E-3D Final Sortie

[Gordon Brown]

Local news reporting the final E-3D flight at RAF Waddington, and no replacement until 2023. A big capability gap.

But hey, let's obsess about women's hair on the military aircrew forum.

[downsizer]

on the military aircrew forum.

Mate - do you have a link to that forum??? This is for history and nostalgia...! ;)

[Ninthace]

Local news reporting the final E-3D flight at RAF Waddington, and no replacement until 2023. A big capability gap.

But hey, let's obsess about women's hair on the military aircrew forum.

Link here
https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2021/08/e-3d-sentry-lands-at-raf-waddington-after-final-mission/

[Stuck On The Ground]

Mate - do you have a link to that forum??? This is for history and nostalgia...! ;)

Yes, cue the, "When I was on Vulcans at Waddington" posts.

[Wensleydale]

Local news reporting the final E-3D flight at RAF Waddington, and no replacement until 2023. A big capability gap.

But hey, let's obsess about women's hair on the military aircrew forum.


Although the Sentry is assigned to the NATO AEW&C Force and tasked by them. The RAF own the aircraft and the crews, but have little input into their use unless formally requested for National Tasking. In the meantime, the NATO Component of the AEW&C Force with E-3As at Geilenkirchen is more than capable of taking up the slack in tasking until the arrival of Wedgetail which will also be NATO assigned. No capability gap at all.

[SASless]

Bummer being a part of a Joint Force sometimes. isn't it?

But...at other times it is a blessing.

The RAF did without ASW capability until the P-8's started arriving....perhaps this waiting period shall not be as. long.

[Stuck On The Ground]

Although the Sentry is assigned to the NATO AEW&C Force and tasked by them. The RAF own the aircraft and the crews, but have little input into their use unless formally requested for National Tasking. In the meantime, the NATO Component of the AEW&C Force with E-3As at Geilenkirchen is more than capable of taking up the slack in tasking until the arrival of Wedgetail which will also be NATO assigned. No capability gap at all.

Why buy Wedgetail then? Genuine question.

[Wensleydale]

Why buy Wedgetail then? Genuine question.

It is a long historical answer. Back in the 1970s, when the NATO AEW Force was mooted, the force was to consist of all the NATO Nations contributing crews (including UK) with 24 E-3A aircraft based in the UK (base not decided but probably Fairford or Brize). However, discussions/arguements about costings/posts etc led to a delay in the signing of the agreement, and the UK stated that if not signatures were forthcoming then the UK would pull out of the multinational crews and go its own way (we were scrapping the RN Carriers and needed AEW to replace the Shackletons which were a stop gap until modern AEW arrived). The Germans realised that if the UK pulled out then they would get the airbase and associated monies, and so didn't sign. The UK pulled out and a few months later the rest of NATO signed up as well. The UK was to get six E-3A aircraft as the UK Component of the AEW Force and the remaining nations bought 18 E-3As and based them at Geilenkirchen. The UK aircraft would be NATO assigned and tasked as part of the Force..

Then came the politics in the UK. The 1970s was a time of left wing agitation with the Unions trying to run the Country: as a result, the MOD put a tender out for a UK Company to supply the AEW Aircraft for the UK Component rather than buying Boeing (the Gov't knowing that none of the UK companies had any proposals acceptable). Indeed, GEC/Marconi took the funds allocated for the production of the UK AEW Aircraft and rolled out their Comet testbed for the Tornado F2 AI Radar (which didn't work either). Just before the decision was made however(with everyone knowing that we would buy the E-3A), Ted Heath called a snap General Election which he lost. With a weak union dominated Labour Government in power, they were forced to buy British and not American and so the Nimrod AEW3 was born. GEC/Marconi gulped: they didn't have a product but never mind because they were offered a Cost Plus contract: all of the development costs plus profit for the company. In reality, the longer it took to develop the aircraft then the more money the company made.

Long story cut short. We eventually bought the E-3D but was still contractually obliged to be part of the NATO AEW Force. NATO threw a great deal of money at data-link infrastructure for Europe, and so the UK benefited from the deal. We are still contractually obliged to be part of the NAEW Force and so we will buy Wedgetail.

[Mr N Nimrod]

It is a long historical answer. Back in the 1970s, when the NATO AEW Force was mooted, the force was to consist of all the NATO Nations contributing crews (including UK) with 24 E-3A aircraft based in the UK (base not decided but probably Fairford or Brize). However, discussions/arguements about costings/posts etc led to a delay in the signing of the agreement, and the UK stated that if not signatures were forthcoming then the UK would pull out of the multinational crews and go its own way (we were scrapping the RN Carriers and needed AEW to replace the Shackletons which were a stop gap until modern AEW arrived). The Germans realised that if the UK pulled out then they would get the airbase and associated monies, and so didn't sign. The UK pulled out and a few months later the rest of NATO signed up as well. The UK was to get six E-3A aircraft as the UK Component of the AEW Force and the remaining nations bought 18 E-3As and based them at Geilenkirchen. The UK aircraft would be NATO assigned and tasked as part of the Force..

Then came the politics in the UK. The 1970s was a time of left wing agitation with the Unions trying to run the Country: as a result, the MOD put a tender out for a UK Company to supply the AEW Aircraft for the UK Component rather than buying Boeing (the Gov't knowing that none of the UK companies had any proposals acceptable). Indeed, GEC/Marconi took the funds allocated for the production of the UK AEW Aircraft and rolled out their Comet testbed for the Tornado F2 AI Radar (which didn't work either). Just before the decision was made however(with everyone knowing that we would buy the E-3A), Ted Heath called a snap General Election which he lost. With a weak union dominated Labour Government in power, they were forced to buy British and not American and so the Nimrod AEW3 was born. GEC/Marconi gulped: they didn't have a product but never mind because they were offered a Cost Plus contract: all of the development costs plus profit for the company. In reality, the longer it took to develop the aircraft then the more money the company made.

Long story cut short. We eventually bought the E-3D but was still contractually obliged to be part of the NATO AEW Force. NATO threw a great deal of money at data-link infrastructure for Europe, and so the UK benefited from the deal. We are still contractually obliged to be part of the NAEW Force and so we will buy Wedgetail.

i am sure that is part of the story…..

[Toadstool]

Local news reporting the final E-3D flight at RAF Waddington, and no replacement until 2023. A big capability gap.

But hey, let's obsess about women's hair on the military aircrew forum.

Capability gaps are the norm where one doesn’t have unlimited resources or money.

MR2 out of service. Seed corn until P8.
Nimrod R1 out of service. Co-manning until UK RJ.
E3-D out of service. Train on E-7 in Aus until UK wedge tail is ready.
Harrier out of service. Gap until F-35

[NutLoose]

Yes, cue the, "When I was on Vulcans at Waddington" posts.

Meanwhile to give folks something to do.....



https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/lincoln-news/historic-vulcan-bomber-raf-waddington-5710415

https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2021/07/raf-waddington-gate-guardian-takes-stock-for-repairs/

[Fortissimo]

We are still contractually obliged to be part of the NAEW Force and so we will buy Wedgetail.

Not quite. The UK made a commitment to provide a contribution in kind to NAEW, it is not a contract. We will be buying Wedgetail because the UK believes it needs a national capability for AEW&C, not because of any contract with NATO, even though the UK will remain engaged with the NAEW programme.

Aircraft would be withdrawn from NAEW for national tasking by notifying NATO, not by asking for permission. Canada, one of the original NAEW nations, gave notice and withdrew from the programme 3 or 4 years ago, which will have affected the industrial offset share arrangements.

[sangiovese.]

Ill be forever grateful from having had the comfort of knowing I was working under a UK E3 controller many times over the Adriatic Iraq and Afghanistan. The best crews on a fabulous asset.

[Out Of Trim]

Let’s hope we don’t need them to cover CSG21 in the South China Sea anytime soon! How much do we actually save by taking a capability gap for two years? Not a sensible decision in my opinion! 🤔

[TBM-Legend]

The combat proven E-7 is a great asset and deployed to pretty much all exercises from the various Flags and Exercise Pitch Black.

[Less Hair]

What will happen to those frames? Is NATO taking them or anybody else?

[Just This Once...]

You mean the youngest fleet of E-3s that were brought to their airworthiness knees by an aggressively incompetent PT?

Presumably scrap value plus a few bits sold-off. The 'zero careful owners' moniker does not tend to bring in a flood of offers.

[SWBKCB]

Flight report that one has been bought by the US Navy for $15m as an E-6 trainer

"The training flights expose mission aircraft to significant wear-and-tear and impact their readiness and availability,” notes PMA-271 programme manager Captain Adam Scott. “It’s a big win for the entire E-6 community,” he says of the E-3D purchase.

[coughing corner]

In the meantime, the NATO Component of the AEW&C Force with E-3As at Geilenkirchen is more than capable of taking up the slack in tasking until the arrival of Wedgetail which will also be NATO assigned. No capability gap at all.


The only problem being the invoice for those services is in fact greater than the cost of retaining the UK fleet until original draw down date prior to the SDR. #awkward…

Still you’ll be able to watch the delivery flights when they go, does that count?

[Wensleydale]

The only problem being the invoice for those services is in fact greater than the cost of retaining the UK fleet until original draw down date prior to the SDR. #awkward…

Still you’ll be able to watch the delivery flights when they go, does that count?

There is no invoice. The E-3D was part of the NATO AEW Force - the rest of that Force at Geilenkirchen will cover it.

[coughing corner]

There is no invoice.

Oh yes there is.

[Navaleye]

Why are our aircraft so rubbish that we have to get rid of them and rely on a fleet of older NATO operated aircraft?

[Davef68]

Flight report that one has been bought by the US Navy for $15m as an E-6 trainer

That one's been in the States for some time, presumably to give the USN the chance to give it the once over.

Always a chance the other 2/3 remaining airworthy ones could be picked up by existing CFM-56 powered 707 operators for similar duties (France, Saudi) or perhaps for conversion!

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20250/one-of-saudi-arabias-re-3a-spy-planes-now-looks-just-like-a-u-s-air-force-rc-135

[Mr N Nimrod]

Why are our aircraft so rubbish that we have to get rid of them and rely on a fleet of older NATO operated aircraft?
lack of investment

[Wensleydale]

Why are our aircraft so rubbish that we have to get rid of them and rely on a fleet of older NATO operated aircraft?

The UK aircraft may be "newer, but the mission system is much older in design with the NATO aircraft having received a mission system upgrade some years ago. The UK fleet was supposed to upgrade using the USAF E-3C Block 40-45 system. Unfortunately, at the time, the Block 40-45 system had technical problems and was slipping to the right and the MOD decided to wait and see. By the time the upgrade was "ready", it was deemed too expensive for our aircraft and the RAF's own upgrade would take place over a period of 10 years. Again, the austerity of SDR cancelled the project. By the time money was made available, it was deemed financially beneficial to buy a brand new fleet of newer aircraft rather than throw money at the old 1970s system.

[Navaleye]

Thank you, sounds like a typical UK procurement success

[tdracer]

Parts obsolescence is a huge problem with older aircraft - and with an electronics dominated asset like AWACS it's magnified many times.
In the 'good old days', military procurement was a major contributor to electronic components, and the component advancement wasn't nearly as rapid as today - so it was economically feasible to keep production going of otherwise obsolete components to support military and other aviation users. Today, the commercial market totally dominates the electronic component market - military and aviation are a tiny sliver of the market - and it no longer makes economic sense for a manufacturer to be making a few hundred of some obsolete component when they could be cranking out modern parts by the millions. Further, mil-spec electronics have become pretty few and far between - most military and aviation electronics use "COTS" - Commercial Off the Shelf parts that are simply screened to more rigid environmental requirements (e.g. temperature and vibration).
With something like AWACS, the cost of the electronics is actually a fairly small portion of the overall costs - it's the integration that's killer. Making all those boxes seamlessly talk to each other, while making sure the electromagnetic emissions don't interfere with other components is a massive task - made all the worse when you throw in high power radar systems.
No first hand knowledge of the E-3D, but I suspect they can no longer get the electronic bits to keep the AWACS functional, and it's cheaper to buy the Wedgetail 'off the shelf' than to create a new AWACS system from scratch.
Military aircraft seldom see 1,000 hrs/year of use, so 40 year old 707 airframes are maybe halfway through their available life, but all the AWACS systems are a different matter.

[sandiego89]

Flight report that one has been bought by the US Navy for $15m as an E-6 trainer

A Bounce Bird sure is nice to have, especially for the large crew, small fleet assets. I think the E-8 JSTARS got or gets their bounce bird back soon.

No sense having a full up crew and fully missionized aircraft banging circuits, although I'm sure the rear crew love doing touch and gos for the nugget co-pilots after a long mission...

[NRU74]

No sense having a full up crew and fully missionized aircraft banging circuits, although I'm sure the rear crew love doing touch and gos for the nugget co-pilots after a long mission...

What does/did a 'full up ' crew consist of normally ?

[Wensleydale]

What does/did a 'full up ' crew consist of normally ?

Usually 17-18 (depending upon the activity) although the aircraft can carry up to 34.

Flight Deck Crew:
Pilots x 2
Flight Engineer
Navigator

Mission Crew:
Tactical Director
Weapons team x 3 or 4 people
Surveillance Team x 5 People
Communications Operator
Communications Technician
Display Technician
Radar Technician


I will admit that pounding the circuit in an aluminium tube with no windows after a long sortie is not the most enjoyable pastime (also being bounced around behind a tanker for 20 minutes).

[vascodegama]

It has solved the problem of running out of Air Engs before the ac with them retired.

[reds & greens]

Not since the sad demise of the Nimrod MR2/R1 Fleet, has the term 'Formation Eating Team' been so callously responsible for a 75% reduction in Station Manning within Catering...

[Dunhovrin]

t'Formation Eating Team' There’s a term I’ve not heard since my last Honker’s stew…

[Mr N Nimrod]

Yep, to see the rations being hauled onto the back of an R1 really was a sight to see!

29 crew for around 8 hours is a lot of food.

[RAFEngO74to09]

USN buying one of the E-3Ds for $15M to use as a trainer for the E-6B fleet.

"The aircraft will help reduce an estimated 600 flight hours and 2,400 landings/cycles per year from the E-6 mission aircraft."

PMA-271 works quickly to purchase E-6B trainer aircraft | NAVAIR (navy.mil) (https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/PMA-271-works-quickly-purchase-E-6B-trainer-aircraft/Wed-08042021-1044)

[Melchett01]

… We will be buying Wedgetail because the UK believes it needs a national capability for AEW&C, not because of any contract with NATO ...

Is 3 jets really a National capability? Hardly. It’s just enough to satisfy the contract and to buy membership of a pooled club whereby we rely on other nations to dig us out of the doo doo by deploying assets to support us when required.

I really do despair at the way things are going. Sadly the Emperor really does think he’s wearing splendid new clothes.

[Asturias56]

It was originally going to be 5 Wedgetails IIRC - but then , once again, economic reality intervened

Of course the UK COULD afford 5 but then a sacred cow or three would have to suffer - say increase taxes, or do away withe pension triple lock, or cut funding for University expansion.......

[WE Branch Fanatic]

There is no invoice. The E-3D was part of the NATO AEW Force - the rest of that Force at Geilenkirchen will cover it.

Would the NATO force have been able to cover UK commitments like when the CSG21 group was in the Mediterranean? What about operations outside of the NATO area?

[Una Due Tfc]

Of course the UK COULD afford 5 but then a sacred cow or three would have to suffer - say increase taxes, or do away withe pension triple lock, or cut funding for University expansion.......

Or a certain ego stroking yacht....

[Asturias56]

"Would the NATO force have been able to cover UK commitments like when the CSG21 group was in the Mediterranean? What about operations outside of the NATO area?"

NATO covers NATO commitments - if anyone wants to go elsewhere they have to provide their own cover - if they can afford it of course

[Easy Street]

Seems pretty obvious to me that a reason for the gap between E-3D and E-7 would be retraining of all the aircrew and engineers. Unless the RAF has magically found a spare squadrons' worth of each?

[downsizer]

Seems pretty obvious to me that a reason for the gap between E-3D and E-7 would be retraining of all the aircrew and engineers. Unless the RAF has magically found a spare squadrons' worth of each?

Certainly a good idea, but I suspect two things....firstly that won't happen and people will be scattered in the wind to where they are needed right now. And secondly I bet a fair few PVRs have gone in to avoid a posting to the frozen north when it does come in...

[Lordflasheart]

...
What's wrong with a few holdover postings to bide a wee ?

The NATO Ski School has plenty of vacancies from September.
...

[NutLoose]

I can’t see training being that drawn out, it’s basically a 737 with a few extras chucked down the back. The danger there is training people on 737 then retaining them, pilot and engineer wise, though the industry is a bit flat at the moment in the real world..

[ZH875]

Not exactly final as ZH101 is airborne for the second day running, and is currently orbiting around the North Northumberland AWACS orbit.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1075x1818/screenshot_20210903_120017_samsung_internet_c31e81aa7ce4b551 95a283c90ea3c533f7a2e3eb.jpg

[Dan Gerous]

Yep, but unfortunately it's cloudy, so I can't see it. Looks to be heading South now.

[KPax]

One comment on another group is that it was an air test prior to delivery to some museum in the USA.

[rolandpull]

Perhaps the museum could provide a circular train track and roll it around.....in an everlasting electric orbit.

[Party Animal]

If Chile maintains the same aircraft designation, we can come back to this thread probably in 30 years time!

[Gordon Brown]

One currently airborne in Lincs again. ZH101 according to FR24. Maybe some Air Force having a test drive?

[SWBKCB]

Seems to have been flying about once a week since early September

[Lordflasheart]

...

The only UK Sentry E-3D AWACS (out of the original seven) that has flown since early August 2021 is ZH101, so it now seems reasonable to presume that once again, another UK Taxpayer funded Military Resource has been negligently allowed to wither on the operational vine and also lose its 'airworthiness' before any hastily procured replacement can be put into service.

I wonder what the final straw was ? Loss, absence of, or inability to demonstrate ASSC or even possibly, realisation by management that some crews were unhappy.

Given some of the persuasive 'loss of airworthiness' posts about this and several other UK military aircraft types, and despite the apparent 'AWACS available for sale' ticket, this might suggest that ZH101 may only be flying on a specific once a week sortie by sortie 'National Interest (FC - FS) Waiver' reluctantly issued by DG DSA or higher 'regulatory' authority.

LFH
...

[Crash alot]

It was originally going to be 5 Wedgetails IIRC - but then , once again, economic reality intervened

Of course the UK COULD afford 5 but then a sacred cow or three would have to suffer - say increase taxes, or do away withe pension triple lock, or cut funding for University expansion.......

Or not piss away billions on a failed test and trace system or vanity items or the billions wasted in other areas.. the UK could afford a lot more with competence in power..

[M-62A3]

ZH101 is in the air again this morning. Apparently now over Yorkshire. As a previous poster suggested - once a week
M-62A

[melmothtw]

"...or the billions wasted in other areas."

Don't mention the 'B' word. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.

[Davef68]

Perhaps maintained in service to cover COP in Glasgow. Or perhaps not

[Mr N Nimrod]

crew currency, nothing more, nothing less

[Alabama boy]

The need to keep (flight) crew current implies that the MOD hope to sell one or two of the E3Ds in a flyable state. In a recent article in Air Combat Magazine a member of the French E3F support organisation is quoted as stating that the FAF are interested in obtaining spare parts for their E3F airframes which I understand are the critical issue for long term support.

Their aircraft have been upgraded to the latest E3C standard including the extra consoles (total 14) so not much of the mission system except perhaps some of the heavy radar gear and antenna will be of much use to them. They have also added some French National equipment added making them a very capable ISTAR system.

[Mil-26Man]

Indeed the MoD is interested in selling them on in a flyable condition, and Chile is said to be interested in buying them as a Phalcon/Condor replacement...

https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/status/1438031497844363264?t=VBAI2VtiI7dutOx7xitqSQ&s=19

[Speedywheels]

Chile only have one Phalcon and I’d be amazed if it’s anywhere near fit for purpose nowadays. I’m not sure it even met Chile’s expectations when they took delivery of it over 25 years ago! If they decided to buy the E-3D, I guess they might buy one as a direct replacement and others as spares. It would be a significant upgrade to Chile’s current capability for, relatively, not a lot of money.
Could be a win-win but wouldn’t be surprised if the Israelis are trying to tempt Chile with an alternative deal.

[melmothtw]

Yes, the Phalcon/Condor has been grounded for some years now. I believe the US Navy paid $15 million for the E-3D it recently bought from the MoD as a trainer, so imagine Chile's price would be in that ball park also. I doubt the Israelis (or anyone else) could offer a comparable capability for a similar price. Also worth noting that Chile already operates the KC/C-135 (albeit it with the older CFM56-2 engine), so support, training, operational synergies to be had.

[Alabama boy]

I would be amazed if Chile could afford the infrastructure to support an E3 unless the RAF sold it all as a complete package for a bargain price - mission sim , specialist mission prep radar support etc etc. I would also have thought the US would have a say in any re-export of E3 technology but if Boeing/NG sell support you could sort of see a UK/US deal for Chile.

[radar101]

Driving past Waddington today I noticed An E-3D on the taxiway without a rotadome. couldn't see what tail number though.

[Wensleydale]

Driving past Waddington today I noticed An E-3D on the taxiway without a rotadome. couldn't see what tail number though.

ZH105. When the MOD was looking at producing our own AWACS update under "Sustain Sentry", ZH105 was going to be the ground lab for evaluating new equipment - it would stay on the ground and allow the developers to "cut metal" for new wiring looms/data nets etc without affecting the remaining flying fleet. Phase one of Sustain Sentry produced the installation of a Mode S interrogator, but the rest of the project was lost in the SDSR.

[RAFEngO74to09]

UK Defence Journal on Twitter: "EXCLUSIVE - A source close to the now-retired E-3D Sentry fleet has told the UK Defence Journal that Chile is looking to purchase "more than one" retired E-3D aircraft from Britain. | @geoallison for @ukdefjournal https://t.co/g6zkWrIJhh" / Twitter

[RAFEngO74to09]

Steve Daimao Smith - Broke Britannia on Twitter: "#RAF E-3D ZH103 has declared an emergency and seems to be heading back to base. #adsb https://t.co/TpJ4SrrmO0" / Twitter

[steamchicken]

Just the moment for the AEW to go technical. Thanks for the tax cut...wait....

[melmothtw]

UK Defence Journal on Twitter: "EXCLUSIVE - A source close to the now-retired E-3D Sentry fleet has told the UK Defence Journal that Chile is looking to purchase "more than one" retired E-3D aircraft from Britain. | @geoallison for @ukdefjournal https://t.co/g6zkWrIJhh" / Twitter (https://twitter.com/UKDefJournal/status/1483448741340360715)

An interesting 'EXCLUSIVE' that we were discussing here months ago.

[NutLoose]

Yes,
link here
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-e-3d-sentry-awacs-aircraft-to-be-sold-to-chile/

[melmothtw]

Thanks Nutloose, but my comment was more alluding to the tag of EXCLUSIVE (their capped up, not mine) for a story that's clearly bene around a while already.

[NutLoose]

I looked for the link after you mentioned it, by this link it appears we are still flying the odd one

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/retired-british-e-3-sentry-declares-emergency-in-flight/

[AndySmith]

From browsing a certain South American forum - it would seem the rumours are that the 3 E-3Ds selected are ZH101/3/6 and the first expected to arrive in June.

[Gordon Brown]

I know they had a Phalcon previously but curious to know why Chile needs 3 AWACS. Where’s the threat?

<Tin foil hat on>

I guess they could keep the UK informed of air activity in a certain regional neighbour. Maybe even a little Link 11/16 activity?

[Davef68]

I know they had a Phalcon previously but curious to know why Chile needs 3 AWACS. Where’s the threat?

<Tin foil hat on>

I guess they could keep the UK informed of air activity in a certain regional neighbour. Maybe even a little Link 11/16 activity?

One is a spares ship apparently

[RAFEngO74to09]

Luke Webster on Twitter: "This mornings Chilean Air Force visitor into @RAFWaddington Boeing 767-3Y0(ER) 985 calling FACH985. The visit is said to be connected with the sale of three RAF Boeing E3D's to Chile. https://t.co/B89IVxSU7h" / Twitter

[Willard Whyte]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x943/img_8327_f62c7b36ee164f82c242411790b08edcb1302ca8.jpg

[NutLoose]

I wonder if we will do conversion training for the Chileans in the U.K. or will they do it on delivery, or will the US do it.

Nice looking 767.

[CAEBr]

I wonder if we will do conversion training for the Chileans in the U.K. or will they do it on delivery, or will the US do it. Word seems to be that they are over for four months or so airborne and sim training, and will take the aircraft back after that.

[ORAC]

Just cockpit crew or backend as well? Are we selling them the sim(s)?

Details of E-3D AWACS Simulator (http://www.simulation.org.uk/simulators/Simulator_Detail.asp?LINK_ID=1052)

https://www.plexsys.com/mtc-programs-uk/

[N707ZS]

Is it just me or are RAFEngO74to09 (https://www.pprune.org/members/337081-rafengo74to09) posts invisible.

[Out Of Trim]

Is it just me or are RAFEngO74to09 (https://www.pprune.org/members/337081-rafengo74to09) posts invisible.

i can see it. It is a post from Twitter. It may be blank if you do not have a current active Twitter Account… 🤔👀

[chopper2004]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x943/img_8327_f62c7b36ee164f82c242411790b08edcb1302ca8.jpg

i was there at the WAVE on Wednesday morning as heard about the Chilean visit (photo below). I guess the Sentry in the background is one of the three they are getting.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x640/3ad0802c_7f0d_4f9a_8533_7574a746c30a_876041d529dc8e0da526385 3ae608c486eadfcbd.jpeg

Is it the same a/c that’s been flying around on air tests recently? Also Chileans left yesterday morning around 11am.

cheers

[N707ZS]

ZE103 flying today as Solex 01 up the North East coast. Is that a test flight?

[Thud_and_Blunder]

It is a post from Twitter. It may be blank if you do not have a current active Twitter Account…
Ah - thanks! I've often wondered why EngO's and ORAC's posts are blank, now I know.

[NutLoose]

The way around it is to quote him, then you will see the link, copy it and paste it in a window then it will open, it will ask you to log in, click log in with twitter and then close that log in window ( you can't on the first window.) then simply close the original quote post.

[treadigraph]

Odd, I don't have a Twitter account but I can see those tweets posted by EngO and ORAC without any prob.

[OvertHawk]

Odd, I don't have a Twitter account but I can see those tweets posted by EngO and ORAC without any prob.

me too - i suspect it depends on which browser you use and what your cookie blocking settings and such things are (not that i really have any idea about those things)

[Geordie_Expat]

Odd, I don't have a Twitter account but I can see those tweets posted by EngO and ORAC without any prob.

Same for me (Opera browser if that is any help).

[NutLoose]

Using Firefox here, can't see them, using Firefox at home, can see them... go figure.

[Thud_and_Blunder]

The way around it is to quote him, then you will see the link, copy it and paste it in a window then it will open, it will ask you to log in, click log in with twitter and then close that log in window ( you can't on the first window.) then simply close the original quote post
Ah, thank you NutLoose - unfortunately I only read this after I'd posted on the Brize storm-damage thread. I love your use of the word "simply"... just brilliant!

Oh, and I'm using mostly Brave, occasionally Vivaldi for my browsing of t'interweb - no plans to change back to anything Microsoft or direct-Gurgle (I know Chrome is used by my current browsers as a basis), and avoiding Firefox 'til they sort out its memory-hogging practices.

[SLXOwft]

According to ADS-B Exchange ZH103 is flying circles around Aviemore - still Chileans receiving training or UK borrowing back to fill obvious capability gap?:E (No OPSEC breaching responses please). NATO040 flying racetracks over the Doggerbank.

[NutLoose]

Ah, thank you NutLoose - unfortunately I only read this after I'd posted on the Brize storm-damage thread. I love your use of the word "simply"... just brilliant!

Oh, and I'm using mostly Brave, occasionally Vivaldi for my browsing of t'interweb - no plans to change back to anything Microsoft or direct-Gurgle (I know Chrome is used by my current browsers as a basis), and avoiding Firefox 'til they sort out its memory-hogging practices.

No problem, and if original posters post the link as a quote it will show up in the thread too… :)

[MJ89]

https://www.flightradar24.com/SOLEX02/2c73f25f

Zh106 up today

[Jimbob24]

Final flight of ZH103 this evening before flying to Chile on the 25th of July

[GeeRam]

103 is now tracking down over North Cornwall on its way down to South America.