Thanks guidedweapons for your constructive input. I think you'll find the thread had wandered off somewhat. Chill out sonny.
It seems there is some serious in house jostling for position. Decision makers in the RAF and the RN are making these decisions without government approval.
Speaking to a flag rank last night, I was told the following:
RAF Mk 3 Merlins will not be marinised or sent to the RN.
The brit exchange pilots on the marine JSF course were sent home last week. The lot of them. How many does that leave over there now?
If the carriers are another 10yrs off and there is a further delay to reconfigure the launch system, what might the annual throughput be for FAA FW jocks. Thanks.