Can anyone with a bit of insight explain why it is that MRA4 is being belatedly rushed into service with little in the way of combat/fire protection, to fulfill a surveillance role, when ASTOR is already in service and as fas as I understand, actually designed for the job?
Better still, why is the MR2, being forced to carry out dangerous AAR Ops just because it has a TV camera and a radio on board when ASTOR is in service?
I assume in service does not mean combat ready, but does anyone have an idea when this aircraft will be able to be deployed?
Last edited by nigegilb; 8th November 2007 at 06:22.