RAF Tornado lands in Malta
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My thoughts are that the Maltese are 'Between a rock and a hard place', damned if they do and damned if they don't. Libya is a neighbour and who here can guarantee that Colonel Gaddafi will be removed? If Malta appears to be abusing their neutrality then how will Libya react once this dispute has been resolved.
If the aircraft is impounded then it is impounded. If the crew has to remain on Malta then that is where they will remain. I can certainly think of worse places to be interned.
Regarding comments about the Second World War, then did we need that island more than the Maltese needed our help? I cannot begin to imagine the conditions on that island during that time span but our King commended the bravery of all Maltese inhabitants.
Charles de Gaulle
Do we all accept it was wind that prevented ONE aircraft from landing? Did the weather change so much without the ship's Meteorological Department seeing it inbound?
I think 'paranoid crabs' might be OTT but are we being too quick to condemn?
Could there be other reasons for this aircraft having to divert?
Respect to the Maltese and I guess Que Sera Sera
If the aircraft is impounded then it is impounded. If the crew has to remain on Malta then that is where they will remain. I can certainly think of worse places to be interned.
Regarding comments about the Second World War, then did we need that island more than the Maltese needed our help? I cannot begin to imagine the conditions on that island during that time span but our King commended the bravery of all Maltese inhabitants.
Charles de Gaulle
Do we all accept it was wind that prevented ONE aircraft from landing? Did the weather change so much without the ship's Meteorological Department seeing it inbound?
I think 'paranoid crabs' might be OTT but are we being too quick to condemn?
Could there be other reasons for this aircraft having to divert?
Respect to the Maltese and I guess Que Sera Sera
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I seem to remember that in 1978, we were threatened with the full bill for providing the new runway if we ever put a Dunlop on its surface!
Just kidding. Now those tensions are over, I'm sure the Maltese will look after the chaps!
Just kidding. Now those tensions are over, I'm sure the Maltese will look after the chaps!
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Apparently it was a bit windy for them. I thought 'the answer to everything' could just move away from wind? Perhaps the French aren't doing it properly.......
There are occasionally wind forecasts of variable gusting up to 40kts or more, in which case, it wouldn't help which ever way you turned the ship.
Keep stacking the blankets.
PS The maltese government HAVE agreed to allow RAF jets use their airfields for emergency div's for a while now.
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Apparently it was a bit windy for them. I thought 'the answer to everything' could just move away from wind? Perhaps the French aren't doing it properly.......
Generally the more natural wind the better and being a moveable platform has the advantage of pointing the Bow into it.
Again, stick to the blankets.
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Update
Again, from today's Times of Malta:
Another 'Tornado' at MIA
A Royal Air Force 'Tornado' made an emergency landing at MIA early this morning.
Sources said the bomber ran short of fuel because of strong winds in the southern Mediterranean. It had been on an operation over Libya.
Another two Tornadoes made emergency landings in Malta because of technical problems over the past few days. The Tornadoes are operating from southern Italy.
Another 'Tornado' at MIA
A Royal Air Force 'Tornado' made an emergency landing at MIA early this morning.
Sources said the bomber ran short of fuel because of strong winds in the southern Mediterranean. It had been on an operation over Libya.
Another two Tornadoes made emergency landings in Malta because of technical problems over the past few days. The Tornadoes are operating from southern Italy.
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NutLoose
Which one was it? Faith, Hope or Charity?? or was that just the codename for the operational budgeting plan?
That will not be long now!
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RAF Invasion of Malta
It is now three RAF Tornado Aircraft that have had to put into Malta with problems, must be the heat.
Last edited by SCAFITE; 29th Jul 2011 at 15:22.
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RAF in Malta
You will be pleased to know its not just the RAF types, there are Military aircraft of every size and shape dropping in with problems. A Danish F16 landed 30 mins ago with Hyd problems and lots of French Fighters.
Some Maltese chap with a camera and a lens the size of a Elephants donger post these to a website for modelers. Just like an airshow with the amount of Military hardware with problems. Also lots of nice Sqn markings for modelers to note.
Some Maltese chap with a camera and a lens the size of a Elephants donger post these to a website for modelers. Just like an airshow with the amount of Military hardware with problems. Also lots of nice Sqn markings for modelers to note.
(or is that in port at the mo?)
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"Some Maltese chap with a camera and a lens the size of a Elephants donger post these to a website for modelers. Just like an airshow with the amount of Military hardware with problems. Also lots of nice Sqn markings for modelers to note."
Scafite
Why do modellers need to see a picture taken in Malta to see what the Sqn markings are. Are they different to what is on the 'net already or at home bases ?
Scafite
Why do modellers need to see a picture taken in Malta to see what the Sqn markings are. Are they different to what is on the 'net already or at home bases ?
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Malta
The reason why the modeling community is looking at these pictures is very simple, under normal security on operations pictures of RAF Combat aircraft armed to the teeth in the middle of a period of combat operation do not normally appear. With these pictures modelers can make a bang up to date model of say the Tornado as it was on that day on operations.
What we are also seeing is evidence being stuck right in front of our noses of possibly aircraft component failure due to intense operation. In his book 100 days Adm Woodward stated that modern systems have about 3 month’s life in intense usage, thats why he had to take the Falkland in that period or failure of machines would impact on operation.
We are using what is a short to medium range strike aircraft in a strategic way as far as distance of mission goes, which if used on the odd occasion would be no problem, in fact Tornado’s from RAF Bruggen where used on long distance missions in to Serbia in 1999. However these missions went on for only about 3 to 4 weeks or so, before a FAP Fly Away Pack and other support systems could be placed in Sardinia so the distance could be reduced, but operation with Tornado’s ended before it could be fully utilized.
This operation as been going on since April or so and we are now looking at a period of operation going over 5 months with long distance mission being completed day in and day out. Are we taking the piss out of our aircraft usage, are we seeing more and more aircraft having to divert with problems and where will this lead.
I am a ex Stacker so I can only write what I see or have experienced in my time in the service, but while in the service even as a young lad, I paid great attention and made sure I was on distribution list for Aircraft safety and general Military Magazines and operational releases (normally in Supply Sqn these were only seen by the Officers or SNCO’s). Awareness of Aircraft Safety and general military goings on should be done even if you stack blankets or cook chip in the Royal Air Force or other aviation services. So if they do kick into touch many of the support trades in the RAF and give them to the Army what you will get rid of is many proud personnel in support trades who are aware they are supporting aircraft and aircrews. The Tip of the Spear still need its staff of support.
Home - Aviation & Ships Spotting in Malta
What we are also seeing is evidence being stuck right in front of our noses of possibly aircraft component failure due to intense operation. In his book 100 days Adm Woodward stated that modern systems have about 3 month’s life in intense usage, thats why he had to take the Falkland in that period or failure of machines would impact on operation.
We are using what is a short to medium range strike aircraft in a strategic way as far as distance of mission goes, which if used on the odd occasion would be no problem, in fact Tornado’s from RAF Bruggen where used on long distance missions in to Serbia in 1999. However these missions went on for only about 3 to 4 weeks or so, before a FAP Fly Away Pack and other support systems could be placed in Sardinia so the distance could be reduced, but operation with Tornado’s ended before it could be fully utilized.
This operation as been going on since April or so and we are now looking at a period of operation going over 5 months with long distance mission being completed day in and day out. Are we taking the piss out of our aircraft usage, are we seeing more and more aircraft having to divert with problems and where will this lead.
I am a ex Stacker so I can only write what I see or have experienced in my time in the service, but while in the service even as a young lad, I paid great attention and made sure I was on distribution list for Aircraft safety and general Military Magazines and operational releases (normally in Supply Sqn these were only seen by the Officers or SNCO’s). Awareness of Aircraft Safety and general military goings on should be done even if you stack blankets or cook chip in the Royal Air Force or other aviation services. So if they do kick into touch many of the support trades in the RAF and give them to the Army what you will get rid of is many proud personnel in support trades who are aware they are supporting aircraft and aircrews. The Tip of the Spear still need its staff of support.
Home - Aviation & Ships Spotting in Malta
There must be enough Tornado crews in Malta to have a real party. If they head for Straight Street (aka The Gut), I can recommend the Eqyptian Queen as a starter!
Ooops, sorry, I forgot . . . .
Ooops, sorry, I forgot . . . .
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MALTA
Interesting prog on BBC I Player Radio call Report about the state of the MoD Logistics.
Bottom line is its not sexy and as a result been looked down apon by other trades and branches.
Well it looks as if the birds are coming home to roost 5 Billions worth of Stores not accounted for and a system broken and lack of trained personnel resulting is some very basic stores errors.
BBC iPlayer - The Report: The MOD's Missing Kit
Has this got anothing to do with duff aircraft in Malta, well it does mention personnel having to make do and mend to get things done due to lack of spares.
Bottom line is its not sexy and as a result been looked down apon by other trades and branches.
Well it looks as if the birds are coming home to roost 5 Billions worth of Stores not accounted for and a system broken and lack of trained personnel resulting is some very basic stores errors.
BBC iPlayer - The Report: The MOD's Missing Kit
Has this got anothing to do with duff aircraft in Malta, well it does mention personnel having to make do and mend to get things done due to lack of spares.
Last edited by SCAFITE; 1st Aug 2011 at 09:30.