Ever thought that the RAF is operating technologically advanced weapons platforms not totally, but largely, in advance of the other 2 Services? Ever wondered why the Army was trying to poach RAF techies to support Apache? Big leap, going to something like that.
PS - believe the RAF/Fleet Air Arm/Army Air Corps was 'de-scoped' around 1918??
I don't question your professional ability to sit in the sea in large grey metallic targets - let us do the same from the 5-star patio!