But surely.....
Lusty will stay until 2014. Queen Elizabeth (not being fitted with cats or traps) should be ready in 2015-6....
I also seem to remember that Ocean is meant to be able to carry Harriers, but not operate them (there's a Phalanx in the way). Her last refit cost £40 million. Her planned refit is sat to cost £100 million - that's a lot of upgrades and additions.
As for the poo-pooing of the ideas regarding Reservists and Harriers:
1. How much of the projected costs are fixed, regardless of aircraft numbers?
2. How much cost is there per aircraft?
3. How closely are costs and flying hours related?
4. How many costs are due to personnel?
So a much smaller number of aircraft, with smaller numbers of personnel (many of them Reservists so not paid 365 days per year unless mobilised or on FTRS), and reduced flying hours.... We are now talking about a significantly lower figure than that quoted for three full time squadrons.
Last edited by WE Branch Fanatic; 24th Sep 2012 at 17:29.