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    <title>&quot;low flying in wales by Andrew Chittock&quot; (by Andrew Chittock)</title>
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      <title>low flying in wales by Andrew Chittock | Andrew Chittock</title>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/Andrew Chittock</link>
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      <title>The Harrier is used br the RAF in the air support role and is the latest in a long line of Jump-jets. </title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040290/andrew-chittock_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Harrier is used br the RAF in the air support role and is the latest in a long line of Jump-jets. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040290'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
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      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:36:47 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040290</link>
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      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040290/andrew-chittock_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Harrier is used br the RAF in the air support role and is the latest in a long line of Jump-jets. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040290'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040290/andrew-chittock_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
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      <title>The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040293/DSC_1197_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040293'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040293</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:39:19 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040293</link>
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      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040293/DSC_1197_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040293'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040293/DSC_1197_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
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      <title>The F-15E Strike Eagle is a American all-weather ground attack strike fighter. It was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. The Strike Eagle, a major derivative of the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter proved its worth in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force, carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries. United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040296/HDR1_copy_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The F-15E Strike Eagle is a American all-weather ground attack strike fighter. It was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. The Strike Eagle, a major derivative of the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter proved its worth in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force, carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries. United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040296'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040296</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:43:39 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040296</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040296/HDR1_copy.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="413" width="562"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040296/HDR1_copy_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The F-15E Strike Eagle is a American all-weather ground attack strike fighter. It was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. The Strike Eagle, a major derivative of the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter proved its worth in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force, carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries. United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040296'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040296/HDR1_copy.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
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      <title>The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040299/DSC_1275_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040299'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040299</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:46:01 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040299</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040299/DSC_1275_large.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="1200" width="1806"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040299/DSC_1275_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040299'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040299/DSC_1275_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
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    <item>
      <title>The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040302/DSC_1380_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040302'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040302</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:47:25 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040302</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040302/DSC_1380_large.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="1200" width="1800"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040302/DSC_1380_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040302'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040302/DSC_1380_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
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    <item>
      <title>Typhoon will provide the RAF with a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from air policing, to peace support, through to high intensity conflict.Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain formally agreed to start development of the aircraft in 1988 with contracts for a first batch of 148 aircraft &#8211; of which 55 are for the RAF &#8211; signed ten years later. Deliveries to the RAF started in 2003 to 17(R) Sqn, based at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire, alongside the factory in which the aircraft are assembled, while detailed development and testing of the aircraft was carried out. Formal activation of the Typhoon Squadron at RAF Coningsby occurred on the 1st Jul 2005, with operational employment expected to be declared later on this decade. An incremental acquisition has always been envisaged resulting in a true multi-role weapon system.Initial production aircraft of the F2 standard will be deployed primarily as air-superiority fighters, but will quickly be equipped with a potent precision ground-attack capability. Armament will include the long-range Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the UK-developed Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and various air-to-ground weapons. They will succeed in service the RAF&#8217;s Tornado F3 and Jaguar aircraft.Following the 55 Tranche 1 aircraft, the RAF is due to receive 89 Tranche 2 aircraft with capacity to be upgraded to deliver further enhanced ground-attack capability and the Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. Earlier Tranche 1 aircraft will be upgraded to this standard.Negotiations were concluded in late 2004 on a contract for the Tranche 2 batch and the placing of a &#163;4.3 billion contract for 89 aircraft was announced that December. Commitment to Tranche 3 procurement is not expected for some years. The MoD is planning for the introduction of multi-role Tranche 2 aircraft with improved ground-attack capabilities, introduced under a pla</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040305/DSC_1243_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Typhoon will provide the RAF with a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from air policing, to peace support, through to high intensity conflict.Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain formally agreed to start development of the aircraft in 1988 with contracts for a first batch of 148 aircraft &#8211; of which 55 are for the RAF &#8211; signed ten years later. Deliveries to the RAF started in 2003 to 17(R) Sqn, based at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire, alongside the factory in which the aircraft are assembled, while detailed development and testing of the aircraft was carried out. Formal activation of the Typhoon Squadron at RAF Coningsby occurred on the 1st Jul 2005, with operational employment expected to be declared later on this decade. An incremental acquisition has always been envisaged resulting in a true multi-role weapon system.Initial production aircraft of the F2 standard will be deployed primarily as air-superiority fighters, but will quickly be equipped with a potent precision ground-attack capability. Armament will include the long-range Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the UK-developed Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and various air-to-ground weapons. They will succeed in service the RAF&#8217;s Tornado F3 and Jaguar aircraft.Following the 55 Tranche 1 aircraft, the RAF is due to receive 89 Tranche 2 aircraft with capacity to be upgraded to deliver further enhanced ground-attack capability and the Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. Earlier Tranche 1 aircraft will be upgraded to this standard.Negotiations were concluded in late 2004 on a contract for the Tranche 2 batch and the placing of a &#163;4.3 billion contract for 89 aircraft was announced that December. Commitment to Tranche 3 procurement is not expected for some years. The MoD is planning for the introduction of multi-role Tranche 2 aircraft with improved ground-attack capabilities, introduced under a pla&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040305'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040305</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:49:35 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040305</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040305/DSC_1243_large.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="1200" width="1804"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040305/DSC_1243_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Typhoon will provide the RAF with a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from air policing, to peace support, through to high intensity conflict.Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain formally agreed to start development of the aircraft in 1988 with contracts for a first batch of 148 aircraft &#8211; of which 55 are for the RAF &#8211; signed ten years later. Deliveries to the RAF started in 2003 to 17(R) Sqn, based at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire, alongside the factory in which the aircraft are assembled, while detailed development and testing of the aircraft was carried out. Formal activation of the Typhoon Squadron at RAF Coningsby occurred on the 1st Jul 2005, with operational employment expected to be declared later on this decade. An incremental acquisition has always been envisaged resulting in a true multi-role weapon system.Initial production aircraft of the F2 standard will be deployed primarily as air-superiority fighters, but will quickly be equipped with a potent precision ground-attack capability. Armament will include the long-range Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the UK-developed Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and various air-to-ground weapons. They will succeed in service the RAF&#8217;s Tornado F3 and Jaguar aircraft.Following the 55 Tranche 1 aircraft, the RAF is due to receive 89 Tranche 2 aircraft with capacity to be upgraded to deliver further enhanced ground-attack capability and the Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. Earlier Tranche 1 aircraft will be upgraded to this standard.Negotiations were concluded in late 2004 on a contract for the Tranche 2 batch and the placing of a &#163;4.3 billion contract for 89 aircraft was announced that December. Commitment to Tranche 3 procurement is not expected for some years. The MoD is planning for the introduction of multi-role Tranche 2 aircraft with improved ground-attack capabilities, introduced under a pla&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040305'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040305/DSC_1243_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>100ft + 450 knots + No Warning = Five second adrenalin rush</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040308/DSC_2112_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;100ft + 450 knots + No Warning = Five second adrenalin rush&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040308'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040308</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:51:10 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040308</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040308/DSC_2112.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="513" width="634"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040308/DSC_2112_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;100ft + 450 knots + No Warning = Five second adrenalin rush&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040308'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040308/DSC_2112.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Hawk first entered service with the RAF in 1976, both as an advanced flying-training aircraft and a weapons-training aircraft. The Hawk T1 version is currently used at RAF Valley for fast-jet pilot advanced flying training with No 208(R) Squadron, and at RAF Scampton by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. The T1A is used for weapons and tactical training on No 19(R) Squadron at RAF Valley, and by No 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming for advanced fast-jet weapons systems officer training and operational support- flying. In its weapons and tactical training role the Hawk is used to teach air combat, air-to-air firing, air-to-ground firing and low-flying techniques and operational procedures.The Hawk is an all-metal, low-wing, tandem seat aircraft of conventional design. The wing has a moderate sweep with 2&#186; dihedral and trailing edge slotted flaps. A one-piece all-moving tailplane is also swept back with 10&#186; dihedral. The fuselage comprises three main parts. The front fuselage accommodates two equipment bays and a pressurised cabin containing two tandem cockpits. The centre fuselage contains the engine, a fuselage fuel tank, a gas turbine starting system and a ram air turbine; the latter providing emergency hydraulic power should the two normal hydraulic systems fail. The rear fuselage houses the jet pipe bay and an airbrake hinged to its under surface.The Hawk is powered by a Rolls- Royce Turbomeca Adour 151 turbofan engine, which is an un-reheated version of the engine powering the Jaguar GR3 aircraft.While the Hawk T1 is used solely in the advanced flying-training role, the Hawk T1A is equipped to an operational standard and is capable of undertaking a number of war roles. The T1A has two under-wing pylons cleared to carry BL755 cluster bombs or Sidewinder AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, and can carry a 30mm Aden cannon in a pod underneath the fuselage centre-line. The cannon can be fired at the same time as any of the pylon-mounted weapons are selected for releas</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040311/RAF_Hawk310110_003_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Hawk first entered service with the RAF in 1976, both as an advanced flying-training aircraft and a weapons-training aircraft. The Hawk T1 version is currently used at RAF Valley for fast-jet pilot advanced flying training with No 208(R) Squadron, and at RAF Scampton by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. The T1A is used for weapons and tactical training on No 19(R) Squadron at RAF Valley, and by No 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming for advanced fast-jet weapons systems officer training and operational support- flying. In its weapons and tactical training role the Hawk is used to teach air combat, air-to-air firing, air-to-ground firing and low-flying techniques and operational procedures.The Hawk is an all-metal, low-wing, tandem seat aircraft of conventional design. The wing has a moderate sweep with 2&#186; dihedral and trailing edge slotted flaps. A one-piece all-moving tailplane is also swept back with 10&#186; dihedral. The fuselage comprises three main parts. The front fuselage accommodates two equipment bays and a pressurised cabin containing two tandem cockpits. The centre fuselage contains the engine, a fuselage fuel tank, a gas turbine starting system and a ram air turbine; the latter providing emergency hydraulic power should the two normal hydraulic systems fail. The rear fuselage houses the jet pipe bay and an airbrake hinged to its under surface.The Hawk is powered by a Rolls- Royce Turbomeca Adour 151 turbofan engine, which is an un-reheated version of the engine powering the Jaguar GR3 aircraft.While the Hawk T1 is used solely in the advanced flying-training role, the Hawk T1A is equipped to an operational standard and is capable of undertaking a number of war roles. The T1A has two under-wing pylons cleared to carry BL755 cluster bombs or Sidewinder AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, and can carry a 30mm Aden cannon in a pod underneath the fuselage centre-line. The cannon can be fired at the same time as any of the pylon-mounted weapons are selected for releas&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040311'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040311</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:52:36 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040311</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040311/RAF_Hawk310110_003_large.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="1200" width="1799"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040311/RAF_Hawk310110_003_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Hawk first entered service with the RAF in 1976, both as an advanced flying-training aircraft and a weapons-training aircraft. The Hawk T1 version is currently used at RAF Valley for fast-jet pilot advanced flying training with No 208(R) Squadron, and at RAF Scampton by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. The T1A is used for weapons and tactical training on No 19(R) Squadron at RAF Valley, and by No 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming for advanced fast-jet weapons systems officer training and operational support- flying. In its weapons and tactical training role the Hawk is used to teach air combat, air-to-air firing, air-to-ground firing and low-flying techniques and operational procedures.The Hawk is an all-metal, low-wing, tandem seat aircraft of conventional design. The wing has a moderate sweep with 2&#186; dihedral and trailing edge slotted flaps. A one-piece all-moving tailplane is also swept back with 10&#186; dihedral. The fuselage comprises three main parts. The front fuselage accommodates two equipment bays and a pressurised cabin containing two tandem cockpits. The centre fuselage contains the engine, a fuselage fuel tank, a gas turbine starting system and a ram air turbine; the latter providing emergency hydraulic power should the two normal hydraulic systems fail. The rear fuselage houses the jet pipe bay and an airbrake hinged to its under surface.The Hawk is powered by a Rolls- Royce Turbomeca Adour 151 turbofan engine, which is an un-reheated version of the engine powering the Jaguar GR3 aircraft.While the Hawk T1 is used solely in the advanced flying-training role, the Hawk T1A is equipped to an operational standard and is capable of undertaking a number of war roles. The T1A has two under-wing pylons cleared to carry BL755 cluster bombs or Sidewinder AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, and can carry a 30mm Aden cannon in a pod underneath the fuselage centre-line. The cannon can be fired at the same time as any of the pylon-mounted weapons are selected for releas&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040311'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040311/RAF_Hawk310110_003_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107</title>
      <description>&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040349/DSC_1381_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040349'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <guid>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040349</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:14:48 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040349</link>
      <media:content url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040349/DSC_1381_large.jpg" type="image/pjpeg" height="1200" width="1804"/>
      <media:text type="html">&lt;img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040349/DSC_1381_small.jpg' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs and BL755 cluster bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1040349'&gt;view full-size image&lt;/a&gt;</media:text>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1040349/DSC_1381_large.jpg"/>
      <media:credit role="author">Andrew Chittock</media:credit>
    </item>
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