RAAF Roulettes re-equip and new scheme

[boff180]

The Roulettes are re-equipping with the PC-21.

To mark the occasion, their scheme has changed:-
[tweet]http://twitter.com/Aus_AirForce/status/941538635043676160[/tweet]

[Talldan76]

They look OK...

How long till we see the Red Arrows in a similar level aircraft?

[CJS]

They do look good don't they

Talldan - we won't, why would we?

The T1 is due to be used until 2030 when it is phased out of service across the RAF - that's 13 years so I don't think we need to worry too much just yet. If a replacement is sought in the meantime I'd be surprised if they moved away from a jet, but I'm pretty sure this has its own thread somewhere.

When (if ever) have the Roulettes been to the UK? Never I would guess.

[boff180]

The PC-21 has fast jet performance, it's a massive leap forward from the PC-9. I'm eager to see what they can do.

[Red Dragon]

IT was announced at Avalon that they would eventually re-equip with the PC-21, it should be interesting to see how it compares to the PC-9 show!

[capercaillie]

The PC-21 has fast jet performance, it's a massive leap forward from the PC-9. I'm eager to see what they can do.

No it doesn't. At 428 mph it has a slower top speed than a Fouga Magister, with a climb rate only slightly better than one of the weediest jets ever made. Yes, it probably handles more like a fast jet, but performance no.

[iainpeden]

Be good to see a tFairford in the summer.

[capercaillie]

Be good to see a tFairford in the summer.

No smiley, so not sure if serious or not

I think if a PC21 team, turn up, its going to be more likely Qatari.

[The Baron]

I liked the old scheme, but this new one looks pretty good too.

[tankbuster81]

Very smart indeed.

[iainpeden]

Be good to see a tFairford in the summer.

No smiley, so not sure if serious or not

I think if a PC21 team, turn up, its going to be more likely Qatari.

Serious suggestion; brought over in an Aussie C-17 and supporting the RAF 100.

[capercaillie]

Be good to see a tFairford in the summer.

No smiley, so not sure if serious or not

I think if a PC21 team, turn up, its going to be more likely Qatari.

Serious suggestion; brought over in an Aussie C-17 and supporting the RAF 100.

Fair enough, I think after the massive cost of the shipment of the Koreans in 2012, it would be an unlikely use of the Aussie C-17s to be honest. One in a C-17, maybe, but not the team, still I'd settle for that.

[Tommy]

Fair enough, I think after the massive cost of the shipment of the Koreans in 2012, it would be an unlikely use of the Aussie C-17s to be honest. One in a C-17, maybe, but not the team, still I'd settle for that.

Just thinking that, surely you'd need more than one Globemaster?

It's been yonks since I saw a flying display by a PC21. I think it was the Pilatus company demo in 2010 flown by, iirc, Reto Obrist(?). As I recall a nippy little thing for what it was. Agree it's probably a stretch to think of it as a fast jet with props, though.

I like the scheme, when compared to the current one on their current mounts. Always wondered with them, what's with the Richtofen-style "R" on the tail? Are they connected, or is it as simple as "R" for Roulettes?

[iainpeden]

Be good to see a tFairford in the summer.

No smiley, so not sure if serious or not

I think if a PC21 team, turn up, its going to be more likely Qatari.

Serious suggestion; brought over in an Aussie C-17 and supporting the RAF 100.

Fair enough, I think after the massive cost of the shipment of the Koreans in 2012, it would be an unlikely use of the Aussie C-17s to be honest. One in a C-17, maybe, but not the team, still I'd settle for that.

According to Wikipedia a PC-21 weighs empty 5005 pounds, the payload of a C-17 is 160000 ( it is designed to carry a 63 tonne tank) so it could lift the whole team. Whether they would actually fit is another matter.

[Wissam24]

Yes space is the bigger issue.

Pun absolutely intended

[capercaillie]

According to Wikipedia a PC-21 weighs empty 5005 pounds, the payload of a C-17 is 160000 ( it is designed to carry a 63 tonne tank) so it could lift the whole team. Whether they would actually fit is another matter.

If they crushed them all first into a liquid pulp, they may have a chance to carry them in a single C-17.

To put into perspective, a C-17 has a useable compartment length of 85 feet, a height of just 13 feet at the lowest point and a width of 18 feet. Now consider you cannot just throw the fuselages of PC-21s (36 feet long) on there and wedge them in like toys, they will be in crates on jigs, with the wings stashed separately (providing they come off easily and are not bonded or similar), I'm guessing you'd be lucky to fit more than one crate in a Globemaster.

They could always convert one to carry outsize loads like an An225 and attempt your labour of Hercules if they feel the need of course.

[Wrexham Mackem]

I like the scheme, very modern. And the PC21 is a very crisp and snappy performer. I'd love to see them one day, but if I do I'm sure it'll be down under.

I think if a PC21 team, turn up, its going to be more likely Qatari.

Yep. They weren't quite ready last season, but when they are I think they'll be nailed on for a UK visit. Now they will be interesting to watch; with their Wings of Storm roots.