Yesterday at work I saw an RAF jet at the L-3 facilities. I know that its a Bombardier Global Explorer, But I need to know what the English military calls it. The serial number is XJ690 and the only thing I could find on the internet is that its the first plane in the ASTOR Project. Thanks for any help with this. I’m not going to ask if this planes been kitted because I know it hasn’t.
Hey Roadkill, two things, one can I use that 9/11 banner you have and second what do you mean by kitted?
A model kit made of it. (I think)
Too bad I can’t help on the original topic [:(].
jimz66Feel free to use the banner. I found it while surfing and thought fitting and appropriate. Any one else that wants too can use it to. Kitted is my phrase for when a model kit has been made of a particular aircraft ie, the P-51 has been kitted to death, or I wish the C-123 had been kitted in 1/72.
This is a new one on me, but a little research reveals they are using two airframes for this project, a Gulfstream V, and a Bombardier Global Express. I don’t know if they are any use to you, but you might want to look at these sites:
http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/raf7b16.htm
http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/global/global1.html
http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/raf7c16.htm
http://www.atlasaviation.com/AviationLibrary/cockpitpictures/Aircraft%20cockpits/global%20express.jpg
http://defence-data.com/paris99/pagep76.htm
Hi, Roadkill. The ASTOR project uses Bombadier Gobal Expresses as, basically, compact (in the US car meaning of the term) versions of J-STARS, with the same sort of capabilities. They are due in (very limited) RAF squadron service in about a year’s time, so presumably the one you saw is on acceptance trials.
I don’t do modern civil aricraft, but I assume there’s a model of the Gulfstream V somewhere which you could us as a starting point?
That is a cool looking version!!! Thanks for sharing the photos Chris!!! I was wondering what everyone was talking about.
Thanks for the links. What I’m looking for though is what it will be called in RAF service. Like Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX or Avro Vulcan B.2, I know the BAC 1-111 retained its civil name while in service and so did the Pembrokes and Viscounts. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules became the Lockheed Hercules C.1. Do you suppose this will be the Bombardier Global Express AEW.1 (sorry, I’m not up to speed on RAF nomenclature and designations)? I think it’s neat that I got to see the first acceptance AC. I’ve added it too my list as the Bomardier Global Express. That’ll do until I find out otherwise.
Just checked the official RAF website. No official name for the Global Express as yet, though I can’t believe the RAF will call it by that name. Not nearly snappy or warlike enough. PS, Roadkill, the RAF are only going to buy 5 airframes, so you’ve eyeballed 20% of the operational fleet already!
PPS, Roadkill, are you sure about that serial? XJ690 is a Hawker Hunter F.6. It was struck off charge, and currently resides, painted bright red, at the picnic area at Bournemouth (Hurn) Airport in England. The RAF doesn’t usually re-use serials.
Absolutely positive. I eyeballed it myself through a pair of 10X50 binoculars at a range of about 800 feet. Is it possible that this may be a case of subterfuge? These are supposedly secret planes. Whan I yahooed XJ690 it took me straight to the Project ASTOR sites.