British pilot on the mirage

The Tornado ADV was turned into an excellent interceptor.

 

Keep in mind interceptor and dogfighter are two different things.

of course I'm keeping that in mind - I'm russian, we had our Mig-31 for intercept missions. and it's WAY much more competitive for those missions than Tornado ADV

I think he only mentioned that the ejector seat was not french made as the rest of the A/C.

You're probably right indeed :)

But then, a precision should be made:

The seat is branded MB but is also french made by the SEMMB (a joint venture between MB and SAFRAN): http://www.semmb.com/fr/content/mk10

SEMMB: Société d’Exploitation des Matériels Martin Baker, meaning (more or less) Martin Baker's Devices Operation/Exploitation Company.

of course I'm keeping that in mind - I'm russian, we had our Mig-31 for intercept missions. and it's WAY much more competitive for those missions than Tornado ADV

To be honest, the Mig 31 and F-14 are essentially a class apart.

unrelated

Also from what i understood, the Tornado ADV was rather suited to the role of interceptor, as the primary threat to the British isles during the cold war came from Soviet long range bombers (feel free to correct me on this) making endurance and acquisition of targets the most important features, rather then rate of climb or agility.

To be honest, the Mig 31 and F-14 are essentially a class apart.

 

unrelated

Also from what i understood, the Tornado ADV was rather suited to the role of interceptor, as the primary threat to the British isles during the cold war came from Soviet long range bombers (feel free to correct me on this) making endurance and acquisition of targets the most important features, rather then rate of climb or agility.

Yes, but the problem was that they had nothing else for air defense role.

So they had Tornado ADV, well suited for CAP and BVR engagement, but would struggle against other fighters.

Yes, but the problem was that they had nothing else for air defense role.

 

So they had Tornado ADV, well suited for CAP and BVR engagement, but would struggle against other fighters.

Towards the end of the 20th century and beyond the F3 had become a very capable and seriously upgraded fighter. Any fighter carrying AMRAAM has the advantage against any fighter not carrying it, add in JTIDS and ASRAAM and you have a very effective tactical fighter.

Towards the end of the 20th century and beyond the F3 had become a very capable and seriously upgraded fighter. Any fighter carrying AMRAAM has the advantage against any fighter not carrying it, add in JTIDS and ASRAAM and you have a very effective tactical fighter.

Yep, but everybody was switching to Fox 3 by then :smilewink:

Between Tornado F3 and Mirage 2000-5 I choose Mirage.

And during Cold War, no L16, only Skyflash and Sidewinder.