Why is the tornado GR.4 equipped with HMS as a ground attack aircraft whereas the F.3 Late, as a fighter, doesn’t? Is this a mistake or completely accurate, I’m just wondering as the differing roles of the aircraft seems to contradict this piece of equipment
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GR4 was in service much longer than the Tornado F3, it was therefore never given the opportunity to be retrofitted with additional equipment.
Atleast that’s how it is to my understanding.
It could technically use them, but never did officially.
The HMS were actually taken from the Jaguar GR3A’s when they were removed from service, as they were in limited numbers, and british doctrine for the Tornado F.3 being an interceptor they were low priority, and primarily given to ground attack aircraft as a means to direct IR guided misisles as they did not have a radar to slave targets to.
In short, the people at the top only looked at the bottom line and would cost cut anywhere possible.emphasized text
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Completely accurate. F3 pilots were confused and a bit mad that they didn’t get HMS. Especially when they received ASRAAM
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Fair enough, I just don’t quite understand how you can give your interceptor incredibly advanced ARH AAMs (AMRAAMs) and refuse to give them HMS to help in A2A combat.
Even funnier when you remember the F3 Late shouldn’t have Aim-9Ms but instead ASRAAM where HMS would be insanely good ,🤣