Dave, I agree with you.
For c4aero, Sir, I also agree. Not everyone joins the Royal AIR Force to fly. That is why conventional gliding is the activity of choice for all cadets. If you don't want to fly there are so many things Cadets can help with and experience to launch a glider to achieve this. That is why I agree with your point on the Vigilant not being the best for trg, just like Tutor AEF being limited as well. With that case in point, then why are we running Vigilant on for another 3 years when we could be placing orders for ASK-21s? (and no I don't have shares, but it's a great glider, the military clearance has already been done and it's still in production). Taking the money from the re-engine program, the run on of Vigilant and spending monies from Service Charities to pay for gliders (instead of low-fidelity sims that cost 1/3 the price of a new glider) would surely be a better plan?
Best
LJ