THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IS re-examining an engine upgrade programme for its Sepecat Jaguar GR1A/1B strike aircraft, in response to continued delays to the Eurofighter 2000 programme.The Jaguar is destined to be replaced by the Eurofighter.
The RAF had previously studied a Jaguar re-engining programme in 1992, under which the aircraft's Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 104 would have been replaced with Adour 871s.
The RAF is now examining a limited upgrade to the Mk 104, which would still provide a 25% improvement in thrust.
Project sources say the upgrade would draw on elements of technology from the 871 and 811 Adour designs. The Mk 104's compressor would be replaced by the 811 standard compressor, while back-end modifications to allow higher turbine temperatures would draw on the 871 model.
The Jaguar fleet has effectively been undergoing a rolling upgrade programme. Twelve Jaguar GR1As have been modified to carry the GEC-Marconi Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator.
Source: Flight International
