Air International 2007-11
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J.Lake - Jaguar Retirement - An RAF Capability Gap? /Military/
To mark (no pun intended) the Jaguar's withdrawal from service, 6 Sqn GR.3A XX119 was painted to represent its spotted namesake. As a fitting tribute to the many units that operated the Jaguar, their crests are carried on the rudder.
For its medium-level reconnaissance role during Operation Warden (monitoring the Iraq northern no-fly zone) from 1991-1993, the Jaguars were equipped with a centre-line-mounted EO GP1 reconnaissance pod.
This view of a Jaguar at low-level clearly shows the overwing missile rails. This unconventional fit was originally conceived for the Jaguar International programme and was first applied to RAF Jaguars for their role in Operation Granby. It permits the outer underwing pylons to be used for other stores including Sidewinders, electronic warfare jamming pods or Phimat chaff/flare dispensers.
RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, was the home of the Jaguar force for some 32 years. This 41 Sqn aircraft was photographed over the airfield shortly before the squadron left the station in April 2006.
These two 6 Sqn aircraft illustrate a little of the Jaguar’s weapons and systems capabilities. The nearest aircraft is carrying a TIALD laser-designator pod under its starboard wing and the farthest has a load of two 1,000lb bombs on its centre-line station.
Cockpit of a Jaguar GR.3A. Note the prominent 6in x 8in active matrix liquid crystal display in the centre of the instrument panel. In combination with the IDM datalink, it was able to provide the pilot with excellent tactical situation awareness.
QinetiQ operates the last Jaguar still flying in the UK, T.2B XX833. It is seen here taking off from RAF Fairford, where it was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo in July this year. The logo 'IX' on the nose is the name of a department within QinetiQ. This aircraft is scheduled for retirement in December 2007.