Project Seedcorn - MPA Skill Retention
i have no doubt that i'll be shot down for the following but I don't really understand the "seedcorn" idea. If its airborne ASW/ ASuW skills that we are trying to protect then thats a good thing but surely the FAA are doing that on a daily basis. Sure the team is small (but larger than the RAF seedcorn group, I'd guess) and not moving around at above 100Knts but what is it about operating an MPA to detect subs that is special compared to operating a helo (apart from the fact that the helo also has the significant advantage of a active dipping sonar). The ASW/ ASuW principles are similar & the kit that the seedcorn guys are operating will be different to that that eventually comes in to service anyway, so presumably we are not getting familiarity with equipment.
If/ When we need to resurrect the MPA capability full time then, sure, the RN's Observer/ Aircrewman school would need to ramp up but then so would the RAFs equivalent. The RN also already trains EW & Comms operators (albeit not airborne) but they could be trained to wear a green jump suit, i guess.
ASW/ ASuW is a core skill for the RN, practiced every day; its not as though UK PLC has lost that skill completely. UK PLC has just lost the ability to do it at extended ranges and endurances from the air (and don't misunderstand me, thats a significant loss in my view). Or am I missing something? Happy to be educated without being flamed. Thanks.
If/ When we need to resurrect the MPA capability full time then, sure, the RN's Observer/ Aircrewman school would need to ramp up but then so would the RAFs equivalent. The RN also already trains EW & Comms operators (albeit not airborne) but they could be trained to wear a green jump suit, i guess.
ASW/ ASuW is a core skill for the RN, practiced every day; its not as though UK PLC has lost that skill completely. UK PLC has just lost the ability to do it at extended ranges and endurances from the air (and don't misunderstand me, thats a significant loss in my view). Or am I missing something? Happy to be educated without being flamed. Thanks.
Last edited by andyy; 14th Mar 2012 at 13:55.
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MR2 was not designed for Land ISTAR, neither was MRA4 (and same same with P8 for example). The only reason they were there was to try and justify themselves during the Iq/Afg years....
All the signs of someone looking for an argument or who is retarded.
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anita....my point EXACTLY!!! Thank you.
andyy. Your understanding of the role of MR2 and MRA4 is making you post that last one. No snags, and I'm not having a go, but the role of an MPA is not just ASW/ASuW. I'm not trying to big up both of the Nimrod maritime varients, but do a google search/or Amazon search for "Nimrod, Rise and Fall"; there's loads of great info in there.
Regards.
andyy. Your understanding of the role of MR2 and MRA4 is making you post that last one. No snags, and I'm not having a go, but the role of an MPA is not just ASW/ASuW. I'm not trying to big up both of the Nimrod maritime varients, but do a google search/or Amazon search for "Nimrod, Rise and Fall"; there's loads of great info in there.
Regards.
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Don't pick on the retards 
Andyy, that's like saying SH and AT are the same as it is transport, or a pistol and a sniper rifle do the same job just at different range (analogys are not my strong point!).
Some of the sensors may be similar but they are used in very different ways, that is the skill which needs to be maintained. Even the most direct comparison of Acoustic Operators needed to do full OCUs when they did RN/RAF exchange tour. It then took the same time as everyone else to become CR, the ones I know would be the first to admit that it was a steep learning curve to learn effectively a different role.
Andyy, that's like saying SH and AT are the same as it is transport, or a pistol and a sniper rifle do the same job just at different range (analogys are not my strong point!).
Some of the sensors may be similar but they are used in very different ways, that is the skill which needs to be maintained. Even the most direct comparison of Acoustic Operators needed to do full OCUs when they did RN/RAF exchange tour. It then took the same time as everyone else to become CR, the ones I know would be the first to admit that it was a steep learning curve to learn effectively a different role.
Last edited by Ivan Rogov; 15th Mar 2012 at 06:41.
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Hoots, as I would have expected, makes a valid point; there are a few of us around and about that are not on Seedcorn who hope to be able to help resurrect the capability in the middle future.
Duncs
Duncs
