Boeing P-8 Poseidons on the way
Discussion
It will be announced later today as part of the Strategic Defence Review that the RAF will be receiving 9 new Boeing P-8s.
To be honest, it was obvious that this would eventually happen. At the 2012 Farnborough Air Show I had a long chat with the crew of the US Navy P-8 that was on display - all of whom were RAF.
To be honest, it was obvious that this would eventually happen. At the 2012 Farnborough Air Show I had a long chat with the crew of the US Navy P-8 that was on display - all of whom were RAF.
If you can find the multi-billion pound dog food tins they became. They were unceremoniously and hastily cut up when Cameron came to power. It was his symbolic gesture to demonstrate how he was 'thrifty'.
Personally, (although I doubt it was ever a serious consideration). I'd like to have Sen the purpose built Japanese offering
Personally, (although I doubt it was ever a serious consideration). I'd like to have Sen the purpose built Japanese offering
Edited by Elroy Blue on Monday 23 November 08:42
Whilst it's better than nothing, I still don't htink it's the right airraft for the job. The Japanese P-1 looked much more capable, particualrly as it was designed for the job, rather than another airliner conversion. We don't just need an Anti-submarine aircraft, but Search and Rescue, if you can't fly low, how do you search for a small dinghy or liferaft?
Can it not fly low?
According to the RAF chappies I spoke to, the airframe has been considerably beefed up compared to an airliner 737.
It is interesting that no matter what aircraft is chosen for a job, there will be always dozens of people who will claim it is the wrong aircraft.
As far as I can see, it's better than what we have at the moment - which is nothing.
According to the RAF chappies I spoke to, the airframe has been considerably beefed up compared to an airliner 737.
It is interesting that no matter what aircraft is chosen for a job, there will be always dozens of people who will claim it is the wrong aircraft.
As far as I can see, it's better than what we have at the moment - which is nothing.
Anyone know for certain where the new MPAs are going to be based?
The Rumour Control have it that it's to be Kinloss again, or Leuchars, though Kinloss would need its runway re-laying (apparently...). I read somewhere that Leuchars' runway infrastructure is more or less intact so overall would need less lead-in time to be fully operational.
The Rumour Control have it that it's to be Kinloss again, or Leuchars, though Kinloss would need its runway re-laying (apparently...). I read somewhere that Leuchars' runway infrastructure is more or less intact so overall would need less lead-in time to be fully operational.
Edited by Depthhoar on Wednesday 25th November 07:26
Depthhoar said:
Anyone know for certain where the new MPAs are going to be based?
The Rumour Control have it that it's to be Kinloss again, or Leuchars, though Kinloss would need its runway relaying (apparently...). I read somewhere that Leuchars' runway infrastructure is more or less intact so overall would need less lead-in time to be fully operational.
I'd bet it being Lossie.The Rumour Control have it that it's to be Kinloss again, or Leuchars, though Kinloss would need its runway relaying (apparently...). I read somewhere that Leuchars' runway infrastructure is more or less intact so overall would need less lead-in time to be fully operational.
Can't see any 'old' base being re-activated .... too much money, and too much logistics issues (finding somewhere for the Army to go in the case of Leuchars)....... not that logic and the MOD are compatible of course
Trevatanus said:
Eric Mc said:
At the 2012 Farnborough Air Show I had a long chat with the crew of the US Navy P-8 that was on display - all of whom were RAF.
You sure it wasn't 2014 Eric? I know it was there then, and the talk was that we were buying them.aeropilot said:
Getting enough people trained to crew them and maintain them is going to be interesting.......
Over the past few years, there has been a core of RAF personnel seconded to other forces that use the P-8 i.e the US Navy and the RAAF (Australia). So, that will provide the initial contingent.Eric Mc said:
aeropilot said:
Getting enough people trained to crew them and maintain them is going to be interesting.......
Over the past few years, there has been a core of RAF personnel seconded to other forces that use the P-8 i.e the US Navy and the RAAF (Australia). So, that will provide the initial contingent.Given the state of the training infrastructure at the moment it's still not going to be an easy task.
PanzerCommander said:
UK Government in short sighted blunder shocker.
As ever. The problem is that you have politicians/civil servants making military decisions, and they are not only largely incompetent at most things, but have to obey other factors that push them towards making decisions that are ultimately wrong. In practice this doesn't matter because (a) they lose the next election/get a different job (b) Joe Taxpayer pays for the mistakes.Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff