Pugwash,
What balance is that fella? The one that says (Quoting Lord Astor so neatly batting off Lord West):
"The most operationally relevant measure is flying hours delivered per aircraft per month. On that basis, Tornado GR4s in Afghanistan are providing approximately 12 per cent more flying hours per aircraft per month than were provided by Harrier."
Smith. Wonderland looking like a reasonable place to operate after all then.
The relentless questioning from Lord West seemed a little late also.
I'm not surprised that you got info from a Senior Navy Officer, and I'm willing to bet your Senior RAF Officer would have hailed from the Harrier fraternity. No?
Please, don't be persuaded that the GR4 isn't up to it, less capable or costs lives by folks with an agenda which has passed its "use by" date.
I'm sorry to see the Harrier go. I really am. But pointless attempts to bring it back by trying to reduce confidence in a very capable aircraft through untruths and twisted "facts" are not the way. Can we draw this to a close.