Just a quick question...... How many Engineers / Maintainers would a Squadron of 5 Nimrod have?

Crusader
Thank you very much for your very comprehensive reply to my query:D

Further to the Caped Crusader’s history, I understand that pressure was bought to bear on finding an AEW solution as long-range, ground based AEW had been promised to the RN as part of the sweetener for losing their organic fixed-wing AEW with the demise of the carriers. Hence the pressing need to go it alone and maintain the AEW capability while NATO dallied over a decision. The history books detail the saga of Nimrod AEW and the Shackelton before the E-3D was selected.

There are a couple of curious side issues to this. Firstly, the E-3D Component is a contribution in kind to NATO. That is, instead of paying money into the communal pot, the UK contributes trained crews and serviceable aircraft to the NATO AEW&C Force for their tasking. I am very surprised that the MNCs have agreed to give up a fair chunk of their AEW capability.

Secondly, as part of the original deal, The RN is joint owner of the AEW capability. The 1* at Force Command rotates RAF/RN for this reason. I am also surprised that the RN has agreed to lose part of their share.

I guess budgets are being cut everywhere.

Milarity, I didn't know that. Does the RN contribute a contribution to the manpower, too?

2 weapons controllers. One Surface, one Sk Mk7

Terminology
 

'long-range, ground based AEW'??? You mean the sky carrier is alive and orbiting the planet; I missed that somewhere!

RAF's Contribution To NATO AEW Force
 

Navy_Adversary

Thanks for your post, glad I could answer your query.

Milarity

You are correct about the present origins of the RAF AEW Force being in response to the demise of the flat tops and the need for AEW coverage of the fleet. Prior to the standing up of 8 Sqn as an AEW squadron in 1972, the RAF had posted a handful of aircrew onto 849 Sqn to gain experience in the role, and they did cruises on Eagle & Ark Royal. When 8 Sqn was re-formed at Lossiemouth there was a large Navy presence on the Squadron.

It was therefore regretable that there was no proper AEW coverage for the RN in the Falklands, but full credit to the dark blue for coming up with the Sea King Whiskey.

Concerning the RN 1* as the Deputy NAEW Force Commander, I believe the RN relinquished the post when there was a Joint Service review of 1* posts back in the mid 90s. I think the RN was more concerned about trying to get a more influential 1* post within MOD.

Back in the early 1950s, I believe the RAF did look at long range shore based AEW with the Neptune. After the RAF disposed of the Neptunes, I think the airframes were procured by the Argentinians and were in use during the Falklands.

It will be interesting to see which AEW platform is used by the RN on the future carriers. I would go for the E-2D, but you need a catapult for that.

CC