Combat Aircraft
Typhoon FGR4
The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 provides the RAF with a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict. Initially deployed in the air-to-air role as the Typhoon F2, the aircraft now has a potent and precise multi-role capability. The pilot can carry out many functions by voice command or through a hands-on stick and throttle system. Combined with an advanced cockpit and the HEA (helmet equipment assembly), the aircraft is superbly equipped for all aspects of air operations Taken from Royal Air Force Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence © Crown Copyright 2017 |
Tornado GR4
The Tornado GR4 is a two seat, all weather, day/night attack and reconnaissance aircraft. It has been in service with the RAF for more than 30 years, but a combination of major upgrade programmes and numerous continual enhancements has kept the aircraft amongst the forefront of all attack aircraft. Still one of the very few aircraft in the world that is able to operate at low level, day or night and in poor quality weather, the Tornado is now equipped with a modern precision-guided weapons suite and world-class reconnaissance sensors, such as the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado (RAPTOR). The aircraft also carries the Litening III Advanced Targeting Pod, which is used in both attack and reconnaissance roles. The RAF has had Tornados deployed to the Middle East region for more than 20 years – further proof of the versatility and capability of this exceptional aircraft. Taken from Royal Air Force Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence © Crown Copyright 2017 |
Lightning II
The UK MOD has taken delivery of its first Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, known in UK service as the Lightning II. The initial Lightning II deliveries will be utilised in the role of Operational Test in the United States. This 5th Generation STOVL Multi-Role supersonic stealth aircraft will provide the UK with a hugely capable and flexible weapons and sensor platform for decades to come. Designed to operate from established land bases, austere strips and the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, the Lightning II will join the Typhoon FGR4 in providing the Combat Air component of UK defence from 2018. The ability to carry a variety of weapons both internally or externally, combined with an advanced sensor suite including the AN/APG-81 AESA Radar, Electro Optical Distributed Aperture System and Electro Optical Targeting System put the UK and Lightning II at the forefront of aircraft and weapon system technology. Taken from Royal Air Force Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence © Crown Copyright 2017 |
Aircraft |
Engines |
Thrust |
Max Speed |
Length |
Max Altitude |
Span |
Aircrew |
Typhoon FGR4 |
2 Eurojet EJ200 turbojets |
20,000lbs each |
1.8Mach |
15.96m |
55,000ft |
11.09m |
1 |
Tornado GR4 |
2 RR RB199 Mk103 turbofans |
16,000lbs each |
1.3Mach |
16.72m |
50,000ft |
8.6m |
2 |
Lightning II |
Pratt and Whitney F135 Turbofan |
40,000lbs |
1.6Mach |
15.6m |
50,000ft |
10.7m |
1 |
© Air Cadet 101 - Harry Briggs