Wednesday, July 31, 2013

SEPECAT Jaguar

SEPECAT Jaguar

The SEPECAT Jaguar is an Anglo-French jet ground attack aircraft, originally used by the British Royal Air Force and the French Armée de l'Air in the close air support and nuclear strike role, and still in service with several export customers, notably the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman.
Originally conceived in the 1960s as jet trainer with a light ground attack capability, the requirement for the aircraft soon changed to include supersonic performance, reconnaissance and tactical nuclear strike roles. A carrier-based variant was also planned for French service, but this was cancelled in favour of the cheaper Dassault Super Étendard. The airframes were manufactured by SEPECAT (Société Européenne de Production de l'avion Ecole de Combat et d'Appui Tactique), a joint venture between Breguet and the British Aircraft Corporation, one of the first major joint-Anglo-French military aircraft programs.
The Jaguar was successfully exported to India, Oman, Ecuador and Nigeria. With various airforces, the Jaguar was used in numerous conflicts and military operations in Mauritania, Chad, Iraq, Bosnia, and Pakistan, as well as providing a ready nuclear delivery platform for Britain, France, and India throughout the latter half of the Cold War and beyond. In the Gulf War, the Jaguar was praised for its reliability and was a valuable coalition resource. The aircraft served with the Armée de l'Air as the main strike/attack aircraft until 1 July 2005, and with the Royal Air Force until the end of April 2007. It was replaced by the Panavia Tornado and the Eurofighter Typhoon in the RAF and the Dassault Rafale in the Armée de l'Air. India plans in the long term to replace its Jaguar fleet with the developing Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Background

The Jaguar program began in the early 1960s, in response to a British requirement (Air Staff Target 362) for an advanced supersonic jet trainer to replace the Folland Gnat T1 and Hawker Hunter T7, and a French requirement (ECAT or École de Combat et d'Appui Tactique, "Tactical Combat Support Trainer") for a cheap, subsonic dual role trainer and light attack aircraft to replace the Fouga Magister, Lockheed T-33 and Dassault Mystère IV.[1][3] In both countries several companies tendered designs: BAC, Hunting, Hawker Siddeley and Folland in Britain; Breguet, Potez, Sud-Aviation, Nord, and Dassault from France.[4] A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in May 1965 for the two countries to develop two aircraft, a trainer based on the ECAT, and the larger AFVG (Anglo-French Variable Geometry).[4]
Cross-channel negotiations led to the formation of SEPECAT (Société Européenne de Production de l'Avion d'École de Combat et d'Appui Tactique – the "European company for the production of a combat trainer and tactical support aircraft"[5]) in 1966 as a joint venture between Breguet[N 1] and the British Aircraft Corporation to produce the airframe. Though based in part on the Breguet Br.121, using the same basic configuration and an innovative French designed landing gear, the Jaguar as built also incorporated major elements designed by BAC - notably the wing and high lift devices.[6] Production of the aircraft components would be split between Breguet and BAC and these would be assembled on two production lines; one in the UK and one in France,[7] however there would be no duplication of work, each component for the aircraft had only one source.[8] The British trainer requirement had been more demanding, requiring supersonic performance and superior avionics; as a result, the Br.121 needed a thinner wing, increased weapon load and more power, the latter to meet the RAF's ferry range of 2,600 miles (4,200 km).[9] A separate partnership was made between Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca to develop the Adour afterburning turbofan engine.[10][11] The Br.121 was proposed with Turbomeca's Tourmalet engine for ECAT but Breguet preferred the RR RB.172 and their joint venture would use elements of both. The new engine, which would be used for the AFVG as well, would be built in Derby and Tarnos.[12]
Previous collaborative efforts between Britain and France had been complicated – the AFVG programme ended in cancellation, and controversy surrounded the development of the supersonic airliner Concorde.[13] Whilst the technical collaboration between BAC and Breguet went well,[14] when Dassault took over Breguet in 1971 it encouraged acceptance of its own designs, such as the Super Étendard naval attack aircraft and the Mirage F1, for which it would receive more profit, over the Anglo-French Jaguar.[13][15]
The initial plan was for Britain to buy 150 Jaguar "B" trainers, with its strike requirements being met by the advanced BAC-Dassault AFVG aircraft, with France to buy 75 "E" trainers (école) and 75 "A" single-seat strike attack aircraft (appui). Dassault, however, favoured its own Mirage G aircraft above the collaborative AFVG, and in June 1967, France cancelled the AFVG on cost grounds.[16] This left a gap in the RAF's planned strike capabilities for the 1970s;[16] however, at the same time as France's cancellation of the AFVG, Germany was expressing a serious interest in the Jaguar,[17] and thus the design became more oriented towards the low-level strike role.[18] Whilst Germany did not join the program, the RAF chose to purchase a strike version of the Jaguar to replace the AFVG, and the British order was modified to 90 "S" strike and 110 "B" trainers.[citation needed]
By October 1970, the RAF's requirements had changed to 165 single-seat strike aircraft and 35 trainers.[14] The Jaguar was to replace the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 in the close air support, tactical reconnaissance and tactical strike roles, freeing the Phantom to be used for air defence.[19] Both the French and British trainer requirements had developed significantly, and were eventually fulfilled instead by the Alpha Jet and Hawker Siddeley Hawk respectively.[20] The French, meanwhile, had chosen the Jaguar to replace the Aeronavale's Dassault Étendard IV, and increased their order to include an initial 40 of a carrier-capable maritime version of the Jaguar, the Jaguar M, for the Aeronavale.[9] From these apparently disparate aims would come a single and entirely different aircraft: relatively high-tech, supersonic, and optimised for ground-attack in a high-threat environment.[21]

Prototypes

The first of eight prototypes flew on 8 September 1968, a two-seat design fitted with the first production model Adour engine.[22][23] This aircraft later went supersonic on its third flight but was lost on landing on 26 March 1970 following an engine fire.[24] The second prototype flew in February 1969; a total of three prototypes appeared in flight at the Paris Air Show that year. The first French "A" prototype flew in March 1969. In October a British "S" conducted its first flight.[8]
An "M" prototype flew in November 1969. The "M" had a strengthened airframe, an arrestor hook and different undercarriage: twin nosewheel and single mainwheels. After testing in France it went to RAE at Thurleigh for carrier landing trials from their land based catapult. In July 1970 it made real take offs and landings from the French carrier Clemenceau. From these trials there were doubts about the throttle response in case of an aborted landing; the shipboard testing has also revealed problems with the aircraft's handling when flying on one engine, although planned engine improvements were to have rectified these problems.[15] The "M" was considered a suitable replacement for the Etendard IV but the Aeronavale would only be able to purchase 60 instead of 100 aircraft.[25]
Furthermore, the Jaguar M was expensive, limiting the size of the force the French Navy could afford. In 1971, Dassault proposed the Super Étendard, claiming that it was a simpler and cheap development of the existing Étendard IV, and in 1973, the French Navy agreed to order it instead of the Jaguar, although rising costs of the Super Étendard meant that only 71 of the planned 100 aircraft were purchased.[15] The M was cancelled by the French government in 1973.


Overview

RAF Jaguar T4 in flight displaying underside, 1,187 litre tanks and CBLS (carrier, bomb, light store) fitted to its underwing pylons.
The Jaguar is an orthodox single-seat, swept-wing, twin-engine monoplane design, with tall tricycle type retractable landing gear.[6] In its original configuration, it had a maximum take-off weight in the 15 tonne class;[27] and could manage a combat radius on internal fuel alone of 850 km (530 mi), giving the Jaguar a greater operational range than competitor aircraft such as the Mikoyan MiG-27.[28] The aircraft had hardpoints fitted for an external weapons load of up to 10,000 lb (4,500 kg),[27] typical weapons fitted included the MATRA LR.F2 rocket pod, BAP 100-mm bombs, MATRA AS37 anti-radar missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and Rockeye cluster bombs.[29][30][31] The RAF's Jaguars gained several new weapons during the Gulf War, including CRV7 high-velocity rockets and American CBU-87 cluster bombs.[32] Finally the Jaguar was equipped with either a pair of French DEFA cannons,[33] or alternatively British Aden cannons.[34]
The Jaguar International had the unusual optional provision for overwing pylons, used for short-range air-to-air missiles, such as the Matra R550 Magic or the AIM-9 Sidewinder. This option frees up the under-wing pylons for other weapons and stores. RAF Jaguars gained overwing pylons in the build up to Operation Granby in 1990,[35] but French Jaguars were not modified.[36] The RAF's Jaguar 97s were intended to be wired for the carriage of ASRAAMs on the overwing launchers, but clearance of this weapon was never completed due to funding cuts.[37][38]

Engine

The SEPECAT Jaguar is powered by the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan engine, which was developed in parallel and primarily for the Jaguar. A separate partnership was made between Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca to develop the Adour, a two-shaft turbofan engine equipped with afterburners.[10] Twin engines were selected for survivability; ease of maintenance was a major consideration, an engine change being possible within 30 minutes. For the Jaguars it needed a high-bypass capable of high thrust for take-off, supersonic flight and low level "dashes".[39]
RAF Jaguar GR3 during mid-air refueling.
When the first prototype Jaguar flew on 8 September 1968, it was also the first flight for the engine.[22] In its initial development the Adour engine had complications with the stability of the afterburner system,[40] and shipboard testing showed slow throttle response times, problematic in the situation of an aborted landing; engine improvements rectified these problems prior to the Jaguar coming into service.[15] In French service, the Jaguars were introduced using the original Mk.101 engine. RAF Jaguars entered service using the Mk.102 engine, mainly featuring better afterburner-throttle control over the Mk.101.[41] in 1974, the RAF later had their Jaguars re-engined around 1983 with improved Adour Mk.104, and again in 1999 with the Mk.106, each providing greater performance.[42][43]
The Adour was developed into both afterburning and non-afterburning models;[44] the BAE Hawk, which had beaten the Jaguar to fulfill the Air Staff Target 362 trainer requirement, also adopted the non-afterburning Adour engine developed for the Jaguar.[44] The Adour engine found use in several aircraft abroad, such as the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk, the Mitsubishi T-2, and the Mitsubishi F-1(which resembles the Jaguar).[45] Even following the Jaguar's retirement in Europe, the Adour continues to be an active product with new variants being developed.[44][46] As of 2011, the Indian Air Force is yet to choose between either the Adour Mk.821s or Honeywell F125IN engines, as it intends to upgrade 120 Jaguars by fitting more powerful engines.[46]

Avionics

Cockpit of an RAF Jaguar GR3A.
While in operational theatres such as the Gulf War the Jaguar proved to be mechanically more reliable than the Panavia Tornado, the aircraft's avionics were a hindrance to conducting missions.[47] Due to the Jaguar's original shortcomings in navigation and target acquisition, French Jaguars had to be escorted by Dassault Mirage F1CR reconnaissance aircraft to act as guides for the Jaguars, Jaguars had provided a valuable component of the campaign, the RAF detachment of 12 Jaguars flew 612 combat sorties, with no aircraft being lost.[48] However significant changes were made both during and shortly after the war.[49]
Due to obsolete navigational systems being unable to provide the accuracy required, both French and British Jaguars were quickly modified with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, a recent technology at the time.[50] Prior to 1995 NATO bombing campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina known as Operation Deliberate Force, a dozen Jaguars were upgraded with the capability to carry the TIALD laser designator pod and redesignated Jaguar GR1B or T2B respectively.[51] Shortly afterwards, the RAF upgraded its Jaguar fleet to a common standard, incorporating TIALD and the ability to use new reconnaissance pods. The interim GR3 (Jaguar 96) upgrade added a new HUD, a new hand controller and stick top, integrated GPS and TERPROM Terrain Referenced Navigation.[49][52] The further upgraded Jaguar GR3A introduced the new EO GP1 (JRP) digital reconnaissance pod, a helmet mounted sight, improved cockpit displays, a datalink, and improved night vision goggles compatibility.[53]
A single Jaguar was converted into the Jaguar Active Control Technology (ACT) with fly-by-wire controls and aerodynamic alterations to the airframe; the aerodynamic instability improved manoeuvrability and the test data was used in the development of the Eurofighter.[54]



Variants

Jaguar A
Single-seat all-weather tactical strike, ground-attack fighter version for the French Air Force, two prototypes and 160 production aircraft built.[55]
Jaguar B / Jaguar T2
Two-seat training version for the Royal Air Force, one prototype and 38 production aircraft built.[42] Capable of secondary role of strike and ground attack.[111] Two flown by Empire Test Pilots School and one by Institute of Aviation Medicine. Equipped for inflight refuelling and with a single Aden cannon.[112]
Jaguar T2A
Jaguar T2 upgrade similar to GR1A, 14 conversions from T2.[42]
Jaguar T2B
two Jaguar T2A aircraft given TIALD capability.[79] An "unofficial" designation.[113]
A Jaguar T4 two seat trainer of the Royal Air Force
Jaguar T4
Jaguar T2A upgraded to Jaguar 96 standard.[114]
Jaguar E
Two-seat training version for the French Air Force, two prototypes and 40 production aircraft built.[55]
Jaguar S / Jaguar GR1
Single-seat all-weather tactical strike, ground-attack fighter version for the Royal Air Force, 165 built.[42] Equipped with NAVigation And Weapon Aiming Sub-System (NAVWASS) for attacking without use of radar. Ferranti "laser ranger and marked target seeker" added to nose during production[115] Engines replaced by Adour Mk 104 from 1978.[112]
Jaguar GR1A
Jaguar GR1 with navigation (NAVWASS II), chaff/flare, ECM and Sidewinder capability upgrades, 75 conversions from GR1.[42][113]
Sepecat Jaguar GR3A of 41 Sqn RAF, at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, England.
Jaguar GR1B
Ten GR1 aircraft modified to carry TIALD pods.[79]
Jaguar GR3
Jaguar 96 avionics upgrade to GR1A.[114]
Jaguar GR3A
Jaguar 97 avionics upgrade to GR1B/GR3.[114]
Jaguar M
Single-seat naval strike prototype for the French Navy, one built.[55]
Jaguar Active Control Technology
One Jaguar converted into a research aircraft.
Jaguar International
Export versions based on either the Jaguar S or Jaguar B.
Jaguar ES
Export version of the Jaguar S for the Ecuadorian Air Force, 10 built.[116]
Jaguar EB
Export version of the Jaguar B for the Ecuadorian Air Force, two built.[116]
Jaguar S(O)
Export version of the Jaguar S for the Royal Air Force of Oman, 20 built.[117]
Jaguar B(O)
Export version of the Jaguar B for the Royal Air Force of Oman, four built.[117]
Jaguar IS
Single-seat all-weather tactical strike, ground-attack fighter for the Indian Air Force, 35 built by BAe[89] and 89 built by HAL (Shamser).[95]
Jaguar IB
Two-seat training version for the Indian Air Force, five built by BAe[89] and 27 built by HAL.[95]
Jaguar IM
Single-seat maritime anti-shipping aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Fitted with Agave radar and capable of carrying Sea Eagle anti-ship missile,[89] 12 built by HAL.[95]
Jaguar SN
Export version of the Jaguar S for the Nigerian Air Force, 13 built.[117]
Jaguar BN
Export version of the Jaguar B for the Nigerian Air Force, five built.





General characteristics
Performance
Armament

 From Wikipedia

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