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| SEPECAT Jaguar |
Militarymedia.net | Produced from the 1965 Anglo-French specifications for STOL advanced/operational trainer and tactical support aircraft, the SEPECAT Jaguar first flew in prototype form on 8 September 1968. The RAF purchased 165 single-seat 1 GR.Mk and 35 T.Mk 2 twin aircraft chair. About 14 of the latter were upgraded to the standard Jaguar T.Mk 2A with Fin1064 nav/attack unit and Adour Mk 104 engine, while the GR.Mk 1 also received the Mk 104 engine and was later modified to the standard Jaguar GR.Mk 1A with FIN1064 and provisions for AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile on underwing (later overwing) pylons.
The Jaguar fleet has undergone a series of major upgrades that now make this aircraft one of the most useful in RAF service. This update, driven by the type's stunning performance during Desert Storm, has resulted in the single-seat GR.Mk 3A with a TERPROM terrain reference navigation system, helmet-mounted sight, glass cockpit, and full thermal imaging aerial laser marker and ASRAAM capability. About 40 single-seat and seven two-seaters will be brought up to full GR.Mk 3A/T.Mk 4A standard, and the all-featured Adour Mk 106 engine offers 10 percent more thrust but reduces operating costs.
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| SEPECAT Jaguar |
RAF Jaguar troops remain based at Nos 6, 41 and 54 Sqns at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk. France bought 160 single-seat Jaguar As and 40 two-seat Jaguar Bs. A much tougher warplane in French service, the Jaguar was in the twilight of his career with the country, but fought in the 1991 Gulf War.
Jaguar exports have been from Jaguar International which is similar to the Jaguar GR.Mk 1/T.Mk2. Ecuador, Oman and Nigeria all fly the Jaguar as front line equipment, while India remains by far the largest Jaguar operator and continues to build the type under license. Indeed, HAL has built the Jaguar IM with Agave radar and Sea Eagle missiles specifically for Indian use. Oman is upgrading its six Jaguars to a standard similar to the GR.Mk 3A.
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| SEPECAT Jaguar |
In 2005 the French Jaguar was replaced by the Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter.
