[admin]

Has the Jagaur been retired from RAF service?

I found this letter on the web and I wasn't sure if this was just for No.6 Squadron or if it was force wide.

Today I announced to the members of 6 Squadron that the Jaguar OSD is to be brought forward to 30 Apr 07. All operationally orientated training will cease on this date and the Jaguar will no longer be a deployable Force Element. Delivery of the airframes to Cosford will then commence and I have been instructed that any ceremonial flying must be concluded during May.

Naturally, this comes as a great disappointment to all members of the Jaguar Force. I do not consider it feasible to organize an event to celebrate 33 years of stalwart service with due gravity with only 5 weeks notice. I am also conscious that such short notice would compromise attendance.

I have therefore elected to organise the final Jaguar Farewell for the weekend of 29 Jun – 1 Jul 07, reluctantly accepting that this will be without the nostalgia of RAF Jaguar flying.

Despite the short notice, I am determined to do justice to an aircraft that has enjoyed, uniquely, such long and extensive RAF service and a Force that has long been characterized by its easy camaraderie but indomitable spirit.

A programme of events is therefore already shaping up that will allow all current and ex-Jaguar RAF personnel to celebrate their association and affection for this remarkable aircraft and the ethos that has come to surround it. The Jaguar Force only relocated to RAF Coningsby in April 06 and the weekend of 29 Jun – 1 Jul will also provide an opportunity to formally thank the families of the current Jag Force for their steadfast support and loyal endurance of the associated domestic turbulence.

An aircraft enthusiasts’ day on Fri 29 Jun will be based around invitations to all RAF ex-Jaguar squadrons to fly their current types into RAF Coningsby; invitations are also being extended to the French AF and representation sought from friendly international operators of the Jaguar, such as Oman and India, and those nations that have contributed exchange pilots. As is traditional, Happy Hour will be held in the Officers’ Mess.

On Sat 30 Jun, the Squadron accommodation will be open and there will be an opportunity to view the last 2 remaining RAF Jaguars and the visiting aircraft, while also enjoying a number of flying displays. The main event will be the ‘End of Jaguar Ball’ in the evening; it is hoped that all 3 messes will hold functions so that all ranks can participate equally.

The short notice is most regrettable and will undoubtedly inconvenience many, but this is due to circumstances beyond our control and, for perspective, I would ask that a thought is spared for the immediate uncertainty that now faces the current Force.

Despite the short notice, I am confident that many will take this last opportunity to celebrate their membership of such an exclusive cadre and I encourage all to book early to avoid disappointment as Mess capacity will inevitably limit numbers. Early notice will also ease substantially the administrative burden of this venture! Therefore, any serving and ex-serving Jaguar personnel who may like to attend any or all of the proposed celebrations should forward their contact details to 6 Sqn as follows:

Jaguar Retirement Celebrations
6 Sqn
RAF Coningsby
Lincolnshire
LN4 4SY

[jim]

Sadly its true, well it makes more sense to use new untried £60 million a throw Typhoons for ground attack rather than keeping the Jags in service.

Well doesnt it??

[skysurfer808]

Originally Posted by jim

Sadly its true, well it makes more sense to use new untried £60 million a throw Typhoons for ground attack rather than keeping the Jags in service.

Well doesnt it??

I saw in Air Forces Monthly that the Jag had the lowest flight hour cost of any RAF fighter, so this move doesn't exactly make sense, unless it is in order to free up money for more Typhoons. Still, the lack of internal gun capability in the RAF Typhoon will cause problems if strafing runs are required. The Jag is also much more survivable then the Harrier...so this will likely mean that more money will have to thrown the Typhoon's way to make the type a viable attack platform. First the Tomcat retirement...then this. Is it just me getting old, or are more and more of the fighters that were in service during my youth now becoming obsolete and put out to pasture.

Skysurfer808

[Shamrock]

I read somewhere (Daily Telegraph I think) lately that the cannon will be installed. It seems it costs more NOT to fit the cannon and therefore they have decided in their combined wisdom to retro fit. Please learned members correct me if I'm wrong. A fighter without a cannon is not a FIGHTER IMHO.

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by jim

Sadly its true, well it makes more sense to use new untried £60 million a throw Typhoons for ground attack rather than keeping the Jags in service.

Well doesnt it??

Well, of course it does Jim, you know it does. Governments rule! They know what they're doing, trust them!

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by Shamrock

I read somewhere (Daily Telegraph I think) lately that the cannon will be installed. It seems it costs more NOT to fit the cannon and therefore they have decided in their combined wisdom to retro fit. Please learned members correct me if I'm wrong. A fighter without a cannon is not a FIGHTER IMHO.

Agreed! You would have thought that they learned the lesson history taught us with the F4 Phantom in Vietnam. Oh Wait! RAF Phantoms didn't have guns.

[jim]

Originally Posted by skysurfer808

I saw in Air Forces Monthly that the Jag had the lowest flight hour cost of any RAF fighter, so this move doesn't exactly make sense, unless it is in order to free up money for more Typhoons. Still, the lack of internal gun capability in the RAF Typhoon will cause problems if strafing runs are required. The Jag is also much more survivable then the Harrier...so this will likely mean that more money will have to thrown the Typhoon's way to make the type a viable attack platform. First the Tomcat retirement...then this. Is it just me getting old, or are more and more of the fighters that were in service during my youth now becoming obsolete and put out to pasture.

Skysurfer808

You know you are getting old when you see planes in a museum that you remember coming into service!

BTW Tornados spent half their service lives with a large brick in front instead of the radar package!

I agree its stupid to spend £60 million and no gun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!