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Subject:
UK ASMs - Air launched Harpoon?
Iano
6/9/2005 7:21:39 AM
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Now that Sea Eagle has been removed from service, I don't see how the RAF could attack shipping, except through the use of its Nimrods. However the Nimrod fleet will number 12, and that is a very small number, and they are likely to find themselves on other work, ASW, SAR, maritime ISR. The RAFs force of fast jets, in fact EVERY airframe apart from these small number of Nimrods, are unable to take on shipping.
Why not mount the Harpoon, already in service with the Nimrods and various USN aircraft as an ASM, on fast jets such as the Tornados and Eurofighters (whenever they might be in-service). If this is not possible then the return of Sea Eagle needs to be considered. Otherwise the RAF becomes a force primarily for providing ground attack and CAS to the Army, an extension of the Army Air Corp, and maritime air goes neglected.
Equally the Harriers that will be embarked on the Invincible carriers, and the new JSF, need ASMs. We currently have Harriers operating from flightdecks that carry only bombs for ground attack, no anti shipping weapons! The only ASM in RN service that I can see is the Sea Skua, whilst very successful in its field this is launched from Lynx light helos against patrol boats and fast attack craft... This, despite the fact that our naval forces are organised to protecting the carrier so its air group can deliver the all-important, decisive ASUW punch against an enemy navy!
So why not an air-to-surface missile for the RAF and RN?
Ian
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