Another interesting letter in today's Torygraph:
<< SIR - Unlike President Bush, Tony Blair has not, since September 11, made any significant move towards increasing defence spending.
Yet the account of life for aircrews involved in RAF air tanking operations over Afghanistan highlights the potential dangers from under-resourcing air power.
The Ministry of Defence has already admitted that crews are pushing close to their safety limits of 120 hours flying every 28 days. Normally, aircrew could expect to fly around 250 to 350 hours a year.
A report in the current edition of RAF News claims that the new C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft "is currently operating at 170 per cent of its original RAF authorised flying tasking".
The partial privatisation of the tanking force that is going forward is a policy largely dictated by the Treasury. It is doubtful whether flying these kinds of hours would be possible under a private contract.
It is currently intended to have a smaller overall fleet of dedicated tankers under the privatisation plans. This is despite the growing evidence that air tanking is one of the most essential elements in today's globally mobile fighting forces. Although the awaited tankers will be much welcomed to replace the ageing VC-10s, more, rather than fewer, will be needed if the Government's enthusiasm for "expeditionary operations" continues.
The RAF deserves the best equipment to do the job. Political posturing is not enough. >>
No - I didn't write it!!
[ 24 November 2001: Message edited by: BEagle ]