Nimrod MRA.4
No doubt there will be a few glasses of vodka raised in the Kremlin to toast this decision 
Unbelievable idiocy from an idiotic Coalition. A decision that we will almost certainly rue.
Sympathies to all at ISK.
Unbelievable idiocy from an idiotic Coalition. A decision that we will almost certainly rue.
Sympathies to all at ISK.
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from reading this thread , shouldnt the UK have had the MRA4 years ago? and BAe messed up royally (again) with cost and time overuns? if by some miracle they hacdnt this entire conversation would be a mute point.
so why blame the government for something thats ver very overdue.
so why blame the government for something thats ver very overdue.
I regret to say that the die was cast when the MRA4 fleet order was reduced to 9 aircraft. With a fleet of that size the average availablity would probably be 4, or 5 at best. That really doesn't confer a realistic operational capability. If (and I say "if" because I do not know the arguments deployed) the retention of the MRA4 was tied to Kinloss then the figures probably became untenable and the decision to cancel was inevitable.
YS
YS
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This is far more serious than the cancellation of an aircraft type and the disbandment of several squadrons, it is the annihilation of a complete force with unique capabilities. In a few short years, all the knowledge and experience of LRMP in the RAF will be forever lost.
Short-sighted and tragic.
Short-sighted and tragic.
Yellow Sun,
IMHO I think the die was cast when they decided to use the Comet AGAIN for an upgrade in capability! Did they not work it out when the AEW failed?? There is not a Govt on the planet that can justify £0.5Billion per af.
But we do need the capability.........
IMHO I think the die was cast when they decided to use the Comet AGAIN for an upgrade in capability! Did they not work it out when the AEW failed?? There is not a Govt on the planet that can justify £0.5Billion per af.
But we do need the capability.........
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complete agreement
I flew on MR1's an MR2's as a wet man in the early 80's. The experience and knowledge of those who served longer was essential to the crew's performace and ability to deal with the unexpected.
When did this country stop being an island nation? How will long range SAR be covered? What about major at sea disasters such as Piper Alpha that need major coordination? Are we really to expect out allies to make up for our shortfall in maritime patrol ability
I have real sympathy for all at Kinloss who must be wondering what on earth is going on.
When did this country stop being an island nation? How will long range SAR be covered? What about major at sea disasters such as Piper Alpha that need major coordination? Are we really to expect out allies to make up for our shortfall in maritime patrol ability
I have real sympathy for all at Kinloss who must be wondering what on earth is going on.
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You may blame the politicians but it is the twin wing master race who act as our leaders who make the decisions. As has been stated, MRA4 was sacrificed to pay for the continuing Tornado fleet. The aircraft have been built and paid for, it's the support costs you are saving here plus the PDS that will inevitably have been required.
Will the good old US of A support our maritime requirements? Only if it suits them.
As for the loss of a skill base that has taken decades to build up, one can only guess the consequences.
The first flight of the ac was in August 2004, for it to take until now for the ac to be delivered must surely question the competency of BWOS, sorry, BAES, to be a defence contractor.
We are a maritime nation which. I believe, brings in 90% of its trade by sea. To have no method of patrolling that sea is tantamount to incompetency. But then were are talking of senior officers and politicians.
Will the good old US of A support our maritime requirements? Only if it suits them.
As for the loss of a skill base that has taken decades to build up, one can only guess the consequences.
The first flight of the ac was in August 2004, for it to take until now for the ac to be delivered must surely question the competency of BWOS, sorry, BAES, to be a defence contractor.
We are a maritime nation which. I believe, brings in 90% of its trade by sea. To have no method of patrolling that sea is tantamount to incompetency. But then were are talking of senior officers and politicians.
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Or could you perhaps blame the MoD for constant specification and contract changes? Or perhaps a mix of both?
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http://www1.sky.com/news/DefenceReview.pdf
Para 2.A.11 bulletpoint 7
withdraw the Sentinel airborne ground surveillance aircraft once it is no longer required to support operations in Afghanistan.
Para 2.A.11 bulletpoint 7
withdraw the Sentinel airborne ground surveillance aircraft once it is no longer required to support operations in Afghanistan.
Incredible timing
I thought it rather odd that on the day of the announcement I see US P3s flying from Kinloss at all times of the day and night at regular intervals........... and I thought the JMC finished last week! Wonder what they are doing.
So we dont need MPA or Kinloss..... hmmmmmm odd
So we dont need MPA or Kinloss..... hmmmmmm odd
So what do the boys and girls at Kniloss do tomorrow morning, apart from start practicing for disbandment parades.... 
There isn't even an aircraft type there to retire.
I guess morale must be pretty low - I hope the Stn senior officers prove up to the task of providing genuine leadership in the weeks to come. It is the least the "troops" deserve.
No doubt Manning will be scrabbling to play catch up in the weeks and months to come - another thankless task!
There isn't even an aircraft type there to retire.
I guess morale must be pretty low - I hope the Stn senior officers prove up to the task of providing genuine leadership in the weeks to come. It is the least the "troops" deserve.
No doubt Manning will be scrabbling to play catch up in the weeks and months to come - another thankless task!