Fury at Def Sec over Helicopter Shortage
And the answer is clear.
NO.
There was a 38% shorfall in lift, and an 87% shortfall in amphibious lift in 2004, and there has been no substantive increase since then, although the number of helicopters available/suitable for hot and high has increased, though I cannot work out how the claim of that capability having 'doubled' could possibly be justified.
NO.
There was a 38% shorfall in lift, and an 87% shortfall in amphibious lift in 2004, and there has been no substantive increase since then, although the number of helicopters available/suitable for hot and high has increased, though I cannot work out how the claim of that capability having 'doubled' could possibly be justified.
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Jacko, I was thinking/writing specifically about the number of cabs in theatre, (whilst not knowing or wishing to disclose the actual number.)
So, our "beloved" PM can say - for example - 2 years ago we had "X" helicopters in theatre (acknowledged by all - except the politicos, of course,) to be a woefully inadequate number. Today, if we have (X times 2) minus 1 in theatre, (still a woefully inadequate number) then Gordo can issue such a facile statement with a straight face, as he is technically correct.
So, our "beloved" PM can say - for example - 2 years ago we had "X" helicopters in theatre (acknowledged by all - except the politicos, of course,) to be a woefully inadequate number. Today, if we have (X times 2) minus 1 in theatre, (still a woefully inadequate number) then Gordo can issue such a facile statement with a straight face, as he is technically correct.
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I have just had a quick glance at the Parliament Channel on TV which was featuring Defence Questions.
I would estimate that only 10-15% of MP's were present and there was certainly no sign of the Prime Minister.
Did I not read somewhere recently that HM's Armed Forces were engaged in a shooting war and that there were severe doubts about the level of support the Armed Forces were receiving from HMG? 
I would estimate that only 10-15% of MP's were present and there was certainly no sign of the Prime Minister.
Did I not read somewhere recently that HM's Armed Forces were engaged in a shooting war and that there were severe doubts about the level of support the Armed Forces were receiving from HMG?
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or as the recently serving Army junior officer, and recipient of the MC, pointed out on Radio 4, the lift may have increased but the numbers of military requiring that lift has nearly doubled in the same time period.
Red On, Green On
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I would estimate that only 10-15% of MP's were present and there was certainly no sign of the Prime Minister.
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I wonder if those Benson personnel were able to air their concerns or had to toe a party line?
Any Benson pers at the visit like to comment?
Any Benson pers at the visit like to comment?
Even if we get the helicopters, we need to do something about the pilot shortage or more importantly the constipation that is called the military flying training pipeline.
Red On, Green On
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I don't think too many wives and children frequent this site
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PM has got you there, I'm afraid - he was visiting the secret Oxon heli-base today.
He could easily have been back in time for that Defence Questions.
Time for bed now
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Many viewers would have found it curious yesterday after reading the newspapers declaring that the military were woefully short of equipment and then watching an Army spokesman in Helmand (Lt Col) on lunchtime TV stating that the British Military DID have adequate equipment, both in number and quality to carry out the mission.
Was he simply towing the government line? The interviewer gave him plenty of opportunity to state otherwise.
Also I note that the US military contract civilian operators to fly routine tasks leaving military rotary free to fly combat missions. Is this not an option if the Britmil do not have adequate numbers of helicopters?
Was he simply towing the government line? The interviewer gave him plenty of opportunity to state otherwise.
Also I note that the US military contract civilian operators to fly routine tasks leaving military rotary free to fly combat missions. Is this not an option if the Britmil do not have adequate numbers of helicopters?
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Twists that made Ainsworth the least worst choice for the job
Twists that made Bob Ainsworth the least worst choice for the job - Times Online
Okay, own up. Which one of youse said he liked Bob?
Can this be true?
“Bob is liked by the military,” a friend said. “They like his toughness. They like his occasional laddishness.”
Can this be true?
If the CDS can't for whatever reason approach HM the Q directly, thus bypassing the present shower in power at Westminster, why can't the shadow Secretary for Defence undertake this task.
Surely under the present climate, the only way to improve the conditions under which our Armed Forces serve, is to go to the very top.
Surely under the present climate, the only way to improve the conditions under which our Armed Forces serve, is to go to the very top.
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Isn't there a great risk of a Vietnam-type future here? So let's get all the guys out of the expensive armoured vehicles that we've being buying in mass over the last couple of years and put them all in helicopters. What happens then? The Taliban will put all their efforts into shooting down our helicopters, that's what.
At least this whole argument is getting defence funding debated in the open at last - I don't expect any more funds will emerge though.
At least this whole argument is getting defence funding debated in the open at last - I don't expect any more funds will emerge though.
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Heard a Tory spokesperson (yesterday?) saying how some of our NATO allies were buying vehilces from South Africa. Now didn't the South Africans have a V-bottomed personnel carrier exactly because of road side bombs?
Indeed didn't we in the shape of the Saladin and Saracen? Just going out to check.
Indeed didn't we in the shape of the Saladin and Saracen? Just going out to check.
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Wader 2 - this is what the South Africans came up with - 30 years ago!
The Buffel uses a German Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG Model 416/162 series 4 × 4 chassis that was originally developed for a wide range of civil and military roles. It should be noted that production of this chassis was completed many years ago.The all-welded steel armour hull has a V-shape to provide maximum possible protection against anti-tank mines. According to ARMSCOR the Buffel provides the occupants with protection for the following anti-tank mines:Single Russian TM-57 anti-tank mine or equivalent detonated anywhere under the vehicleDouble Russian TM-57 anti-tank mine or equivalent detonated under any wheel station.When a mine explodes under a vehicle, the pressure wave and the flying steel do most of the damage according to ARMSCOR. This is why the Buffel was designed with a robust wedge shaped body that deflects the pressure wave and reduces the amount of energy transferred from the explosion to the vehicle.The effect of an explosion is also reduced in accordance with the distance or height of the target from the point of detonation.The rear troop compartment has an open top with the 10 infantrymen.
The South Africans made 2,400+ of these for their "little" bush war in Angola/Namibia - and they did it on their own.......
Why can't we? It's got to be better than a snatch LR.
MB
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Secondhand Chinnies anyone?
Back on the subject of the Helicopter shortage, does anyone know the reasons that we haven't taken part in the Boeing CHAPS programme detailed in this article:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener.../CHIN04036.xml
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener.../CHIN04036.xml