Originally Posted by
Door Slider
The (leased) RAF “Tanker” is crewed by RAF crews too!
The (leased) RAF AT asset is crewed by RAF pilots too, and the majority of the time by RAF Cabin Crew.
Some people seem to think because it’s a PFI, Air Tanker and Sponsored Reservists crews are flying the aircraft, that’s not the case.
I do agree however that for your only strategic AT assest and only Tanker I really ought to be a military procurement not PFI.
Bearing inmind the PFI was approved in 2007, what boom receivers did we have then??? P-8, Rivetjoint, F35A were not even on the horizon! I’m sure that’s been discussed to death on other threads anyway.
It’s not just about looking after your own. A significant proportion of Coalition air requires Boom refuelling, something that the RAF cannot currently contribute towards.