Alternative GB army/marines types

retro_seventies · November 13, 2006, 10:54:51 AM

The Shorts (cessna) Skymaster AOP mk 3 gave sterling service in Europe and Northern Ireland and was a marked improvement on the Skymaster Mk 1.

Archibald · November 13, 2006, 11:51:34 AM

cool profiles! Just love the FLIR below the cockpit

Damian2 · November 13, 2006, 01:19:56 PM

Sweet profile! I see nothing dodgy with it!

retro_seventies · November 13, 2006, 09:12:57 PM

The Westland Mercia (Sikorsky S-56) was a fine addition to RAF, RN, and Royal Marine forces, serving alongside the Wessex, and later, Seaking. The last british piston engined helicopter can be seen here operating in a SAR role, these reliable and sturdy helicopters gave sterling service for many years, with a large number passing into civilian hands in the early 1980's.

More to come...

nev · November 14, 2006, 11:37:58 AM

now that is an impressively imaginative profile!

retro_seventies · November 17, 2006, 07:45:58 PM

DeHavilland Chipmunk AOP Mk 1 - replaces the Auster as the standard british army AOP, and gave sterling service until replaced by the Shorts Skymaster.

May, 1957: DeHavilland Chipmunk "Nasty Nelly" seen here returning home during as glorious Burma sunset after a busy afternoon spotting for artillery units.

Next few will be easier on the eye and a little more off the wall.

Maverick · November 19, 2006, 02:41:17 AM

QuoteThe Westland Mercia (Sikorsky S-56) was a fine addition to RAF, RN, and Royal Marine forces, serving alongside the Wessex, and later, Seaking. The last british piston engined helicopter can be seen here operating in a SAR role, these reliable and sturdy helicopters gave sterling service for many years, with a large number passing into civilian hands in the early 1980's.

More to come...

that Mojave is the ducks guts... it absolutely rocks.... i could imagine a swag of em... including a RAN bird 2...

retro_seventies · November 19, 2006, 04:08:55 PM

In the early 1960's, the french Breguet 121 was considered suitable for development as a precision attack and recce aircraft for the Royal Air Force. The long and protracted development of the type though, coupled with its poor spin recovery characteristics, led the RAF to look elsewhere (despite the Breguet 121's long and successful career with the Aeronavale and Armee de l'Air) for it's new bomb truck.

Grumman and British Aerospace worked together to produce the aircraft seen below, based on the Prowler's 4 seater airframe, but with the rear cockpit area used for fuel and mission avionics instead. Proving to be reliable, popular with it's crews, and as tough as old boots, the Defender saw service in the Falklands conflict, Operation Desert Storm, and is seen here returning from a mission in the former Yugoslavia.

Depicted above is the British Aerospace Defender GR mk 3, with uprated Rolls Royce turbofans, all glass cockpit, and new avionics suite, including LLTV and a laser rangefinder/designator.

The defender has proved ideal as a carrier for the Stormshadow ALCM, and is cleared to use the JDAM.

The Rat · November 19, 2006, 07:24:13 PM

You know, I could see that Mercia/Mojave getting turboshafts installed...

retro_seventies · November 19, 2006, 07:58:42 PM

the weekend's not over yet!

rallymodeller · November 19, 2006, 08:03:23 PM

QuoteIn the early 1960's, the french Breguet 121 was considered suitable for development as a precision attack and recce aircraft for the Royal Air Force. The long and protracted development of the type though, coupled with its poor spin recovery characteristics, led the RAF to look elsewhere (despite the Breguet 121's long and successful career with the Aeronavale and Armee de l'Air) for it's new bomb truck.

Grumman and British Aerospace worked together to produce the aircraft seen below, based on the Prowler's 4 seater airframe, but with the rear cockpit area used for fuel and mission avionics instead. Proving to be reliable, popular with it's crews, and as tough as old boots, the Defender saw service in the Falklands conflict, Operation Desert Storm, and is seen here returning from a mission in the former Yugoslavia.

[sweet-assed profile]

Depicted above is the British Aerospace Defender GR mk 3, with uprated Rolls Royce turbofans, all glass cockpit, and new avionics suite, including LLTV and a laser rangefinder/designator.

The defender has proved ideal as a carrier for the Stormshadow ALCM, and is cleared to use the JDAM.

Dammit, get out of my head! I was thinking of something similar for my Hase Prowler (blocking out the rear canopy, added wing hardpoints, taller fin or ventral strake, weaps bay)

Anyone got a 1/72 Intruder that they're willing to donate the tail from?

retro_seventies · November 19, 2006, 08:11:47 PM

i already have one half built and had to buy a super cheapo donor intruder for bits and bobs (including the tail) - but you know me (world's least prolific builder) so i have NO doubt that you'll finish b4 me! :dum:

retro_seventies · November 20, 2006, 08:12:10 PM

The Westland Cheyenne was a welcome addition to British Army and Royal Marine units, and was the first dedicated attack helicopter in service with the armed forces of the UK.

Entering service in 1979, the Cheyenne performed without fault in the Falklands campaign, with the only losses of the type coming not from ground fire, but from the half dozen that were aboard the Atlantic Conveyor (along with 5 Westland Mercia heavy lift helicopters - 6 were on board, but one survivor "Bravo November" managed to make it off).

Seen here in Operation Granby colours, the Cheyenne AH.1 was later upgraded to Cheyenne AH.3 specs with the introduction of a mast mounted sight, uprated engines, IR reducing exhausts, improved gunner's position, and new cannon. With regards to weapons fit, Brimstone and Hellfire missiles have replaced the TOW missile for the most part. The type is also compatiple with the ALARM anti radiation missile.

The AH.3 continues to serve with the Army and Marines, and at present is working hard in Afghanistan and Iraq.