Yes, the VC10 is obsolete and expensive-to-run as a transport aircraft. There is no doubt that she would have been retired years ago if AT was her only purpose. However, the aircraft is the backbone of the UK's AAR capability and for several years now it only really performed the AT role because it was already in the inventory and it could. A fleet of AAR aircraft is a capability that is vital when needed, but sits around doing very little when not engaged in ongoing operations. Utilization of the VC10 in the AT role at least allowed the RAF to keep the axe away from the tanker fleet and the dreaded 'capability holiday'. I'm sure that the real impact of the end of VC10 AT will be a reduction in the RAF's ability to generate tankers if required. As this will not affect the current war then there is an obvious case for slicing the capability, but this moves the UK forces one step closer to being configured only for Afghanistan.
As for the safety issue, the VC10 has a quite remarkable record in 40-plus years sevice as a military transport aircraft. In that time her and her crews haven't come close to killing anyone. Which is more than can be said for some of their close neighbours.
Last edited by Brain Potter; 17th Jan 2010 at 14:41.