I would like to say I am surprised regarding the AEW delay but I have been like an old fashioned record that has become stuck on one particular track... How many times do we read of a predicted capability being introduced into service by a particular date and more to the point, how often does this happen? As soon as the conventional carrier option was binned I stated we only have this helicopter for our AEW capability and the replacement was still at the development stage.
I am in the corner that is not holding its breath regarding any of the programs regarding our Fleet Air Arm and a fast fixed wing capability.
Will we get a replacement for the Sea King by 2016?
Will we get the F-35B?
Will both new carriers ever join the fleet and become operational ships that will operate fast jets?
One out of three is a possibility, but what odds on a full house?
Most days I receive updates predicting doom and gloom for the 'B' variant but I note that the aircraft is still being developed and faults being rectified. We are where we regarding this aircraft and surely we NEED this thing to be successful?