FrangibleCover
commented
1 year ago During Harrier development the P.1127 was type-classified as Kestrel FGA.1 and used in quasi-operational service in the Tripartite Evaluation Squadron. As a result I find it very unlikely that the name Kestrel would be reused for this... unique aircraft. Peregrine is excellent though, a very fast British-native raptor that fits right into the naming scheme.
That being said, I still can't believe this thing would fly properly, never mind get into service.
DB Selector
DB3K
Baseline
1124
Hypothetical
Yes
Name
Kestrel GR.1 / GR.2 / FA.1 / FA.2
Country
United Kingdom
Service
RAF / RN
In Commission
1990
Number in Service
Hypothetical
Length (m)
17.031
Wingspan (m)
10.59
Height (m)
Unknown
Empty Weight (kg)
Unknown
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) (kg)
Unknown
Payload Weight (kg)
Unknown
Crew
1
Propulsion
1 × Rolls-Royce RB.422.48 turbofan with three vectoring nozzles, 25,500 lbf (113 kN) thrust
Rate of Climb (ft/min)
30000
Service Ceiling (ft)
45000
Military/Afterburner Speed (kt)
1133.46
Cruise Speed (kt)
480
Supercruise
No
Ferry Range (nm)
2000+
Endurance (min)
Likely more than the Harrier
Takeoff / Landing Distance (m)
0m (VTOL)
Fuel Capacity (kg)
Likely more than the Harrier - circa 3500-4000
Sensors
1x Blue Vixen Radar (or similar). 1x Generic MAWS. 1x Generic FLIR. 1x Zeus RWR (or similar). 1x Zeus DECM (or similar). 1x Mk1 Eyeball.
Mounts
2x 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannons 1x AN/ALE-40 X2 - 30 Cartridges (Flares) 1x BOL x2 - 320 Cartridges (Chaff)
Loadout Options
FGR.1 / FA.1 Models: A mixture of - x2 EFTs - Likely 250-550 ImpG range. x2-6 AIM-9Ls / Ms x2-4 Skyflash Super TEMP Mod and / or AIM-120 AMRAAMs for 1991 models, x1 Laser Designator, likely a TIALD 300 or 400. x2-4 Rocket pods, including CRV-7s and SNEB 68mm Rockets x2-4 ALARMs x6 AGM-65D / G / G2 Mavericks x6 RBL1755 x6 GP and / or GBU Bombs (500lb class) x2-4 GP and / or GBU Bombs (1000lb class) x2 GP and / or GBU Bombs (2000lb class)
FGR.2 / FA.2 Models: x2 EFTs - Likely 250-550 ImpG range. x2-6 AIM-132A ASRAAM x2-4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs x1 Laser Designator, likely a Liteing III Pod x2-4 Rocket pods, including CRV-7s and / or CRV7-PG x2-4 ALARM Blk 2 x6-12 Brimstone / Brimstone 2s (Dual Mode) x6 GP and / or GBU Bombs (500lb class) x2-4 GP and / or GBU Bombs (1000lb class) x2 GP and / or GBU Bombs (2000lb class) x2 Storm Shadows
Comms/Datalinks
UHF/VHF Radio (Secure). AN/ARC-164 Have Quick; later models may have AN/ARC-204 HAVE QUICK II. AIM-120 Command Datalink (One-Way); Later models may have the Two-Way ability. Link 16 JTIDS.
Aircraft Codes
Terrain Following, Fly-by-Wire, Night Navigation/Attack (Incl. Bomb, Rocket Delivery), Bombsight - Advanced Navigation (INS/GPS), Probe Refuelling
Comments
The P.1216 was intended to meet Royal Air Force and Royal Navy requirements for an ASTOVL aircraft, as well as a possible sale to the United States Marine Corps. While Kestrel was touted as one name for it, Peregrine and Vulture have also been suggested. There is also a version with forward-swept wings known as the P.1214.
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/attachments/p1216_book_cver-gif.118500/
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/attachments/cover_internalssmall-gif.125899/
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Aerospace_P.1216
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/flights-of-fantasy-what-if-the-p-1216-went-into-production.308/