Dear TICU, lets get a few things straight. Frankley, the rotary side of Royal Air Force does not want the Apache or the CAS associated with it. SH fleet carry out their mission to support the Army in a truley professional manner. As to manning, the front end and rear end crewing for the SH fleet is in reasonable order. Sure there is a shortfall (as there is in all three services), however the RAF (and the Navy I may add) is not in the deficit currently held by the AAC. As to Army SNCO/JNCO aircrew. No one doubts their ability as aircrew, they have been tested at RAF Cranwell found suitable form training and successfully passed the APC. If YOU want a Commission in the Armed Forces be it in the AAC, the Navy or the Royal Air Force you have to prove your worth and earn it. Have you got what it takes, take a long look at yourself and then truthfully answer that question. Also, please correct me if I am wrong, but the JHC was originally an Army concept and believe me, you are safe in your own colour of uniform. The Apache will stay with the Army and will (eventually) be a success, no doubt with Army SNCO's crewing it. However please enjoy the exercises in Poland, Im told its nice this time of year, with snow and all the potatoes you can eat.
And finally, yes the Apache program seems to have moved to the right. I am reliably informed that the first one (Apache) arrives on March 31st and then departs off to Boscombe on April 1st. The next one does not then arrive until August/September time due to Westlands being a little behind.
PS; TICU, writing in capitals is tantamount to shouting and considered somewhat rude in most forums. Also either get a spool chucker or dictionary to help with the spelling.
[This message has been edited by HeliAv8tor (edited 11 February 2000).]
[This message has been edited by HeliAv8tor (edited 12 February 2000).]
[This message has been edited by HeliAv8tor (edited 12 February 2000).]