Originally Posted by
Rotate too late
I get that Vendee, but they are tired, the RTM engines may have top of the tree once, but are now regarded as old tech. If you work on them, then you'll know, 1553 databuses are ancient, as are the WP's and SP's etc. The D is now superseded, if we keep going there will be no spares. The techs do an amazing job, but a lynx it ain't. Replacing a T6 gauge? Nope. Spares in the stores? Well i can assure you there isn't an abundance.
So I'm afraid I'll disagree, they are tired, as is the spares chain, the training pipeline.....etc.
No one is suggesting that there are better aircraft out there but its only been in service for 12 years. I'd like a new car/camera/TV every year as the old ones become obsolete but it doesn't happen. How long did the Sea King stay in service for? What about the Tornado.... 35 years and still going (yes I know its been upgraded)? And if Boeing are pulling the support from us, do we really want to reward that by giving them a contract for new aircraft?