des, and the provision of adequate resources to facilitate the best service to the customer should be a priority, be that " vanilla" civilian aircraft or juiced up heavily armed / self defensive military aircraft.

TRSS
We can't just introduce an aircraft into service and fly it straight into theatre, to expect this shows a degree of inexperience with the MOD set-up and the problems we face. Any new type to be operated under military rules requires a Release to Service. No RTS, no fly, end of. This is normally provided by Boscombe, every bit of kit used on the A/C has to be tested and entered into the RTS. This takes time and money. It can be done quicker, under an UOR (Urgent Operational Requirement), but even this takes some time.
To expect a jet to be introduce as quickly as an airline brings one into service is a bit like living in cloud cookooland. The airforce has quite a diverse fleet, all operated under the same broad rules, similar to but not the same a civvy regs. It took several months just to certifie the DAS for the Tristar, then each type (C2(A), KC1, K1) had to be done separately.
There is no quick solution; it will take time, even longer when you involve PFI's and politicians. What we needed was a fleet that was kept up to date and not left till it is on its knees, but it is too late for that now.
As for there are not enough assets in theatre to allow hub and spoke, and no one stupid enough (thank god) to fly straight into theatre without DAS.

Hopefully our lords and masters will cancel the A400M asap, buy the extra 4/9 C130Js and C17s and we might be able to hub and spoke.

Then with FSTA we might have a chance at operating an up to date AT/AR fleet.

Limited types - just C130J, C17 and A330s. Streamline engineering, spares and training support.

Give us AT crews the tools to provide the service the troops and users require!:ok: