Tornado GR4 OSD

[Lima Juliet]

Haaving read this...

Tornado could fly on into 2030s, partners say - 9/24/2014 - Flight Global (http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/tornado-could-fly-on-into-2030s-partners-say-404109/)

What are the chances of seeing GR4 getting a reprieve in SDSR15 when its being put to use 'for the next 3 years' in the so-called IS fight? Would it de-risk the likely late arrival of F35?

LJ

[Typhoon93]

What happened to the other tornadoes that have already been decommissioned?

617 Sqn disbanded earlier this year - does their aircraft still exist? Or have they been scrapped already?

If they're going to extend the OSD then surely they need more aircraft, more aircrew and more ground crew/techies. It's not fair to expect two Sqns and an OCU Sqn to do all of the work for that long.

[Dash8driver1312]

...someone used the word "fair" in relation to tasking???

[Valiantone]

Typhoon93

The Tornados that both 12 and 617 had, have gone to other units, or overhaul, storage and so on (same thing that happens when any unit disbands).

Given that we are fixated with buying DAVE, lets hope they don't get rid of too many....:rolleyes:


V1

[Typhoon93]

So if there are aircraft in storage from the other Sqns, then are there enough for another Squadron to reform if the OSD is extended?

[Cows getting bigger]

I'm sure there's a hangar full of useful stuff at Shawbury, or has that been emptied as well?

[salad-dodger]

So if there are aircraft in storage from the other Sqns, then are there enough for another Squadron to reform if the OSD is extended?
There may be aircraft in storage, but returning them to service isn't straightforward, it won't be just a quick AF/BF and go punch holes in the ozone. Returning them to service will depend on what state they went into storage, e.g. servicing, modifications etc.

S-D

[Doobry Firkin]

Then there's the issue of 'fleets within fleets'. The good old Diamond aircraft will not have been mothballed (unless they're life ex).
Yes a tonka is a tonka and it can fly and drop bombs but what mods do they have, what kit has already been 'robbed' from them....

[Typhoon93]

I'd imagine even if aircraft could be returned to service, it would take a while depending on how many personnel are available. In this current climate, I can't see the RAF having too many spare GR4-qualified technical staff.

[orionsbelt]

see

http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/l0006.html

take away 12 and 617Sqdns = 60 operational Aeroplanes
What happened to 15 Sqdn??

***

[Valiantone]

Well I aint sure how many have gone to the facility at Leeming, but assume they still have 90+

V1