RAF Private Jets??
Discussion
Eric Mc said:
Since the 1950s aircraft have been used to train naval gunners and shipborne missile defence systems. Up until the 1980s, this service was provided "in house" by the various navy units, most recently the Fleet Requirements and Development Unit (FRADU). They operated a mixture of former front line aircraft such as the Hawker Seahawk, the English Electric Canberra, the Hawker Hunter and, in later years, the BAe Hawk.
In the 80s, the service was moved to civilian private contractors and the aircraft chosen to replace the mixture of old warplanes previously used was the French Dassault Falcon 20 biz jet - suitably modified. The names of the contractors operating the Falcons have changed a number of times over the decades but the aircraft have remained essentially the same although I am sure the internal equipment has been upgraded a number of times since 1983..
One of the highlights of my Air Cadet membership was a ride in the third seat of a Canberra from RAF St Mawgan up to Plymouth/Dartmouth(I think) to fly up and down for the Navy to target. It was a great day, basic ejection seat training, fitted with a flight suit/helmet etc all very exciting for a young cadet. I can't date it exactly but I must of been 13/14 which makes it 78/79In the 80s, the service was moved to civilian private contractors and the aircraft chosen to replace the mixture of old warplanes previously used was the French Dassault Falcon 20 biz jet - suitably modified. The names of the contractors operating the Falcons have changed a number of times over the decades but the aircraft have remained essentially the same although I am sure the internal equipment has been upgraded a number of times since 1983..
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