LowObs: thanks.

Also a possibility, if they make it modular ... suites of mission kit that has BFA to do with acoustics. ;)

Actually why not?

In the days of old the Russians decided on a maxi push sending pair through the GIUK and return via the Denmark Strait. I think it was 4 pairs at 30 minute intervals. This sucked all the NATO QRA from Norway, UK and Iceland, as they tracked each pair through the AOA.

As well as sucking up the interceptor force (we had a force) it also sucked up several tankers too. There was a T* jet RTB from Cyprus with pax but he had a useful giveaway and joined the game topping up the 10s.

I can't remember the actual NATO assets commited but it was between 30-40.

Now a P8 might be on task and need to extend either because he is engaged or because a relief is going to be late. If there are sufficient tankers it may be possible that one could be diverted to assist.

"I can't remember the actual NATO assets commited but it was between 30-40."

could that number be provided now in the event of a similar incursion?

James, that included RNoAF Q launches out of north and central bases, UK Northern and Southern Q and replacements, probably at least 3 UK AAR, and numerous F4 and Mogas out of Kef.

[Quote]
Older readers will perhaps recall that the UK's 'FLA' was originally intended to meet all future large aircraft requirements....

So perhaps it might be time to investigate the feasibility of a maritime version of the A400M? [\Quote]

I think that was discussed on another thread. Seems logical to me, after all a) its the mission kit & the crews that's the important bit of the capability & much of the mission kit must have been designed for the MRA4 programme b) surely its designed to operate at low level some of the time & c) it might lower the unit cost of the A400M if a few more were bought by European Air Force/ Navies

ShortFatOne
 

[QUOTE] We met a nice couple during the race, Eddie and his wife in their Rustler 42 from Falmouth, who claimed to know you! [/QUOTE]

Blimey, that doesn't happen very often!! Eddie & Jean Burke, very good drinking friends from Ladock.

All the best Stumps, not the way anyone would want to finish their Maritime career but as one door closes................

"Fortiter in Re" :ok:

Indeed, it also turns out that low level maneuvering is part of the certification program so it really will be mission hardware away from perfect.

Maritime version of A400M eh? :hmm:

Might lower the unit cost eh?:rolleyes:

Just plug in the mission hardware and it will be perfect eh? ;)

Chaps, we can't even afford to buy all of the transport versions of A400M that we had planned. Do you honestly believe that developing a maritime version of A400M is actually a realistic possibility in the world in which we live these days??! I would love to see HM Forces properly equipped (and in the area of MPA, some P-8s would be great!) but honestly - the notion of a navalised A400M for the Brits is utter cr*p!

Now I would love to be proved wrong and see us get some much needed capability back but take a look at the Telegraph today... they are apperently planning to chop some of the SH capability to save cash! Helicopters!!!! Whilst we are still in Afghan!!!!! And you talk about procuring maritime A400Ms?!?! :ugh:

They have chopped our MPA fleet chaps - it has gone. Its very sad and I think it is a massive mistake and a shameful decision by the government of a 'maritime' nation - but thats how things are. With helicopters potentially getting chopped in the next Planning Round - and goodness only knows what else - even talking about buying an existing MPA platform like the P-8 is a pipe dream, nay - a fools dream, never mind a fanciful A400M - MRA400M or whatever it would be.

Sorry to be a party pooper - and if the MOD turned round tomorrow and announced a fleet of P-8s had been ordered I would be turbo happy - but lets try and be realistic chaps.

Sense1

The Royal Scottish Navy will be equipped with the Prestwick Prowler - The ATP MPA...under the "jobs for Jock" program.:eek:

Don't get me wrong, it's not something that's going to come about due to forethought on the part of the formal procurement channels, there are two likely scenarios:

(1) Airbus decide a little bit of speculative development wouldn't hurt the export market (AAR anyone?), 10 years from now when we have an A400M fleet and more than £2.50 for defence, we buy a small number as the cost of including them within the existing support structure is low.

(2) We find ourselves in a situation (probably "south of ascension") where it becomes a very high priority to shove whatever kit we can get our hands on into the closest thing to an MPA we have (which will be the A400M).

And when it turns out we did need an MPA, 400M will be the closest thing we have.

Given that a 'significant' number of ex-Nimrod people are upping sticks and setting sail for Canadialand to crew their CP-140s, recently(?) fitted out with MR2-ish kit, who will be left to operate the fantasy P-8 purchase?

Me,

If Lord Alex will give me time off from playing up front with Sir Wayne.

None of which is any bigger a fantasy than anything else on this thread.

If they base at HMS Findhorn (or NAS Forres!), I'll fly it!;)

Duncs:ok:

There is a parallel thread (or is it universe) entitled British Future MPA, on which I have already offered my services. Please form an orderly queue ( behind me ).

Having just returned from a week in Cornwall may i be so bold to suggest that any future MPA base is as far inland as possible. At least they will be able to fly during the winter months.

The best option yet is buying Up Dated P-3's.....as there is a desert full of them to be had for a very good price.....and it is far better a choice of an airframe than the P-8.

SASLess - why?

And if so, why is the USN going P8? IIRC, the Orions in the desert were all more than a bit shagged.

S41

A small thing called "Politics" determined the P8 Program and a Boeing buy to be the way forward when most in the Navy sought an upgraded P-3.....for a start.

The P-3's most recently sent or headed to the Desert and a Modification program would be cheaper overall than buying new build P-8's.

Those that pushed the P-8 program would like nothing better than to see the P-3's gone from the inventory to safeguard any back sliding and curtailing the P-8 program....thus they would encourage a FMS Program.

The P-8 systems or the UK desired outfitting is just a matter of adapting the gear to the airframe.

Cornwall should go the same place as bloody Nimrod.
 

Navaleye - agree. The bleakest of the English counties?

P3 update unaffordable !
 

Having seen the cost of keeping the aged Lockheed Electra flying a very similar airframe to the P3 I would say the cost would be huge.

The Boeing is far more affordable