Originally Posted by
cazatou
dalek
A bit bilious this morning?
What Major Equipment is procured for the Miltary is decided at Ministerial level taking into account many factors - of which suitability is only one. A sceptic might conclude that whether jobs could be created in a marginal Constituency was a higher priority.
Prior to WW2 the RAF held a competition for a new Light Bomber. The winning design was the Fairey Battle - Maximum speed 241 mph at 13,000 ft. The loser was the Hawker Henley which was adopted as a Target Tug with a de-rated engine - its Maximum speed (towing an Air to Air Drogue) was 272 mph at 17,000 ft!!
On 14 May 1940 Nos 12, 103,105,150 and 218 Sqns equipped with Battles attacked German Pontoon Bridges at Sedan. 40 aircraft out of a force of 71 were lost.
Should we hold an Inquiry?
I think what Caz is trying to say is that since the concept of Britain having an Armed Force to protect the nation was first conceived the numerous governments of the day has supplied said Armed Force with equipment that is simply not the best available or not the most fit for purpose.
I think he further goes on to say that those of us who think this concept is flawed really should keep our own council as it's in no ones interest to complain about it.