29 Jan 2002
The first of 62 Jaguar GR3a aircraft powered by upgraded Adour engines was officially handed over to the Defence Logistics Organisation on 28 January. The aircraft flew from BAE Systems Warton to RAF Coltishall in Norfolk on 24 January.
This handover represents a major milestone in the 105 million contract let to BAE Systems by the Defence Logistics Organisation's Equipment Support (Air). BAE Systems Customer Solutions and Support business is prime contractor and has worked with ES (Air) and Rolls Royce to develop and integrate the engines with the aircraft.
Following an extensive development and test programme BAE Systems and Rolls Royce declared themselves very pleased with the engine performance and its handling. BAE Systems test pilot and Director of Flight Operations Derek Reeh stated: "This has been an extensive integration programme that has tested the aircraft to the extremes of the flight envelope. The new engine is more surge-resistant than previous Adour variants and performs well even at the limits. Aircraft handling is unaffected and the performance enhancements will improve take-off performance at high ambient temperatures."
Over the years the basic all-up weight and drag of the aircraft have increased, causing the current engines to have to work much harder. An investment appraisal showed that an engine modification using the latest Adour technology, already proven in the export market, was the most cost effective option to reduce operating costs and overcome the operating shortfalls in a timescale that would realise Life Cycle Cost (LCC) benefits. The modified engine is intrinsically more powerful than the Mk104 but will be configured to optimise engine life cycle costs and thus produce maximum savings. In addition to the increased reliability and lower operating costs, even in its optimised condition the Mk106 engine will provide a modest increase in thrust over the Mk104.
The first two aircraft have been converted at BAE Systems Warton. The remainder will be converted at DARA St Athan with the last aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2005.
Engine conversion from the old Adour Mk104 to the new Mk106 is taking place at the Rolls-Royce East Kilbride repair and overhaul facility.
About the Jaguar:
Produced to meet a joint Anglo-French requirement in 1965 for a dual-role advanced/operational trainer and tactical support aircraft, the Jaguar has been transformed into a potent fighter-bomber and is increasingly used for reconnaissance missions. The Jaguar is currently in service with the RAF, the French Airforce, India, Ecuador and Oman.
A variety of weapons including cluster, freefall, retard and laser guided bombs, as well as rockets can be carried on the four wing and one fuselage stations. Two 30mm cannons are mounted internally. To mark targets for laser-guided weapons, the aircraft carries the thermal imaging and laser designation (TIALD) pod. For self-defence, overwing Sidewinder infra-red missiles are carried and the aircraft is fitted with a comprehensive suite of electronic countermeasures.
