View Full Version : Forgive the impertinence but-
effortless
18th Feb 2013, 08:08
How do we do in Red Flag these days? I understand that we used to punch well above our weight. I guess that defence budget fiascos have their effect.
Sorry if the question is inappropriate.
Oh yes and realise it's a learning experience but.
lj101
18th Feb 2013, 09:53
Having been lucky enough to participate in Red Flag a few times I'm not sure where your 'punching well above our weight' comment comes from, would you care to elaborate?
When was your last Red Flag?
effortless
18th Feb 2013, 19:01
Oh sorry, I was under the impression that our pilots often surprised their hosts. This despite the RAF flying fewer hours and having and having older kit. I was just curious as I no longer hear from anyone who knows.
No, I discovered fairly soon that I didn't have what it takes.
The B Word
18th Feb 2013, 19:23
I certainly saw some Brit AWACS crews "punch above their weight" compared to the USAF's on Ex RED FLAG (Alaska) about 5 years ago - and let me tell you, their combined weight was quite considerable after all the in flight catering!
The B Word :ok:
lj101
18th Feb 2013, 19:29
RAF Typhoon work up described as per link
U.K, U.S. Prep for Red Flag | Defense News | defensenews.com (http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130211/TSJ01/302110009/1003/tsj)
Joining Red Flag 13-3 starting 25th Feb - March 15 with some Lossiemouth GR4's. As you say, our aircrew can traditionally hold their own amongst the 'all the gear' crowd.
SASless
18th Feb 2013, 20:04
Some would say any punching would be above your weight......but the perceived natural British sense of superiority in all things makes that a given.
brickhistory
18th Feb 2013, 20:10
As the budget failure of the executive and legislative branches known as 'sequestration' becomes more and more likely, future Red Flags are likely to be side-lined for lack of funding until the games are settled in Washington.
As to performance and ability to continue performing, perhaps the recent Libya air campaign can answer your question.
lj101
18th Feb 2013, 20:45
The natural British sense of superiority in all things makes that a given.
:ok:
barnstormer1968
18th Feb 2013, 22:02
SASless
We don't have a sense of superiority, we just are superior :E
brickhistory
18th Feb 2013, 22:51
Indeed, those mighty squadrons of bombers, tankers, fighters, ASW jets, not to mention those carrier groups deployed...
'Scuse me, what?!
Oh, sorry...:E
lj101
19th Feb 2013, 06:39
Indeed, those mighty squadrons of bombers, tankers, fighters, ASW jets, not to mention those carrier groups deployed...
DESPITE, having little / none of the above...... we still think we're better, it's a historical thing.... ;)
Party Animal
19th Feb 2013, 07:59
DESPITE, having little / none of the above...... we still think we're better, it's a historical thing...
NO NO NO - we don't 'think' - we know!!! :ok:
effortless
19th Feb 2013, 08:04
Oh goody, sensible responses at last. :D Please continue. Those I knew who attended this event, admittedly a generation or so ago, usually came back on a high. I just hoped that this is still the case. The situation over here seems so depressing now. I wish you all moments of joy.
dead_pan
19th Feb 2013, 11:01
The Buccs did well in times of yore:
1977 | 2919 | Flight Archive (http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1977/1977%20-%202919.html)