Originally Posted by
Genstabler
"What is the Seedcorn project about (and been funded for) if it's not about providing a nucleus with which to rebuild an RAF-led long range ASW fleet? Indeed, many of them are already operating P8s!"
It should be about providing a nucleus with which to rebuild a UK long range ASW fleet. Who should operate it should be looked at carefully without historical preconceptions and tribal empire building. To me, as a neutral onlooker, it seems logical that it should be RN led, as in the rest of the world's armed forces.
If you leave to one side the historical preconceptions, the P8 falls firmly into the lap of the RAF to operate it. In terms of who 'leads' it, whilst on ASW or ASuW missions, the MCC will have OPCON of it, no change there. When on ISR missions, the ACC will have OPCON of it. Still no change. There is a bit of a 1916 attitude throughout this thread from the RN guys.
It's the RAF's job to operate aircraft to protect the nations interests from the air. The argument that because MPA conduct their business over the sea, it should be RN operated is as daft as suggesting that as the T45's job is to destroy aircraft, it should be manned and operated by airmen! It's the environment that you operate in, not the adversary you are pitched against that determines who gets to 'do' it. This is an argument that was put to bed about 100 years ago! There are now 3 environments! Not 2!!!!
The FAA's job is to support the RN by operating aircraft off ships. That's why they came into being as part of the RAF in 1924, and were granted independence from the RAF in 1939. Will the P8 ever operate off a ship? No! The lack of recognition by the RN, and to some extent the AAC, that its the RAF's job to do the flying, except with a few niche specialists that add value to their individual services, demonstrates to all that they don't quite get Air Power, and only strengthens the RAF's position.