RAF Sentinel fleet to be scrapped
 

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-scrap-sentinel-surveillance-aircraft-due-cuts/

Once again...

This link should help:

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-...raft-due-cuts/

and so it starts.................

Among the comments, I noticed the one about reducing the Army to shore up the RAF and the Navy, reminds of the debate seven to eight years ago when it was the RAF in everyone's sights. Absolute nonsense!

FB:)

Sentinel Scheduled to Retire iaw SDSR 2015 Shocker!

None of us like to see another sqn go, but in terms of capability can any 'gap' not be covered by Scavenger and P8?

That would seem to depend on the delivery rate, work-up to FOC and commitments of the P-8. With a predominant maritime role and RAF/RN crew composition as opposed to the tasking and crew composition of the Sentinel, it would seem debatable. Another "gap".

I'm thinking more Scavenger/Protector and assuming it comes with a SAR/GMTI fit that might cover Sentinel. I know it's not a like for like replacement, largely because of the platform operating concept, but it could be a replacement if adequate numbers actually turn up. And aren't the USN developing a multi-platform concept of P8s working alongside RQ-4?

Considering the financial climate the MOD is operating within, there must also be other platforms in the firing line? When you consider the rationalisation of the FJ and AT Forces, surely it is only a matter of time before someone casts an eye over the SH Force and looks to make some kind of saving.........?

From C-130 down to C-130, C-17 and A-400M? :hmm:

...and Voyager.

I was considering the 10s and Tristars being replaced by Voyager, and what should have been the replacement of C130J by the 400. But then when you also consider the 146/QC, yes, you most definitely haven't been rationalised........😎

Hmm, UKserials are reporting an additional 6 allocations reserved for P-8.......


UK Serials

Interesting. If the suggestion is more P8s, I'd have to say that's a good thing. If we can get a similar SAR/GMTI capability out of other platforms such as Protector and Crowsnest, and not to mention from working alongside JSTARS (despite the article in The Times completely missing these other systems - it's not just The Telegraph to employ YTS journalists!), I think beefing up our maritime patrol capability is a sensible way ahead as an island nation.

Fink about Sharon an' 'er seven kids - wot abat 'em, eh?

The small number of guys and girls on the Sentinel fleet really have had a torrid time. A staccato introduction into service, suffering cuts in the development phase whilst simultaneously deployed on ops and never being allowed to bed down or achieve fully trained steady-state aircrew and groundcrew.

Since 2010 they entered the twilight zone by having almost all support removed, told they were surplus to requirement yet deployed to 2 then 3 operational theatres with no hope of roulemont. The capability moved from a core programme to a UOR; individual total time deployed went off the charts, PJHQ and theatre commanders wanted all aircraft everywhere, leapt on every stutter in output and deferred everything they could to maximise immediate output over medium-term output.

Recent years has seen a glimmer of light to finally fund and sustain the fleet, yet it is back to the chopping block. One hopes someone somewhere learns the lessons how not to treat the personnel (aircrew, groundcrew, contractor and PT staff) that really are the true capability.

How much more of a saving do you think can be made? We've already slashed the numbers of Puma during the upgrade to 24, scrapped the Sea King Mk4 without replacement (clearly they got Me3, but that is still a significant reduction in overall lift) and imho the new buy of Chinook is likely to be replacement of older airframes rather than a long-term increase in numbers.

If you want to continue to provide lift for Army on Ops as we do now and have done continuously for the past 15+ years, then you need aircraft. The grass is always greener, but we look at the rest of the RAF with envy; twice as many Typhoons as we have helicopters, comparatively new aircraft/capabilities like F35, P8, Reaper/Protector, Voyager, C17, A400, RJ etc... fancy swapping, you'll love tents on Salisbury Plain!

Is that moving the Army of 82,000, 80,000, 65,000 or 55,000?

As for twice as many Typhoons as helicopters, if you compare historic FJ to helo ratios then you are currently doing very well!!

JTO,

Despite my thinking that right now we really really need MPA, I do concur that the way this capability has been handled from the outset is shabby, especially from the personnel angle. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if the personnel turned round and said 'if that's how you feel, here are the keys we're off'. And the system would have no one to blame other than itself. But as we all know by now, the system either can't or won't grasp that capability and personnel need investing in.