Hi Arc
Thanks for the comprehensive reply. So in 3-4 years we could have better gliders and we've wasted nearly half that time on what sounds like a p!ss-poor glider in the first place? Sounds like another scr3w up then. We could, on your numbers, have at least half our conventional VGSs flying by now with 'Vanguards' if we had not bothered with the Vikings and 'cut our losses' back in Apr 14. I understand, talking to one of those who has been working on the Vikings, that they are with 2 sub-contractors and have been for several months. He told some stories of the discovery of non-documented glass-fibre repairs in fuselages and wing leading edges that need to be done all over again and then properly recorded. If that is the case then it is hardly surprising that it's taking so long to do a fleet of 80+ aircraft.
Furthermore, of the 60-odd Vigilants, we could probably have replaced 27 (estimating 1.5 Falkes per month from the factory) - or just under 50%. Modern coverings on these are far better than that of the Venture. It also has conventional sprung gear rather than the old mono-wheel.
If we had done this then we would have half the VGSs flying again and they would be 'future proofed' in not needing new engines for the motorgliders.
Still, too late now. This 'pause' is not our finest hour...
CPL Clott