dead_pan

Err, I think they probably are. I'm sure they will surpass anything seen previously in terms of their byzantine complexity.

Maybe someone should invent a sofware programme like Prince 2 to take a UN resolution and turn it into RoE. They'd make a fortune.

BOAC

- well, it would not be MUCH of a diversion from Turkey.............................

ORAC

Aircraft down in Libya now being reported as an F-15E, crew reported as safe in hands of rebels.

draken55

Only if the need to maintain the NFZ stretches way into the future might it make some sense for HMG to make even a partial climb down over SDSR by re-activating Harriers, perhaps to fly from HMS Illustrious. More likely we would offer Lusty to relieve the USS Kearsage or other carriers as a base from which to operate Spanish/Italian/USMC Harriers. The latter would also depend on how long the US wants to remain involved.

Anyway, we all know that is not going to happen

Interesting aside now is that Joe Public is starting to ask where all the money has been found to take on this additional military commitment. And all this taking place just before the Budget

Lukeafb1

Watching BBC Television News just now:

Reporter outside Italian airfield with RAF Eurofighters in background taxiing to take off.

Reporter - blah, blah, blah.

Eurofighters take off.

More blah, blah, blah.

Reporter stops burbling and looks off into the distance, a confused look on his countenance.

"Oh, they're coming back to land (orders cameraman to pan left for this unheard of event)"

The 4 Eurofighters, nose up, scream over the runway, full afterburners and head away to wherever.

Reporter, blah, blah, blah.

The mind boggles as to this professional insight!!!!

dead_pan

Pics on the Telegraph web site. And before anyone says, no, it definitely won't buff out.

BTW did my ears deceive me this morning, or did I hear that there was an airstrike on a radar installation in Beghazi last night? That will take some explainin'

Madbob

With confirmation of the F15 E having crashed behind enemy lines, just remind me what CSAR assets the UK have to rescue downed aircrew.

OK, I know the answer, I'll get my coat.....

MB

L J R

So the Typhoons are doing Libya, Q, and Falklands....will they also get burnt out like the Harrier mates for their role in the 'stan??

draken55

"what CSAR assets the UK have to rescue downed aircrew".

I think you know the answer but for others, the first pic from this link will shed some light

Navy News Service - Eye on the Fleet: Aircraft Carriers Photo Gallery

Wrathmonk

I can't remember when we ever had a formalised CSAR asset. Lots of "we can do it as a secondary or ad-hoc role" but never had a formal CSAR unit similar to that found in the USAF as far as I can recall.

Maybe, maybe not. But like the Harrier a lot of other training may have to take a back burner .... hopefully the work on the ground attack side of the aircrafts development won't slide to the right (or indeed the money be spent elsewhere!).

Lonewolf_50

CargoOne:Actually, it seems to me that telling anyone we used the B-2 is a stupid thing to do. B-2 is supposed to be a stealthy attack platform.
What you do is use it, and don't tell anyone you did, since it is 'invisible' ... What I see coming out is just more stupid, OPSEC vioating nonsense by the brass and pols, standard issue since Gulf War / Desert Storm.
BandAide.
We could have let them work it out without dropping a single munition.
Good lord, will the journos just stop with the silliness?
dead pan, in re RoE
Well said!

As I understand the media report, a Strike Eagle (F-15E) had a problem at high altitude, crew ejected, and got separated by X distance. One guy recovered, another "in the process of recovery" somewhere. CSAR units were what? HH-60G? MH-53? Osprey? Will be interesting to hear how that works out.

"Mechanical Malfunction" induced ejection???

Hmmm, that's odd, twin engine aircraft ... that too will be interesting to hear about.

BOAC

I would not be surprised if Ivan did not launch, say, a pair of Bears every 6 hours down the Iceland/Faroes to see how our remaining IAF copes

green granite

I'm sure the CAS has already slipped them a backhander to do exactly that.

dead_pan

Aircrew have been issued with a tea towel for disguise and the cab fare to Benghazi.

VinRouge

I had heard it was only a cash advance. Reciepted claims only via JPA.

outhouse

Just looking at Sky News and the usual pontification by the experts interesting though I guess the old saying goes if you can't do it then advise on it.
Very unfortunate re the F15 but the good thing is that the crew seem safe, well with friends we hope. Hopefully a trip out soon, seems they are out now.

that brings to mind the long mission segments from the UK, maybe we have a few assets along the Med route with the odd Sea king in case. Or a deployment of CHC OR Bristow ASR S 92 or AW139.

Also as the US hand over to others in Europe to command the master plan, it could develop into a plan by committee, so looks stuffed to me. But as the French seem rather annoyed just now they could take a lead.*

Sorry but it may be looking messy and less than a agreeable way forward, seems I have seen this before and ended up with my arse in a sling.

Willard Whyte

Maybe that's why we launch out of the UK, no need to issue any euros etc.

outhouse

Still looking at Sky and viewing Qatar TV and Aljazera news. Interesting stuff.
Maybe once all the heavy stuff is completed and any opposition from ground and air has been sorted, the best option could be to hand over to the Arab league to police and complete the operation.
Yes I know they would be unable to decide the seating plan round the table, but it would prevent a rather long and less than nice political event and allow us to hold the moral high ground.

0497

There are some USAF HH-60G Pave Hawks from RAF Lakenheath on an amphib offshore: Libya: coalition naval forces gather in Mediterranean - Telegraph

Also plenty of USN and USMC helicopters.

diginagain

I got the impression that this was safely in the hands of Australian politicians.