RAF urged to mothball Tranche 1 Typhoons instead of scrapping them

News

The RAF’s Tranche 1 Typhoon FGR4 fighters should be mothballed rather than scrapped, an influential group of British MPs have concluded in a new investigative report.

The investigation condemned the bringing forward of the Tranche 1 Typhoon’s retirement date to 2025 and pointed out that the RAF does not have any reserve force. Expert witnesses said that the aircraft could still be upgraded rather than them being made obsolete.

This Tranche 1 Typhoon - which has been outfitted for Quick Reaction Alert operations - is seen in flight over the Falklands Islands, sporting the colours of No 1435 Flight, on August 13, 2010. This flight is based at RAF Mount Pleasant, is charged with protecting the skies over the Falklands and typically operates the Tranche 1 Typhoon.
This Tranche 1 Typhoon - which has been outfitted for Quick Reaction Alert operations - is seen in flight over the Falklands Islands, sporting the colours of No 1435 Flight, on August 13, 2010. This flight is based at RAF Mount Pleasant, is charged with protecting the skies over the Falklands and typically operates the Tranche 1 Typhoon. MOD Crown Copyright/Cpl Rachel Malthouse

The report added: “The Defence Command Paper announced that the remaining Tranche 1 Typhoons, originally due to leave service in 2030, would instead be retired by 2025. Figures provided by the Minister for the Armed Forces suggest that the 30 aircraft affected will be retired with an average of almost 60% of their airframe fatigue lives remaining.

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Originally published in Key.Aero