Originally Posted by
Bob Viking
It’s kind of an honest question. Would it really be a discrete role to be able to launch an anti-shipping missile?
BV
I think FB's point may be the (perhaps to we of a certain age) small size of the airforces we now have given HMG's ambitions.
With my Sharkey helmet on my answer is yes, and the FAA should be properly equipped to do it.
In reality, I would have thought it comes down to whether or not one needs a special variant to do it, or it can be managed by upgrading the standard equipent fit. Back in the days of Sea Eagle there were two squadrons with the role specific Tornado GR1B and prior to that the Buccaneer was specifically designed for he role and in th RAF specific squadrons tasked in the maritime attack role. Perhaps in these days of data links and networked battlespace with the guy/gal in the cockpit effectively being both pilot and WSO the days of specialism are over?
Perhaps not a question for a public forum but I would like to know if QWIs are currently training pilots on the maritime attack role.