If, as is inevitable these days, the whole argument is about cost, then surely the UAS system must
stay !!
I'm not going to compare made up figures, as some seem bound to do, but lets look at the principles:
The UAS is a filter, and a damned good one at that - FACT
The UASs now train 100% of RAF EFT pilots - FACT
The UASs also chop those deemed 'unsuitable for further training' - FACT
The
cost of carrying out this filter elswhere (Linton etc) = ~10X that of UASs - albeit out of someone elses pot! - FACT
The UASs provide valuable QFI experience before returning to the front line - FACT
...Just some points for the pot
The alternative? The aforementioned 2 'Super-UASs'. Presumably these would run on one of two basis:
a. A summer camp-type for all VRs. In which case where does the surge req't of QFIs come from?
b. A full time unit. In which case, will we not have even more holding offrs in the system than now, thus at greater
cost, as they've yet to be filtered?
Ignite and run......
Uncle G