Libya Update Thread - 48 hours for Libyan Freedom ??

[Blackcatlad]

Typhoons only do air-to-air (at present) - not much use for single role a/c in theatre, they would have been better off staying at home practising for the forthcoming air display season (something they're good at!!).

[alchemist2001]

Was under the impression that the Typhoon was A/G capable even if it's not yet fully realised at this point. Also, surely as part of the no fly zone, the coalition will start performing combat air patrols to ensure Gadhaffi doesn't try to be funny? Maybe the Tiff was on a CAP?

[T_J]

air to air? i thought that was a thing of the past why wud libya send up old heavy birds against a tiffy?

All options have to be covered. I haven't seen any Pentagon briefing footage of runways bombed. It appears that they are focusing on the hardened aircraft shelters and fuel stocks. Possibly there is an attempt to keep the runways undamaged in order to assist humanitarian missions in the future? I can't see any attempts by Libya to launch fixed wing, but there is the threat from attack helicopters. There is also the requirement to prevent anything flying into Libya without permission. For example attempts to fly in mercenaries or arms.

TJ

[T_J]

Typhoons only do air-to-air (at present) - not much use for single role a/c in theatre, they would have been better off staying at home practising for the forthcoming air display season (something they're good at!!).

That is not the case. All the Typhoons sent out are FGR4s, thus they do have the option of conducting swing role missions. Yes, the number of Pilots cleared for air-ground is limited, but perhaps they have been selected for this current deployment?

http://www.xisquadron.co.uk/News/AFM_GF ... fSwing.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

TJ

[benyboy]

Just caught a brief glimpse of the RAF Typhoons taxying on BBC News. Did one still have `tags` hanging from the weapons

Intersesting interview on BBC News 24 at the moment. Israel saying it needs more weapons from the US to keep a `quantative military edge` in the middle east.

Quote of the day for me, from the Israeli Defence Minister " The world is tough on soft dictators and soft on tough dictators" Sounds about right to me.

[Blue Diamond]

Talking of naff reporting, one news paper has printed that the Typhoons are from 311 Squadron RAF. Bet the veterans from the free Czech AF are surprised to learn that their old squadron has been reformed.

[T_J]

Just caught a brief glimpse of the RAF Typhoons taxying on BBC News. Did one still have `tags` hanging from the weapons

I'm sure someone in the know will clarify, but I believe it is known as Last Chance, Arm/De Arm, EOR (end of the runway)? The tags/pins are removed at that point.

http://www.f-16.net/index.php?name=PNph ... c&p=162886" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

TJ

[TS010]

I'm sure someone in the know will clarify, but I believe it is known as Last Chance, Arm/De Arm, EOR (end of the runway)? The tags/pins are removed at that point

Things may have changed a bit (going back to Lightnings now) but we did'nt have 'last chance checks' the way the Americans do. Just a guy on the end of the dispersal who would stop the jet and remove the MASB (Main Armament Safety Break), a key attached to a RBF tag, show it to the pilot then allow him on his way. When the aircraft returned it was'nt allowed to leave the taxiway until the key was refitted and the pilot got the thumbs up.
Used to be one of the better jobs when on APC in Cyprus, 6 weeks of lounging in a chair, out in the glorious weather with someone bringing you food and drink all shift.

[benyboy]

Thank you for the replys.

The clip is here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12812568" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Thunder]

Just caught a brief glimpse of the RAF Typhoons taxying on BBC News. Did one still have `tags` hanging from the weapons

I'm sure someone in the know will clarify, but I believe it is known as Last Chance, Arm/De Arm, EOR (end of the runway)? The tags/pins are removed at that point.

http://www.f-16.net/index.php?name=PNph ... c&p=162886" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

TJ

Not the normal way the RAF do it, but since they're operating from an Italian air base I would imagine they will have to follow local procedures/regulations.

In all fairness regards the 311 Sqn remark, it looks like a simple comma has been missed and should be "3, 11 Sqns"

[Forestfan]

Haven't seen the footage, but it's probably be the safety pin for the flare dispensers. They would be pulled at the exit from the dispeersal or near the end of the runway to avoid the possibility of an inadvertent firing on a busy apron.

[Forestfan]

Typhoons only do air-to-air (at present) - not much use for single role a/c in theatre, they would have been better off staying at home practising for the forthcoming air display season (something they're good at!!).

I guess in that case you'll be calling for the B-2s to stay at home as well then?
Although they're not quite as good at airshows.

[hydealfred]

SKY reports USAF jets crash lands in Libya. Pilot safe in the hands of rebels.

[reaper493]

Sky news/telegraph repoting USAF Fighter crash landed at airfield in Libya, showed photo of an F-15E.
Pilot rescued by rebel forces, jet went down due to mechanical failure.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[f-4]

One crew member? F-15E?

[Mike]

Topics merged again.

[rmt_1982]

One crew member? F-15E?

I would have thought it was an error as the crew of the F-15E is 2. We should know more later as it becomes clearer what actually happened.

Haven't Lakenheath sent any of their 'C's across?

[BOLLO]

Could be one of the Canadian CF18'S???

[rmt_1982]

Could be one of the Canadian CF18'S???

I didn't think they'd achieved Operational readiness yet?

[Thunder]

Could be one of the Canadian CF18'S???

Wait for the facts. By all means reports coming out of the country are saying F15E



Edit: Comfirmed by the Pentagon as one of theirs