Long time lurker but first time poster; hopefully this isn't too ASB or anything.
My scenario is that the RAF buy F-15C/D Eagles & then deploy them from Ascension Island during the Falklands War. Assuming the jets are ordered in 1979 (after Margaret Thatcher wins the election), with them entering service in 1981.
I'm trying not to get too much into the nitty gritty of how the UK gets the Eagles but I understand the cost of them may well be an issue that may require an earlier POD. However, my thoughts / concerns are more with the following issues:
1 - Can F-15Cs be converted to the RAF air to air refueling (Probe & Drogue) method? As far as I'm aware, all F-15 operators use the USAF boom method. However, I'm aware UK F-4s were converted to use Probe & Drogue so perhaps it's theoretically possible.
2 - Would the RAF have enough tanker support to get CAPs down to the Falkland Islands? I understand it took a large tanker footprint to get the Vulcan Black Buck raids to the Falklands from RAF Ascension Island (11 tankers for 2 Vulcans, according to Wikipedia).
I wouldn't expect 24/7 BARCAP but certainly an ability to cover RN ships during the landings & perhaps the ability to deter Etendard-Exocet attacks.
Assumptions:
1 - F-15C/Ds would operate with Conformal Fuel Tanks as well as x2 / x3 drop tanks. I understand the former will reduce aerodynamic performance in WVR fights but I imagine the range situation requires them, especially for if drop tanks have to be, well, dropped in combat.
Range from Ascension to Port Stanley return flight = 6,600 nautical miles.
F-15C combat radius = circa 1000 nautical miles.
Ferry range: 3,000 nmi with CFTs & x3 EFT.
2 - F-15 SCL = 4x Skyflash, 4x AIM-9L (& 20mm Vulcan cannon).
Hopefully I haven't missed anything that could be a total show stopper but apologies if I have. I can't imagine the F-15 would have any issues in particular with any jets of the Fuerza Aérea Argentina.
PS - If you think that the F-14 Tomcat for the RAF in this situation would work better, feel free to say so. I went for the Eagle due to its longer range & superb combat record.
My scenario is that the RAF buy F-15C/D Eagles & then deploy them from Ascension Island during the Falklands War. Assuming the jets are ordered in 1979 (after Margaret Thatcher wins the election), with them entering service in 1981.
I'm trying not to get too much into the nitty gritty of how the UK gets the Eagles but I understand the cost of them may well be an issue that may require an earlier POD. However, my thoughts / concerns are more with the following issues:
1 - Can F-15Cs be converted to the RAF air to air refueling (Probe & Drogue) method? As far as I'm aware, all F-15 operators use the USAF boom method. However, I'm aware UK F-4s were converted to use Probe & Drogue so perhaps it's theoretically possible.
2 - Would the RAF have enough tanker support to get CAPs down to the Falkland Islands? I understand it took a large tanker footprint to get the Vulcan Black Buck raids to the Falklands from RAF Ascension Island (11 tankers for 2 Vulcans, according to Wikipedia).
I wouldn't expect 24/7 BARCAP but certainly an ability to cover RN ships during the landings & perhaps the ability to deter Etendard-Exocet attacks.
Assumptions:
1 - F-15C/Ds would operate with Conformal Fuel Tanks as well as x2 / x3 drop tanks. I understand the former will reduce aerodynamic performance in WVR fights but I imagine the range situation requires them, especially for if drop tanks have to be, well, dropped in combat.
Range from Ascension to Port Stanley return flight = 6,600 nautical miles.
F-15C combat radius = circa 1000 nautical miles.
Ferry range: 3,000 nmi with CFTs & x3 EFT.
2 - F-15 SCL = 4x Skyflash, 4x AIM-9L (& 20mm Vulcan cannon).
Hopefully I haven't missed anything that could be a total show stopper but apologies if I have. I can't imagine the F-15 would have any issues in particular with any jets of the Fuerza Aérea Argentina.
PS - If you think that the F-14 Tomcat for the RAF in this situation would work better, feel free to say so. I went for the Eagle due to its longer range & superb combat record.
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