Gainesy/Gee Ram,
"replicate the RAF of 1974 or 75?"
Are you mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was a part of THAT Air Force. Seeing as it's principal task was to defend against a conventional Warpact thrust across Central Germany with all the UK AD and maritime associated tasks, I would say that it was woefully inadequate, FAR more inadequate for it's main role than the current lot.
NO hardened facilities, no HAS, all flight lines nice and neat for anyone who cared to take a pop.
NO war stocks; fuel, munitions, spares etc for about 4 days use. AAM etc even less.......
A strike force of tired Vulcans, 100% committed to tactical nuclear SACEUR use in the event of hostilities.
A small tactical strike force with 10% held back for theatre tac nuke use in RAFG.
A tiny AD force of 5 frightening and 1 solitary F-4 squadrons that would have been hard put to defend Lincolnshire let alone the UKAD.
NO heavylift SH, largest SH we had was the Wessex, 1 solitary Sqn per theatre.
Short range SAR Whirlwinds everywhere.
Finally, a tactical dogma that was an embarassement to all concerned.
Take off the rose tinted glasses, please!