ZK300

[ChrisCwmbran]

I know how to tell a Tranch 3 Typhoon from a the earlier aircraft.

What I don't understand is why ZK300 has no "PIRATE IRST" "thing" near is cockpit?

Are there any other non-standard aircraft?

Thanks in advance.

Chris.

[ChrisCwmbran]

In a similar manner if you look at the following image (which is a lovely image and sadly not mine!!!):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-heal/49510500673/

One of the Typhoons appears to have no "dong"?

Now I have no idea what the "dong" is (perhaps something parachute related as I think its just above the chute) but why does one of the not have one?

It must feel so ashamed :/

[Timmo]

One of the Typhoons appears to have no "dong"?

Now I have no idea what the "dong" is (perhaps something parachute related as I think its just above the chute) but why does one of the not have one?

It is part of the rear missile warning sensor which is integrated into the Typhoon Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS). I cannot tell you why it's not fitted on one of the Typhoons. One could speculate that it has a different revision of the sensor with different antenna, or it could possibly have been removed for service/repair.

[tm74sqn]

What I don't understand is why ZK300 has no "PIRATE IRST" "thing" near is cockpit?

Are there any other non-standard aircraft?

Thanks in advance.

Chris.
[/quote]

I've seen photos of other Typhoons without Pirate - ZK306 for example. Must be a removable piece of kit?

[Thunder]

Although the external housing for the PRIATE system is removable, I don’t think ZK300 has ever had it installed(looking at pictures on the net seems to support that). I believe there may be a couple of more airframes out there in a similar configuration?

[gary1701]

Hi gents,

I remember back in September 2010 and when 6 Sqn were forming up at Coningsby prior to the move North. Several of their early Tranche 2 jets were delivered new without PIRATE, including ZK302/6 and 7. Also a couple of those that went South on the types first Falklands tour also lacked PIRATE. These all seem to have received the fit later on, but never ZK300. Seems strange considering the number of airframes stored or even scrapped that were fitted.

Gary

[ukmil]

yes the PIRATE sensor is simply 'role' equipment and can be removed, replaced internally with a dummy weight unit, and a blanking panel. When 6 Sqn received their initial deliveries, there was a shortage of units, so they were delivered without them fitted.

[ChrisCwmbran]

Thank you for your responses.