Could RAF eke some value from the aircraft by removing the electronics and converting them back to a passenger/transport role, maybe replacing some of 32 Sqn's 146s? Or will all the extra bits bolted on have compromised fatigue life too much?
Originally Posted by
Party Animal
I think the word ‘probably’ would more accurately be replaceable with ‘could possibly’. Subject to the US allowing the UK into another highly classified technical capability (not helped by the Hauawii deal) and another chunk of money that defence would have to find in the current climate.
Boeing's lobbyists would probably create significant pressure to excuse any such issues since it gives them an opportunity to ship something which won't spend years in adjacent parking lots, and it would at least have some commonality with the existing P-8 MPAs. And as for the money, with COVID bloating borrowing all over the world, what better time to splash a little more red ink?