Weapons loading equipment

[Ratch]

Did/does the RAF use any of this equipment?

[Phone Phixer]

No, as a rule, not for every day use.

We did make use of the weapon transportation trailers when on detachment at Nellis for Red Flag, but that was it.

The MJ-4 "Jammer" weapon loader was used with the Phantoms, not the MJ-1 in that kit.

 

Rob.

[Ratch]

Thanks @Phone Phixer I was going to scratch some of these for weapons left over from my Harrier kits - obviously the pictures I saw were from the US and not Blighty 🙄

[Julien]

AIMS did do an RAF Type W oaders but it appears OOS

[Ratch]

I was aware of some of the AIMS stuff, but being an ignoramus on this subject, wasn't sure what would be suitable 🤪

[wrap25]

During Op Warden at Incirlik, Turkey, RAF Harrier GR7's carried 2x US CBU 87's on the outer pylons and Sidewinder 9L's on the intermediate outrigger pylons on LAU7 Launch rails.  Originally we carried Harrier GR3 Recce Pods on the centre line pylon.

[wrap25]

Because we only had one Wendy Loader at Incirlik we often borrowed USAF MJ-1 and MJ-4's for loading the Harriers.

 

Tertius Primus Erit

[Slater]

The MJ-4 was used for preloads when those were in widespread USAF use. The farm tractor tow vehicle depicted in the kit was used a lot in Vietnam, but phased out of use in the late 1970's/early 1980's timeframe. MB-4 Coleman tugs were the mainstay until the "Bobtail" tow truck came into use in the early 1980's (1982 at RAF Upper Heyford).

Edited September 19, 2024 by Slater