGM-45's carried during the Black Buck raids were found not to be as effective as first hoped and the inclusion of at least one aircraft equipped in this way during raids also allowed a quick response when sets were turned on. Original NATO plans had USAF Wild Weasel squadrons performing this role in case of Soviet invasion, the Falkland experience taught the RAF that this reliance could not be counted on in all eventualities. With their high top speed, Falcons were seen as ideal for these "Splash and dash" missions, clearing a path through defences for the Tornados to follow and hit their targets.

Since the parent craft was already cleared for the American anti-air missiles then in use with the RAF, the first production aircraft were assigned to 237 OCU and then 5 and 11 Squadrons replacing the BAC Lightnings fielded by both units. Once cleared for the remaining stores employed by the RAF, the aircraft was also supplied to 12, 15 and 216 squadrons all operating in Europe, rotating through the UK and RAF Germany bases, and 16 Squadron that was posted to RAF Labuan as part of the defence agreement signed when Brunei became independent in 1964.

Phew! That was a bit longer than I intended, but I hope it lays the ground work for the first of several aircraft in the role and at the very least sounds a bit plausible! Hopefully get some images up soon.

Edited February 4, 2016 by charlie_c67

[Fatboydim]

Hello Charlie_c67, there is a group build What if starting on 1st August. Why not join the rest of us. Regards, Joe

[charlie_c67]

Already got a plan lined up for that Joe!

As promised, some piccies. First up, an under coated FGR.1

Slightly ahead in the painting stakes is the FGR.3

[Sir T]

Nice - I've often thought of doing something similar.

[charlie_c67]

With the tape and blu-tac removed. It's gone on a little thick in places, but I'm pretty happy with how she's looking at the moment.

[Cookenbacher]

Very cool project Charlie, I love the backstory. Are you using the Revell kit?

I also like the idea of new engine. Are you modifying the intake or nozzles at all?

[charlie_c67]

Have to admit, I'm sticking with the small mouth intake and exhaust nozzle for the Olympus engines craft and the wide mouth for its replacement. More on that later when I have Wi-fi and can use my iPad!

The FGR.1 is the Revell A kit, could only find C versions at a decent price so bought one, found that the Revell site had links to the relevant instructions (take note Airfix) and built it using that and reference pics. The FGR.3 is the Hasegawa C with Revell bits where superior, the wide mouth intake and tail grafted on as well as other bits. Both have scratch built RWRs and blade aerials, which I knocked off the FGR.3 :-(.

I also have a Fujimi F-16N to build up as a TF.2 or 4 and Tamiyas excellent offering to build as the FGR.5.

[charlie_c67]

So, now having a decent connection I can give a little more detail about the various Falcon designations and engines used in my little world. Apologies for it being so long...

Falcons in the RAF - Part 2

The new Olympus turbojet had a slightly reduced diameter compared to the original 60's design and as such was able to replace the original American design with little to no modification to the airframe. By the end of the decade, Rolls-Royce developed the RF 345 turbofan using an Olympus core to replace the thirstier turbojet. First conversions took place in 1991 just in time for deployment to Iraq where the new engine performed very well in the harsh desert climate. Being a turbofan, adjustments were made to the intake and exhaust of the craft it was fitted to to cope with the new demands of the different powerplant. Although RR had stopped naming their products by this point, the engine was nicknamed the "Styx" by ground crew, combining both the Grecian name of the Bristol parent, with the river naming convention of Rolls-Royce jets. Despite discontent from the boardroom, the name stuck and was used by ground crews the world over. Initially lacking the top thrust of it's older brother (140kN) it had a much better fuel efficiency to go with its excellent reliability. It was until the Styx 350 was developed at the beginning of the 00's that the engine returned to the most powerful fitted to the F-16 family.

Falcon FGR.1

The first production Falcons in the RAF, known by the American Moniker F-16U, were fitted with Olympus 330 turbojets which allowed for a top speed of around Mach 2.5. Despite this, the aircraft climb rate wasn't quite as high as the Lightnings they replaced, though many pilots did not mind as it still gave what one pilot called "a damn good kick in the back." Initial craft were fitted with Blue Fox Radar sets, British through tail RWR sets and LRMTS under the intake like those found on the Tornado.

The avionics were updated in 1985 with the new Orange Fox set designed to have a greater range than the Blue fox sets it was derived from. This, coupled with minor software updates gave rise to the FGR.1A which were used in the late 80's against an increasingly belligerent Laos that was trying to lay claim to parts of Thailand and Malaysia. With the communist forces tacitly backed by China, the Commonwealth swiftly moved to support both defendants and, when several French peacekeepers working for the UN were killed, launched strikes deep into the country with seemingly little consequence. The Falcons cleared the way with ease, though concerns were again raised over the effectiveness of both the Martel and Shrike missiles carried when enemy radars were turned off.

A typical load would consist of AIM-9G Sidewinders on the rail tips, with either four Sparrows/Skyflash for those in the air defence role, or a combination of dumb bombs and rockets in the strike role. Although nominally cleared for AGM-65 use by the U.S., RAF craft tended not to carry them, though overseas operators did. In the SEAD role, Falcons would often be fitted with three drop tanks to offset the fuel issue, a pair of Shrike or Martels, a Phimat and an ALQ-100 for protection. Both this, and the TF.2s, were fitted with Aden 30mm cannons which, while not having as high a rate of fire as the American Vulcans, did not have to delay between pressing the trigger and firing commencing. It also allowed commonality between several aircraft in British and Commonwealth service.

This version was sold to several Commonwealth countries, such as Australia and South Africa, though often in a more traditional strike role. The U.S. also bought several craft to act as DACT aggressors.

Falcon TF.2

Used primarily in the RAF by 237 OCU, these two seaters were used for pilot training in the often dangerous SEAD role, known in the RAF as "Beagling". Retaining the Olympus engine of the FGR.1 as well as the Blue Fox Radar set, these trainers were also given clearance to use Skyflash/Sparrow missiles as training often took place over the North Sea and the increase in Russian overflights meant they were most likely to be first on scene.

Although the did not receive an upgrade to their Radar sets in the mid 80's, they were all fully refurbished to TF.4 standard in the early 90's. As well as RAF service, Brazil and Portugal bought this model to act as their primary strike craft with the rear training position converted to that of a WSO.

Falcon FGR.3

In January 1989, the first 6 aircraft retained for flight testing purposes were fitted with the new Rolls-Royce RF 345 turbofan engine. After minor tweaks to the airframe, the upgrade was given the go ahead along with an upgrading of the Radar to the new Orange Vixen sets. It was also decided that these craft would be cleared to use the new TIALD pods and act as designators for Tornados which they would now be supporting rather than going ahead of. The final major change was the integration of the Stormcloud countermeasure pod at the base of the tail, and the addition of flare cartridges in the wing pylons, freeing up space for further stores. They were also designated as the first aircraft to carry the new ALARM missile, designed to replace the older ARM's that were beginning to show their age.

12 Squadron were chosen as the first to receive the new aircraft and after a few teething troubles with the new engine, were given full combat status. Rushed to the Gulf to assist with Operation Granby, the new upgrades proved their worth several times over as Falcons were deep in the mix due to a high reliability ratio. The ALARMs were also well received for both their attack and deterrent abilities, to the point where supporting Falcons often carried Maverick missiles or LGB's to ensure missions were not wasted.

In time the entire fleet was upgraded with customers also being found in Europe and the Commonwealth. Careful negotiations with General Dynamics and then Lockheed took place to ensure that good relations were maintained, often resulting in the American companies converting or building the new airframes, while BAe fitted the avionics and RR the engines. South Africa also used these aircraft in the late 1990's when war broke out with Zimbabwe due to Robert Mugabe's expansionist policies.

Typical load out would be AIM-9L/M's and Skyflash/AMRAAM for the air defence role, whilst ALARMs would be carried in the SEAD role. Strike aircraft were able to be fully fitted with LGB's and clearance given for the various marks of Mavericks with the TIALD pod being carried on the centreline. In foreign service, these aircraft also had chin hardpoints for other targeting pods, though the RAF also used them when they chose to replace TIALD after experience in Bosnia showed its deficiencies. Initially this was Israeli LITENING pod which offered a much improved functionality and all weather service. These aircraft were also fitted with Mauser 27mm cannons for their higher rate of fire and lower weight penalty bringing them in line with the Tornado force.

Falcon TF.4

It was decided before the FGR's were upgraded, that the aircraft in 237 OCU would be improved to allow full mission capability if needed, similar to those in Brazilian service. Problems with the software upgraded delayed the project such that Rolls-Royce were also able to offer an engine upgrade at the same time as well, resulting in the new designation TF.4. Fitted with the new Olympus 335, it had a better range the those fitted with the older engine, but retained the power output compared to the Turbofans being fitted to its full combat sibling. Taking the experience of the Brazilian and Portuguese F-16UB's (TF.2's), the aircraft were fitted with the option of a software change to allow the rear seat to be either a WSO or instructor with a simple change in programming and the removal of the second stick.

Several were acquired for the Aircraft Tactics Unit which offer DACT training for British forces. Indeed the first aircraft upgraded was painted in the scheme carried by fighter aircraft in the first part of WWII to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. These aircraft were used as supersonic replacements for the F-5 and F-20's that had been in use since the 70's and 80's respectively. It was also not unusual to see them acting as QRT aircraft to shadow Russian probes into British airspace.

Falcon FGR.5

The final mark in the British Falcon family, the FGR.5 was developed as a result of experience in the Balkans and in the early part of the Afghan campaign. Fitted with the Rolls-Royce RF 350 it has the most powerful engine fitted to an F-16 to date, producing a prodigious 165kN at full burn. This allows both super cruise and a top speed in the region of Mach 2.6 with a clean weapon load. The defences were also upgraded, with a full length spine being added to house the comprehensive Thunderhead suite. Currently one of the most advanced ECM packages available, it proved a boon when RAF forces had to be called into Libya and and when Indonesia invaded both Brunei and Papua New Guinea in an attempt to regain territory lost during the 1980's incursion. The other most obvious physical change is the use of conformal fuel tanks, which free up under wing hardpoints for larger ordinance.

Due to their power, the MTOW was raised significantly, allowing the aircraft to carry two Storm Shadow cruise missiles on the innermost points, something not possible previously. In previous years they have also been cleared to use BAe's ASRAAM and Meteor AAMs, while there have also been reports of aircraft seen carrying 18 Brimstone missiles on triple launchers. Now carrying the Sniper targeting pod, these versatile aircraft are still in much demand on the battlefield for their flexibility. Recently, they have also been cleared to carry HARMs with the addition of the HARV on a chin mount to ensure the RAF have an aircraft that operates at the top of it's field.

So far, only Australia has purchased this version in addition to the RAF. However, with India and South Africa concerned about the military build up of various neighbours, there have been inquiries into the purchase and upgrades for their respective fleets. The FGR.5 has also been entered into several purchase competitions across the world, with it currently being the favourite to be the main strike aircraft for the countries of Mexico and Poland.

With the loss of both Jaguar fleets and the threat to the Harrier fleet, there were concerns that the Falcons would be next to be targeted. However, the delays to the F-35 program have ensured that these warhorses will be soldiering on for several years, with some voices in Westminster questioning whether the much delayed replacement will actually provide the same quality service as the Falcon fleet currently provides.

Like I said, long, but hopefully it's been an interesting read!

Edited February 4, 2016 by charlie_c67

[Cookenbacher]

Very cool back story Charlie, and you've corrected a glaring omission in my builds by including two-seaters. I'm really looking forward to seeing these built.

[charlie_c67]

Back home now and the first layer's gone on to the FGR.1, not bad considering how thick I made the FGR.3's All it needs now is the Dark Sea Grey, any suggestions on a good match by Halfords?

For the FGR.3 I tried to wash the panel lines with Citadel Nuln Oil, unfortunately it went wrong. As can be seen below. Can anyone suggest a way of saving this or am I doomed to have to strip it back

[Tarkas]

Interesting backstory, and I look forward to seeing the models eventually. One minor problem that I don't think you mentioned was that the F-16 would require an upgraded (variable) intake and the associated control system (plus possible changes to the engine control system) in order to go faster than the current top speed of the Viper of M = 1.6. In fact, there was a proposal at one time for just such an intake that would allow a standard F100-engined F-16A to reach Mach 2 with no other changes, but nobody was prepared to spend the money to get the performance boost.

[Cookenbacher]

They're both looking good Charlie. I don't think you need to strip back the desert pink one, just add more weathering to cover up any spots you're not happy with. The desert jets got awful dirty, so I think you can get away with it.

[charlie_c67]

Really Tarkas? According to f-16.net the "top speed" is Mach 1.8 with a burst speed of Mach 2+/Mach2.2 depending on variant so I was going with that. Can't say I know much about aeronautical engineering so I guess I could go with the intake ramp being variable like those on the Tornado?

Cheers Cookie, I've given it a bit of a rub down with some Meths to remove some of the excess stuff. Just need to decant some of the halfords spray I've used to tidy up a bit.

I've also found a spray to try for the EDSG on the FGR.1 and future builds, what do people think?

[charlie_c67]

It seems that those in the know on 1980's RAF craft called the above grey too dark, which kinda stopped falconie things for a little while as I decided what to do next. Also allowed me time to do some work on my entries for this years WHIF group build. I then hit upon the idea of doing the FGR.1 in a winter camo as though on manoeuvres in Norway, so this is a multiple first really. First winter camo, first attempt using cling film (sort of) and first attempt at blu-tac masking. Wish me luck...

[charlie_c67]

Well, sort of success!

[charlie_c67]

It is with a slightly gutted feeling that I must report the demise of the FGR.1. Further painting issues ended up with the layers being too thick and the loss of details. Coupled to that I wasn't happy with the way the panelling over the U.S. refuelling area, something I need to address when the replacement arrives.

Thankfully I have been able to source another one cheaply and quickly, plus I've salvaged some parts that can drop straight in, such as the cockpit and all the weapons, while others are going to the bits box for future whifs.

However, the FGR.2 is still awaiting some love and I really need to make a start on the Mako for the group build. If I don't get distracted by other stuff... (Too late!)

Edited March 20, 2016 by charlie_c67

[Cookenbacher]

Sorry to hear about the FGR1 Charlie, but I bet its replacement will be all the better.

[charlie_c67]

So, after getting some mojo back with the MiB group build, I figured now was a good time to make progress with my Thunderjet FB.1 build. For a brief reminder...

"During the Korean war, it became clear that both the Meteor and the Vampire were somewhat lacking when faced with the new Mig-15. After several examples were captured and taken back to RAE Farnborough, comparison flight testing also showed that the Meteor was more suited to the ground attack role while the Vampire the interception role. These tests allowed suitable tactics to be developed and the lessons learnt applied to future designs. Unfortunately this was too late for Meteor units in the theatre, which were by now severely short on numbers. To compensate, F-84E's were loaned by the US to ensure that there was no loss in the punishing ground attacks taking place at the time, with the first squadron, No 56, receiving their mounts in mid-1951 which were known in the RAF as the Thunderjet FB.1. About 6 months later, they were replaced by the Thunderjet FB.2 which was the equivalent of the F-84G, but fitted with RR Avon engines, British avionics and four 30mm Aden cannons in place of the original Browning machine guns. Present at the Queens coronation flypast, these aircraft did not stay in service much past the end of the Korean war as they were replaced with Gloster's new dedicated ground attack Meteor, the Reaper, and so were sold on to other Commonwealth countries looking to modernise their air forces with the new technology.

In addition to Korea, these FB.2's were used by India during several conflicts of the 1950's as well as South Africa in the Border War. The last of these Anglicised Thunderjets were retired by Kenya in 1968"

Having been in and out the paint shop, all that is really left to do is varnish, decal and that's all she wrote...I hope.

Edited February 4, 2016 by charlie_c67

[charlie_c67]

Slowly pottering on with this old boy. Decals now on, just a varnish and touching up here and there and we're done!

[charlie_c67]

So the first build of 2016 is finished! One Thunderjet FB.1 reporting for duty...

More pics in the RFI section

In other news, I've finally managed to source an F-16B to round out the BAe Falcon family. This is the Hobbyboss effort, which I've seen some disparaging remarks about, but seems to compare reasonable well with the Revell entry, at least the tail and wings don't have too much of an overlap. Comparison build ahoy!

First however, I will be finishing off my GB entries as well as a quick Whif build to keep things ticking over. More to follow!

[charlie_c67]

So, coming back to this side of the world I started a Su-20 for the Brunei project. Then promptly had to stop due to simple things...like the canopy being a totally different scale from the rest of the thing, the seat being non-existent and few other things, being Mastercraft I wasn't totally surprised, but thought the parts could've at least been in register with each other!

To put aside this disappointment I thought I'd try an speed build, and here we are so far...

Yes, that's right! One side's out of register with the other... I mean seriously? In this scale it's not too hard to fix, but still an bottom.

I've also been working in the next member of Titan Flight, a Hunter FGR.85. Since it's a whif, any inaccuracies in dimensions are meaningless, something I'm very glad of! However, the pit could do with better seats, so I've had to build something up a little.

Hopefully more to come soon.

[charlie_c67]

No two ways about it, this F-20's a pig to get to look right, doesn't help that the Vallejo putty has a very long cute time and needs very fine sanding sticks to ensure there's no splitting and peeling. It looks a little better though...

I've also made progress on the hunter, but thanks to my cackhandedness the jet pipe's a bit of a mess :-(

Not sure it can be seen clearly in the pics, but need to clean it up somehow. I've also created some intake walls to make it slightly better.

And a pic of where things stand at the moment and what the planned loadout will be...

Yes that is a Little surprise in the background...

[raptormodeller]

Looks good, keep it up!

[charlie_c67]

After a small break while I went away and did DIY and real grown up stuff, I've returned to do a little more fettling on the above beasty. Never really happy with how the tailpipe was looking, I ended up cutting out the resin exhaust and replacing it with a spare from a Jaguar I have on the Stash, a little rebuilding later et voila!

Doesn't quite look like a dogs dinner now.

I've also done some more on the wings and the pylons have been attached.

At least they were...the sidewinder rails decided that they didn't wanna play and have made a bid for freedom. Luckily my flooring is currently laminate so they didn't go far, but flowery language did ensue. The paint's now been cleaned off and hopefully the poly cement will do its job this time round....

Finally I've also attached the cab to the body, had a little trouble with gaps, indeed I'm not totally happy with it even now, but I'll have to accept it's the limit of my ability for now and just try and improve next time. Really struggling to get consistency with the gap filling for unknown reasons.

More to come soon I hope!

[charlie_c67]

In other news, a hint of what will, very shortly, be appearing...