Headline costs
I figure that comparing headline costs would give a false perspective.
How many receivers were being provided for in the VC10 and TriStar hay day?
Would you compare the same with the Victor of the 70s and 80s.
You do have to compare the whole life costs across all Lines of Development. I don't think we had the tools for cost capture back then. I think the same is the case today.
I would suggest a measure of cost per gallon transferred or something.
How ever you cut it really makes no odds. the fact is that we need tankers to project our interests. No one is going to bring the TriStar or VC10 back. I do hold the view that it was daft to embark on the scheme we have today. We should own and operate the aircraft just as we do our fighters and other assets. I can't see how it can be best value for the tax payer.
The whole thing is just an experiment. Do the MoD retain any option to buy out the lease/PFI. It all sounds too entrenched with the infrastructure and staff part of the package. What happens when the propeller flies off? I am sure the cost of fixing it back on will fall to the public purse.