RAF Typhoons and Tornados to pair up over Syria

[Greased Lightning]

The Telegraph are reporting that RAF Typhoons and Tornados are to pair up in an attempt to avoid clashes with Russia over Syria. http://bit.ly/1R2GkaK

[speedy]

So are the Typhoons escorting the Tornados or are the Tornados lazering for the Typhoons?

Edited December 6, 2015 by speedy

[Gary West]

So are the Typhoons escorting the Tornados or are the Tornados lazering for the Typhoons?

Typhoons self designate so I wouldnt think so, perhaps more likely to be the first option if in fact true - when's the last time you saw a GR4 with self defensive ordanance (chaff aside). The report suggests the combination of both a/c capabilities work well for best results across many areas.

Edited December 6, 2015 by Gary West

[Truro Model Builder]

If, as has been mentioned somewhere else on the forum, RAF Sidewinder stocks are now time expired, the GR.4 no longer has any self defence capability as I am sure that it has never been wired to carry ASRAAM.

[Harry Lime]

If, as has been mentioned somewhere else on the forum, RAF Sidewinder stocks are now time expired, the GR.4 no longer has any self defence capability as I am sure that it has never been wired to carry ASRAAM.

Not according the RAF website, Tornado has had ASRAAM integrated.

Mark.

[4scourge7]

Tonka with ASRAAM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/RAF_Tornado_GR4_MOD_45155235.jpg

http://defense-update.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/tornado_marham1.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqMhOSy8d4I/UzyA-e9FBwI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/r8gpLiow0ig/s1600/dmb-and-asraam--1337088419.jpg

Cheers, Ian

[Truro Model Builder]

Thanks, chaps.

[Selwyn]

So are the Typhoons escorting the Tornados or are the Tornados lazering for the Typhoons?

If they are carring PW IV they dont have to laser anyway!

Selwyn

[Slater]

Isn't laser terminal guidance a bit more accurate than INS/GPS?

[John B (Sc)]

Isn't laser terminal guidance a bit more accurate than INS/GPS?

It ought to be in principle, presuming the designation work is being done correctly. The only other significant errors are due to weapon terminal guidance limitations and weapons set up. However designation offers a threat to whoever is designating, since it can reveal their whereabouts or require, in the case of an aircraft, loitering within range of potential threats.

INS has errors which build with time, and requires an accurate model of ground datum to be used; GPS is only as accurate as the ground datum model and the interpretation of photographs and /or positions, referenced to that model.

Others would be able to tell you more, though may well chose not to, for fairly obvious reasons. My comments are public knowledge, relating to the basic principles which I think I understand!

Edited December 7, 2015 by John B (Sc)

[Slater]

True, although JDAM sems to work pretty well with just INS/GPS. Laser JDAM seems to be an effort to squeeze a bit more accuracy out of what appears to be a pretty accurate weapon already.