Draken,
I see more clearly where you're coming from, unfortunately trying to lump everything on to one airframe seems to be an increasing desire of politicians. It seems they simply will not wear the idea of different aircraft for different roles no matter how adept. The big problem is still trying to convince one and all of the continued, and I'd say, increasing demand for a flexible air defence provision. Just because Fighters aren't intercepting Bears and Badgers with quite the same regularity as they did 25 years ago, seems to produce a culture in the media, public and politicians, who need their votes, to question the need. Therefore the ill advised path of trying to get the Tiffy to learn how to make tea, among other things, on top of its primary duties. All so Boy George doesn't try to chop the final number delivered, down to 70! Which is what the air staff are doubtless, desparatley trying to avoid. Also, the GR4 will go sooner or later, that's inevitable. Not right without a replacement aircraft more suited, but there you go!
FB
