If they are forced to fly they will probably fly East or West and defect or eject. They know the score, I have no doubt whatsoever

It will be a Golden Opportunity for the RN and the French Navy to live fire the Sea Viper as well, as some of the more sensitive Rebel held areas subject to Libyan air attack attack are on the Med.

The way I read the Resolution, ‘all necessary measures’ the RN could use Brimstone against tanks on the ground if they were threatening civilians.

Have all the MRA4’s now been totally scrapped or is it just the ones that were not yet complete ?

So do we know if any of them have gone to the Med this week ? It wouldn’t surprise me if they had. Just the kind of situation that the R1 was made for.

I am hearing that the incident is over – possibly rowdy passengers ? It was parked at the hazardous aircraft stand but is now being moved.

Perhaps someone is confusing Rivet Joint and JSTARS which is far closer to the R1. Mind you JSTARS is apparently hardly being used either either dispite what one might think was a good opportunity in Afghanistan.

Maybe there is something out there in the Black world that is better for current commitments ? They have always refused to explain what the new Shadow R1’s role is, perhaps there is some similar or complimentary capability there ?

Are they kept in the RAF inventory for use if required ?

Lindermyer, I think I agree with you. If the article in todays Sydney morning Herald is accurate (blaming a faulty oil pipe rather than a design problem) then yes this could have happend to almost any engine.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/faulty-oil-pipe-to-blame-for-qantas-incident-says-report-20101203-18itw.html