RAF C-130J's to be retired early?
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2 Hercs have been practicing around Brize...flying a vic with one Atlas in the lead. Just to prove a point I guess....
Of course - it's the same logic that has seen a steady decrease in submarines, surface escorts, Marine Recce, fighters, tanks..... eventually it leads to Augustine's famous Law XVI:- In the year 2054, the entire defense budget will purchase just one aircraft. This aircraft will have to be shared by the Air Force and Navy 3-1/2 days each per week except for leap year, when it will be made available to the Marines for the extra day.
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Great, I'm sure Ukraine would appreciate a high capability, tactical transport, at a scrap value price, with access to an extensive range of parts, and with support and maintenance capability, everywhere.
Tell me I am smoking my socks..
IG
Tell me I am smoking my socks..
IG
Has MoD determined what the minimum force manning and equipment requirements are for Ceremonial Duties...... and is that the ultimate target for MoD? Just asking for a friend!
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Is now really the time?
I find it quite unsettling that the C-130J seems to be on an unstoppable journey towards premature retirement despite the current state of world affairs.
The Ukraine war could get out of hand at any time, and require immediate mobilisation of our armed forces, along with subsequent transportation and supply flights. It seems almost cavalier to underestimate the seriousness of the situation in Europe, and proceed with this defence reduction at this time.
This isnt neccesarily about comparing the A400m and the C-130J, they can compliment each other. This is purely about the numbers of available tac aircraft, and the heightened chance that they may well all be extensivelly called upon to support the UKs aims in the not too distant future.
The loss of 5 x C-130s during Iraq/ Afghanistan operations also highlighted the need for sufficient numbers of assets.
Please can someone stop this defence reduction madness until the doomsday clock is falling back from this " time of unprecedented danger"
The Ukraine war could get out of hand at any time, and require immediate mobilisation of our armed forces, along with subsequent transportation and supply flights. It seems almost cavalier to underestimate the seriousness of the situation in Europe, and proceed with this defence reduction at this time.
This isnt neccesarily about comparing the A400m and the C-130J, they can compliment each other. This is purely about the numbers of available tac aircraft, and the heightened chance that they may well all be extensivelly called upon to support the UKs aims in the not too distant future.
The loss of 5 x C-130s during Iraq/ Afghanistan operations also highlighted the need for sufficient numbers of assets.
Please can someone stop this defence reduction madness until the doomsday clock is falling back from this " time of unprecedented danger"
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Far too late - they've been running the force down for years and have stretched the retirement date so they have enough airframes for the Coronation fly past
This horse bolted years ago
This horse bolted years ago
There is never a too late moment. The use of the Vulcans during the Falklands proved that. It just needs acknowledgement by the government that we may well need those assets before too long.
The current Government is an idealogical dogma driven bunch of incompetent self serving bullying charlatans who despise public services and public expenditure and have no interest in defence.
They acknowledge nothing.
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"The use of the Vulcans during the Falklands proved that."
that was a hot war - and of course they were withdrawn from service as bombers within 7 months of the end of the war.
that was a hot war - and of course they were withdrawn from service as bombers within 7 months of the end of the war.
Maybe its not a bad idea to service those laid up Hercs first before selling, and then at least they are ready to use if things really hot up in Europe?
If not used then the buyers pay more.
Is that a win win?
I can see the case for two multirole combat aircraft types, where they perform essentially the same function and you're just looking for some redundancy in case there's a problem with one or another type.
It doesn't make sense with transport types though, where a C-17 has a totally different capability set and role to the C-130.
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People in the Treasury probably advocated he buy 737's - after all they fly people around don't they?
British military aircraft have been put on standby to evacuate UK citizens and embass
As,reported in todays Telegraph, yet another unexpected call on the soon to reduced Air Transport fleet. This follows the post earthquake Turkey humanitarian flights and the Afghanistan evacuations, and perhaps other last minute calls involving the C-130J.
I don't imagine any of the charter companies being prepared to risk their fleets on this one.
I dearly hope that someone of influence picks up on these posts and has a water cooler chat along the lines of " we can't afford the C-130J with our current funding, but we can't afford to lose it just yet"
Can we have some funding from somewhere please.....?
I don't imagine any of the charter companies being prepared to risk their fleets on this one.
I dearly hope that someone of influence picks up on these posts and has a water cooler chat along the lines of " we can't afford the C-130J with our current funding, but we can't afford to lose it just yet"
Can we have some funding from somewhere please.....?
Size can be a distinct disadvantage for tactical AT both for manoeuvrability and signature, also the Herc is currently exclusively providing support to the special forces who certainly don't need something the size of an A400.