Don't trust all you read on Wikipedia
I can clearly remember that in one of the defence reviews the purpose of the armed Hawks was clearly defined as being for use as part of a tiered defence BEHIND the UK east coast Bloodhound / Rapier missile line. I'm sure that was also the review which announced the arming of the Hawks
So the theory according to the politicians was you'd get the Phantom out at long range, the two Lightning squadrons as fast reaction aircraft on the ground for anything that got past, then the UK missile barrier behind and the Hawks ranging free behind the missiles in the UK. I'm sure that was the same review that announced the reforming of a third Lightning squadron - which never happened. I'm sure it would have been John Nott's 1982 f'up which preceded the Falklands
of course what may have really happened was probably quite different - but that was the way it was reported at the time in the press
If what you are saying is correct, then the RAF departed from the politicians announced intentions
Last edited by Milo Minderbinder; 12th July 2012 at 18:17.