- Yes to Britain
- Yes to an Arab Tech Tree
- Yes but to another nation (please specify)
- No
Hello, and welcome to my suggestion for the Omani Air Forces subtree consisting of all the aircraft , I feel this would greatly benefit either the UK or a future Arab Tech Tree in the future.
Personally I believe that If gaijin decides to Add another subtree to Britain (this means they either decide to just squash the aircraft in to the pre existing lines, or Go beyond 5 lines) then the Omani Vehicles should be present, both because almost all of the Aircraft (with the exception of the F-16 are British Made as well as the fact that Oman maintains strong military and political ties with the UK.
Quick history of the RAFO
Spoiler
The RAFO was originally born as an offshoot to the RAF after Oman gained independence from britain, mainly operating with british pilots both training and flying with Omani Pilots, throughout the 20th century Oman has served alongside Britain, most namely in the Dhofar rebellion in which RAF pilots flew Omani Strikemasters against the guerilla forces, however as the years progressed the RAFO gradually became a self sustaining Air Force.
Fast forward to Modern times, the RAFO is one of the most potent Air Forces in its area, fielding a variety of modern aircraft outfitted with some of the most advanced weaponry it stands as a true testament to the quality and drive of the Omani People.
(please note all BRs are largely placeholders)
Rank III
Spoiler
Provost T.52 (3.7)
The Provost was the first armed Armed aircraft of the RAFO, and formed the backbone of the RAFO for quite a few years, having been derived from ex RAF units from squadrons moving onto the more advanced Jet Provost. They served until being replaced by the second batch of strikemasters in the early 70s and were equipped with provisions for underwing stores and 2 7.62mm Machine guns
In service - 9 Aircraft
- Guns: 2 x 7.62mm Machine guns
- suspended armament up to 500lbs of bombs or rockets under each wing, including RP-3 rockets and 100 lbs bombs
Rank IV
Spoiler
Strikemaster Mk.82 (BR 6.3) (suggestion)
The Strikemaster was the first jet aircraft used by the Royal Air force of Oman, seeing combat in the Dhofar Rebellion in which RAF Pilots flew the aircraft in combat against guerilla forces.
In service - 24 Aircraft
Armament (4 Hardpoints)
- Guns: 2× 7.62 mm machine guns with 550 rounds each
- Hardpoints: 4 (2 per wing) with a capacity of 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) of bombs, machine gun pods, air-to-ground rocket pods, fuel drop tanks, and napalm tanks.
Rank V
Spoiler
Hunter T.66B (BR 8.7)
The T.66B were among some of the first Hunters to be received by Oman in the early 1970s, Donated by Jordan with the Third being activated from spares, These Served as one of the two twin Seat Hunter variants in RAFO service, even seeing service up until and in the Gulf war
In service - 3 Aircraft
Armament (4 Hardpoints)
- Guns: 1 x 30mm ADEN Cannon
- Weapons: 500/1000 lbs bombs, 80mm SURA rockets, BL755 Cluster bombs
Rank VI
Spoiler
Hunter FR.10 (BR 9.0
The Hunter FR.10s were another Variant that was received as one of the first Hunters in RAFO Service and, Like the T.66s, were donated from Jordan, serving as both fighters and recon aircraft before being retired after the Gulf War.
In service - 2 Aircraft
Armament (4 Hardpoints)
- Guns: 4 x 30mm ADEN Cannon
- Weapons: 500/1000 lbs bombs, 80mm SURA rockets, BL755 Cluster bombs
Hunter (Late) (BR 9.7) (suggestion)
As the first Jaguars came into service, the decision was made to massively upgrade the Hunter FGA.9 and Mk.73s capability, this upgrade introduced Twin AIM-9P launch racks and 2 AN/ALE-40 Flare dispensers in order to keep them competitive, however due to the upgrade merging several types with minor differences together, it created a new variant of hunter unique from other nations, however as this new variant never received an official designation, I will refer to it as the (Late) variation.
In service - 23
Armament (4 Hardpoints)
- Guns: 4 x 30mm ADEN Cannon
- AA Missiles: 2 x AIM-9P Missiles
- AG Missiles: AGM-65 Mavericks (never fitted unfortunately but were capable of and only thing stopping them was lack of any in stores)
- Bombs: 500 and 1000 lb bombs, BL755 cluster munitions
- Unguided Rockets: 80mm SURA rockets
Jaguar OB (BR 9.7)
The Jaguar OB was the Twin seat training version of the Jaguar O series, these were fundamentally identical to the RAF Jaguar T.2s however featured twin 2 AN/ALE-40 Flare dispensers under the tail as standard, these aircraft served as mainly as an aircraft for Training pilots for the Jaguar OS’ however also was used in combat roles as well. The aircraft served admirably up until its retirement in the early 2010s after the second batch of F-16s replaced all jaguars in RAFO Service.
In service - 4 Aircraft
Weapons
- Guns: Twin 30mm ADEN Cannons
- AAMs
- AIM-9P
- Bombs
- 1000 lbs HE
- BL-755 Cluster Munitions
- Paveways?
- Rockets
- 80 mm SURA
- Other
- TIALD Targeting pod
- 2 AN/ALE40 Countermeasure Pods (Under Tail like standard Jag GR.1As)
- AN/ALQ101 Jamming pod
- Matra phimat chaff pod
Jaguar OS (BR 10.0) (suggestion)
The Jaguar OS was the Main attack and air defence aircraft of the RAFO, replacing the hunter in both roles, from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. These were fundamentally identical to the RAF Jaguar GR.1s however also mounted the twin 2 AN/ALE-40 Flare dispensers under the tail as standard, The aircraft served well through its life taking part in counter insurgencies in Yemen as well as gaining fame from performing low passes at demonstrations and air shows. The aircraft was ultimately replaced by the second Batch of F-16Cs.
In service - 24 Aircraft
Weapons
- Guns: Twin 30mm ADEN Cannons
- AAMs
- AIM-9P
- Bombs
- 1000 lbs HE
- BL-755 Cluster Munitions
- Paveways?
- Rockets
- 80 mm SURA
- Other
- TIALD Targeting pod
- 2 AN/ALE40 Countermeasure Pods (Under Tail like standard Jag GR.1As)
- AN/ALQ101 Jamming pod
- Matra phimat chaff pod
Rank VII
Spoiler
Hawk 103 (BR 10.3) (suggestion)
The Hawk 103 is the first aircraft in the tree to still currently be in active service with the RAFO, it has served admirably as the both the main LIFT aircraft of the RAFO since the 90s as well as having a secondary ground attack role alongside the Hawk 203s, so far the aircraft are in the process of being replaced by the Hawk 166s, however these aircraft are actually more capable than the 166s due to having countermeasures.
In Service - 4 Aircraft
Weapons (7 Hardpoints: 2 Wingtip, 4 Underwing, 1 Centreline
- 1 30mm ADEN cannon pod (120 rounds) mounted Centreline
- Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-9P Sidewinder
- AIM-9L Sidewinder
- Air to ground Missiles
- AGM-65D/G Maverick (unconfirmed but probable)
- Bombs
- Mk 80 series GP bombs
- British made 540 and 1000lbs bombs
- BL755 Cluster Bombs
- Avionics
- Nose Mounted FLIR/ Radar Ranger
- 2 ALE-47 Bins mounted above engine exhaust (30 Large calibre or 60 Regular calibre)
Hawk 203 (BR 10.7) (suggestion)
The Hawk 203 currently serves as the main ground attack aircraft of the RAFO, having replaced the Jaguars after their retirement in the early 2010s, The Hawk 203s started their life in the early 90s to compliment the jaguar force however as the jaguars became obsolete they have now completely replaced them in the ground attack role, compared to the Original Hawk 200 design these are fairly limited in capabilities, however do still maintain all of the main features of the original Hawk 200, including the radar.
In service - 12
- Guns: 1 × 30 mm (1.181 in) Aden cannon with 120 rounds in a pod under the Fuselage
- Hardpoints: Total of 7: 4 × under-wing; and 1 × under-fuselage; and 2 × wingtip , with provisions to carry combinations of:
- Air to Air Missiles (2 Wingtip confirmed, extra 2 on outer pylons plausible)
- AIM-9P Sidewinder
- AIM-9L Sidewinder
- Bombs (Up to 4 (possibly more) on underwing pylons)
- Mk 80 series GP bombs
- British made 540 and 1000 lbs bombs
- BL755 Cluster Munitions
- Countermeasures
- 2 ALE-47 Bins mounted above engine exhaust (30 Large calibre or 60 Regular calibre)
- Avionics
- AN/APG-66H Radar (Slightly reduced capability compared to F-16A)
Rank VIII
Spoiler
F-16C (BR 12.3) (suggestion)
The F-16C is currently the main multirole aircraft of the RAFO, operating alongside the Eurofighters in both the Air defence and ground strike role, so far they have seen combat against Insurgents in Yemen and signify some of the best Oman has to offer.
In Service - 24 Aircraft
Weapons
Guns: 20mm M61A1 Cannon
Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-9M sidewinder
- AIM-120C AMRAAM
Air to Ground Missiles
- AGM-65D/G Maverick
- AGM-84D Harpoon
Bombs
- GBU-10/ 12 Guided Bombs
- GBU-31 JDAMs
- MK-82/ 83 GP bombs
Other
- Sniper/ PANTERA Targeting Pods
Rank IX
Spoiler
F-16C (late) (BR 13.3) (suggestion)
As of 2018, Oman’s F-16Cs received a wide variety of upgrades, bringing them from Block 50 standard to essentially Block 70/72 standard, bringing greatly improved capabilities and better interoperability with other F-16 users across both the Persian Gulf and the World.
In service - 22 aircraft
Weapons
Guns: 20mm M61A1 Cannon
Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-9M sidewinder
- AIM-120C AMRAAM
Air to Ground Missiles
- AGM-65D/G Maverick
- AGM-84D Harpoon
Bombs
- GBU-10/ 12 Guided Bombs
- GBU-31 JDAMs
- MK-82/ 83 GP bombs
Other
- Sniper/ PANTERA Targeting Pods
Eurofighter Typhoon (BR 13.7) (suggestion)
The Eurofighter is one of the newest aircraft in RAFO service, with 9 Single Seaters and 3 Single seaters being delivered between 2017 and 2019, the are armed with a variety of armament and are capable of being equipped with some of the latest weapons including the MDBA Meteor, although none are in service with Oman as of yet. Whilst only 12 aircraft have been delivered more than 20 pilots have been trained on the aircraft and Oman has expressed interest in purchasing more in the near future.
In service - 12 Aircraft
- Weaponry
- 1 x Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 150 rounds
- Up to 3 1000L External Drop tanks
- Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-132 ASRAAM
- AIM-120C AMRAAM
- Air to Ground Missiles
- Brimstone
- AGM-65 Maverick (Unconfirmed)
- Bombs
- Paveway guided bombs
- Mk 80 series GP bombs
- Avionics
- Euroradar CAPTOR AESA radar
- EuroFirst Passive Infrared Airborne Track Equipment
- Sniper Targeting Pod
- Praetorian DASS Countermeasures Suite
Premiums
Spoiler
Hunter T.67 (BR 8.7)
Performance wise the T.67 is functionally identical to the T.66, it was just an export designation for the aircraft sold to Kuwait and a few other nations, these were donated from Kuwait as they decommissioned theirs, in Omani Service they complimented the T.66s and served up until the end of the Gulf War
In service - 2 Aircraft
Armament (4 Hardpoints)
- Guns: 1 x 30mm ADEN Cannon
- Weapons: 500/1000 lbs bombs, 80mm SURA rockets, BL755 Cluster bombs
Hunter FGA.9
These aircraft were acquired from RAF Squadrons in the mid 70s as the RAF stood down its commitments east of the suez, whilst there was not many of these aircraft in service, they were later upgraded alongside the Mk.73s to the (late) standard
In service - 8 aircraft
Armament (4 Hardpoints)
- Guns: 4 x 30mm ADEN Cannon
- Weapons: 500/1000 lbs bombs, 80mm SURA rockets, BL755 Cluster bombs
Hawk 166 (BR 9.7)
The Hawk 166 is another one of the most modern additions to the RAFO, ordered to fulfil the lack of advanced trainer aircraft in Oman’s ever growing Airforce they feature improved avionics compared to the original Hawk 103s, however due to their main role now being training with very little thought to combat, the flares and wingtip pylons have been removed.
In service - 8 Aircraft
Weapons (7 Hardpoints: 2 Wingtip, 4 Underwing, 1 Centreline
- 1 30mm ADEN cannon pod (120 rounds) mounted Centreline
- Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-9L Sidewinder
- Air to ground Missiles
- AGM-65D/G Maverick (unconfirmed but probable)
- Bombs
- Mk 80 series GP bombs
- British made 540 and 1000lbs bombs
- BL755 Cluster Bombs
- Avionics
- Nose Mounted FLIR/ Radar Ranger
F-16D (BR 12.3)
As with the F-16C, the F-16D is also one of the main aircraft of the RAFO, serving mainly as a conversion trainer for the F-16C but also being used as a combat aircraft, taking part in exercises and counter insurgency missions it performs well alongside the rest of the RAFOs aircraft.
In service - 4 Aircraft
Weapons
Guns: 20mm M61A1 Cannon
Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-9M sidewinder
- AIM-120C AMRAAM
Air to Ground Missiles
- AGM-65D/G Maverick
- AGM-84D Harpoon
Bombs
- GBU-10/ 12 Guided Bombs
- GBU-31 JDAMs
- MK-82/ 83 GP bombs
Other
- Sniper/ PANTERA Targeting Pods
F-16D (late)
Just as the F-16Cs have seen major upgrade, so have the F-16Ds, bringing them up to Block 70 standard and being capable of using some of the most advanced weaponry in the world available, unlike the F-16Cs all aircraft have been upgraded to this standard.
Weapons
Guns: 20mm M61A1 Cannon
Air to Air Missiles
- AIM-9M sidewinder
- AIM-120C AMRAAM
Air to Ground Missiles
- AGM-65D/G Maverick
- AGM-84D Harpoon
Bombs
- GBU-10/ 12 Guided Bombs
- GBU-31 JDAMs
- MK-82/ 83 GP bombs
Other
- Sniper/ PANTERA Targeting Pods
The aircraft that doesn’t fit in
Spoiler
PAC Mushshak (BR 7.0??)
Unlike other aircraft, the Mushshak is extremely hard to place, on the one hand it is essentially a rank I airframe, but on the other it has access to up to 6 rather potent ATGMs, hence i have chosen to leave this aircraft out of the tree, however it does serve as one of the early trainers in RAFO service
In service - 8 aircraft
Armament
- Hardpoints: 6× under-wing, maximum external load 300 kg (660 lb) total
- Possible loads:
- 2× 7.62 mm machine gun pods
- 2× 75 mm unguided rocket pod (7 rounds)
- 4× 68 mm unguided rocket pod (7 rounds)
- 6× wire-guided anti-tank missiles (ATGMs)
- Barq Air To Ground Guided Missiles
I thank you for making it to this stage of the suggestion, Please feel free to suggest anymore aircraft from Oman you feel could be added, I hope you have a wonderful day :)
Sources
Spoiler
F-16C Block 50 (RAFO): The Desert Falcon
BAE Hawk 103: The Desert Hawk
BAC Strikemaster Mk.82: Oh Man
British Aerospace Hawk 203: The Desert Hawk goes Hunting
(OM) PAC Super Mushshak: The Trainer With Talons
Eurofighter Typhoon (Tranche 3 RAFO): The Desert Typhoon
Hawker Hunter (OMAN): The Desert Hunter
SEPECAT Jaguar OS: The Desert Cat
Hawker Hunter FGA.73A/73B/T.66B/T.67/F.6/FR.10
Royal Air Force of Oman – Aeroflight
Royal Air Force of Oman - Wikipedia