Why do we need Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)? What is the difference between them?

Typhoon and JSF will become the fast air component to any future operations as replacements for Tornado F3, Harrier and Tornado GR4 as they approach their out of service dates. They represent step changes in combat air capability and will significantly enhance the ability of the RAF to meet current and emerging threats in an uncertain world. Both aircraft will be capable of Multi-Role missions however their specialisations lie in different areas with Typhoon possessing electrifying performance and a superior air combat ability, and JSF equipped with advanced sensor and stealth abilities. As such they are able to complement each other without compromising on overall capability. Whilst either aircraft can fulfil any given task, the combination of the two provides a degree of flexibility or a winning combination when they operate together.

Why do we need fast jets in Afghanistan?

Fast jets play an important role in supporting UK and Allied Forces on their mission in Afghanistan. Troops are often engaged by small groups of enemy fighters and can be ‘pinned down’ for many hours. If not already overhead, air support arrives to their aid very quickly taking only minutes to travel the distances involved. When air support arrives, the aircrew can talk to the soldiers on the ground and find out what they need to get them out of trouble. Routinely, a low and fast pass by a Tornado GR4 Fast Jet, known as a Show of Force is enough to resolve the situation and the enemy will melt away allowing the troops to continue their mission or patrol. In extreme circumstances, an aircraft may employ its weapons and engage the enemy – at all times, seeking to avoid damage to civilian property and civilian casualties, which is the highest of priorities.

What is it like to fly in a fast jet?

Flying a fast jet is an exhilarating, intellectually rewarding and satisfying experience that demands quick thinking, decisive actions and an ability to exploit an aircraft’s range of capabilities – day and night in all weathers. The speed of travel over the ground when flying at seven miles per minute (or more) is one that few people have the chance to experience but is just “another day in the office” for the military fast jet pilot and navigator.

Why do fast jet fleets need to be larger than the number of aircraft than you deploy?

Firstly we buy aircraft fleets to last 40 years or more (the Tornado may even reach 50!). This means that we need to buy a larger fleet up front in order to manage them over their lifetime; some of the earlier aircraft will be of a lower build standard and only the latter aircraft will be the most capable. Moreover, each aircraft will probably only fly a maximum of about 8000 hours due to fatigue and aircraft will need an extensive maintenance programme to keep them flying safely. These factors reduce your actual operating fleet in any given year dramatically (often less than half the fleet buy). What remains needs to meet deployments and the home-based training requirement; training to become a fast jet crew and maintaining the vital skill sets necessary to meet the demands of modern combat air operations needs regular practice. For example the Tornado Force today is flying 70% of its hours on training in the UK or elsewhere, and 30% is being flown in Afghanistan. Of course, the aircraft back in the UK remain ready to meet any other threat and are ready at a moments notice to deploy.

How much synthetic or simulator training do you do?

As in other sophisticated aviation activity the RAF use simulator training extensively during aircrew training. Various scenarios are simulated which help test the Pilot’s skills which will give them the ability and confidence in dealing with real-life situations. Once qualified, frontline aircrew are routinely tested on emergencies and weapons drills to maintain and develop skills. Increasing use of simulation remains an aim as technology increases the performance of synthetic systems; however, combat aircraft are very dynamic and sophisticated systems which will still require a significant proportion of live flying. Nobody would expect Louis Hamilton to take his F1 car on the track for a race without extensive testing and practice, a Typhoon is even more complex and dynamic.

How many hours does each pilot fly?

A pilot would expect to fly between 15 and 20 hours per month while at home or on exercise or up to 80-100 hours a month on operations. Approximately 4 hours are required to prepare for a mission and 3 hours are required to debrief a mission hence the average working day to achieve an hour and a half of flying pretty quickly adds to nearly 10 hours when all other duties are included. Fast jet flying can be quite fatiguing and we make sure that crews are well rested before they strap in to their aircraft.

Is military flying very dangerous?

Fast jet flying is a very dynamic and complex activity which has little room for error; however, our superb training and procedures minimises the risk to crews and the general population. So military flying is not a very dangerous activity as we carefully bound our working procedures to ensure that any hazards that may exist are thought through and minimised. Great effort in our engineering and aircrew practices ensure that our people are given the best possible training and equipment to deal with the potential pitfalls of military flying.

Why do you still train to fly at very low heights?

Low flying remains an essential skill for military aircrew for a number of classified roles and reasons. UK forces have deployed repeatedly to potential trouble spots around the world usually with little or no warning. They have to undertake a variety of roles including reconnaissance, fast jet or helicopter operations, search and rescue, transporting troops or the delivery of humanitarian aid to remote locations. Whatever missions we ask our Armed Forces to undertake the aircrew must be able to fulfil the task as effectively as possible, often without time for ‘’work up’ training. Current operations around the world see aircrew of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft undertaking operations at low level. For more information: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/AirSafetyandAviation/LowFlying/

How do I join up?

All the information can be found on our careers website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/

What is the best aircraft to fly?

Every pilot will give you the same answer- his own! Flying any 1 Group aircraft which is well maintained and supported with highly capable, professional, dedicated and motivated people ready to fight and win - wherever and whenever required - offers an excellent opportunity for an exciting and challenging career to young men and women regardless of background or race.

Who carries out maintenance on the aircraft?

Teams of qualified technicians maintain the fleets of fast jet aircraft. Activities range from the day to day ‘flight servicing’ involving pre and post flight inspections for dents, cracks, leaks or obvious abnormalities, refuelling and generally preparing the aircraft for its next flight. Any faults that are found are tackled through fault diagnosis either through knowledge and experience of that specific aircraft type or system, and most recently with the likes of Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter with the aircraft’s on-board computer system telling the engineers what the fault is. Civilian industry also has an increasing presence on RAF stations providing services and support to the RAF technicians and specialist advice.

How many engineers and technicians work on a fast jet squadron?

Fast jet squadrons have between 120 to 140 technicians. Normally managed by a Senior Engineering Officer (SENGO), they are further split into 2 shifts each headed by a Junior Engineering Officer (JENGO) and a Flight Sergeant (FS). These can be hugely rewarding positions for young officers with daily responsibility for 70 technicians of various ages and experiences and 12-15 fast jets to achieve busy flying programmes to meet the aircrew training task or operational commitments when these aircraft are deployed overseas or on-board ship in the case of the Harrier.

Who else is needed for a fast jet squadron to operate?

There are many people involved in ensuring that a fast jet squadron can carry out its missions safely and effectively. In addition to the aircrew and engineers, there are Air Traffic Controllers and Fighter Controllers co-ordinating the flight and mission, Logistics personnel ensuring that the right spares and sufficient fuel is available, and Intelligence Officers providing valuable information, to name but a few specialities in what is a very large team.

Why do we have 1 Group, 2 Group and 22 Group?

Each Group is highly specialized and a Group HQ provides specialist advice upwards to Air Command and routine policy and guidance downwards to stations.