Which is the most unhappy RAF Sqn at the moment. The Geese were not happy in the pub last week even though they have a new toy.

If I was top Goose I would be seriously worried.

Of course it's not a "spy plane". Only baddies have spy planes. We have reconnaissance aircraft.

Ps, novanav, how would a civilian involved in the air refuelling of a military attack be regarded under international law?

A valid target...?

Agreed, biggus...although in either case the issue of employment status hardly arises if they've been blown to smithereens

They'd be considered combatants under Geneva law - (banter aside) they are clearly making a material contribution to combat operations.

Merry Christmas to all, including the Geese. Hope you get flying again soon.

S41

Are we there yet?

Is it the biggest paper weight in NATO?

You should know mate, why don't you let us in on it instead of fishing around for someone to sound off.

Just asking, during last few weeks have seen a great deal of media attention on the arrival of the first Rivet Joint SIGINT aircraft, acquired from the Americans.

Air Commodore Portlock describes it with enthusiasm as “a fantastic capability. With it comes a complete integration and interoperability with the US which we’ve not had in this area before, and we look forward to fielding it on operations next year.”

As a tax payer I was wonder are we getting what we paid for yet?

JIV

why didn't you ask those 'unhappy' members of the Sqn who you see in the pub? I am sure they would tell you.

Dunno, but I noticed it looked jolly nice sat on the secure pan at Wad the other day, as I drove past.

One wonders if that's a 'permanent' parking solution given the lack of parking paces for 3 RJs and however many E-3s we have (that aren't a pile of spares).

Bloke down the pub told me they were building an extension to one of the hangars for RJ.

JIV,

Try asking MoD or NAO under FOI for the info you are so desperate to find out.

The quote was from IQ Defence. I suspect they meant the flurry of media interest when the first aircraft arrived.

A quick google of 'UK RJ' reveals many articles over the last few years with many in the last 2 months which I think is recent in programme which started in the early 90s.

There have not been many updates in the very short term. Hence my questions.

Clearly I have touched a nerve.

Sorry.

Off down the pub, may buy some unhappy geese a pint.

Is anyone allowed to say why they flew the jet over to the damp climate of UK if they did not intend to fly it on ops or training. Would it have been better to have kept it at Greenville till we were ready to use it?


As I understand things the formation eating team have been training in the UK with the USAF and I believe the aircraft are to the same standard. (or is this just a rumour!).


Must be very frustrating for the guys at Waddo. The bill will have been paid but we do not appear to be getting any benefit. Imagine if it was a revenue earning airline. The shareholders would be up in arms.

RJ to Waddo vice Greenville
 

If the jet is ready any company will want to move it off their ramp and deliver to the customer. No liability if a hail storm or tornado does damage. Greenville does not have extra hangar space to store completed aircraft. And, you get credit for an "ahead of schedule" delivery, with possible bonus dollars involved.
Besides, there is a lot more to an operational jet than the flying. Aircraft and backend equipment maintenance folks can work and learn on the real thing at Waddo. You can also run the backend on the ground and do almost complete operational training on the systems.
And, I am sure, all the various offices mentioned in previous posts who must "sign off" on how safe it is want to 'see' the real thing. A trip to Waddington is much cheaper than to Greenville. Even if the steaks are MUCH better in Texas.


Bill

Word is the RJ's off to Boscombe Down early Feb....:oh:

Buccaneer Scamp - what route, A1 M1 M25 M3 or via the M5 (it's still a bit wet round Tewkesbury though)? :rolleyes:

Boscombe D'ahn..
 

Buc Scamp why the :oh: , if it does come down (looks nice parked at Waddo) then it would be flown/evaluated by the RAF (which you'd hope would have been done state side), so the process should flow nicely? :E

Single Spey :D:D:ok:

I thought it was Waddington new gate guard

has to wait until 6th April and the new Financial Year before they can fill 'er up for the trip...................

or, more likely, awaiting a suitable collection of politicians and SO's to be assembled and photographed on its "arrival"