I have a question which i would want some of the seniors to answer please.... The inner most pylon under each wing is the one that can carry the maximum load and which is used for fuel tanks as well. I understand that each hard point carries approx 500L fuel (plz correct me if i am wrong).. would it be possible to use a modified fuel tank (like mirage ones) with about 400 or so capacity but it can carry some armaments at 4 and 8'o clock position. This way the clearance would still be there and so would the added fuel compensating for lesser inner fuel....the only question remains is what general-purpose bombs or other armaments are light enough that 2 of them can be carried on a single drop tank. In a ground support / attack role the outer wing pilon can also carry a dual or triple (i am being a bit too optimistic here) launcher with wingtip pilon dedicated to protection.
In short this would make thunder have a higher range with better firepower. Is it feasible and if yes, then why has this not been done so far?
In short this would make thunder have a higher range with better firepower. Is it feasible and if yes, then why has this not been done so far?