Having worked in both the private and public sectors doing a similar job I know which one I would rather work in. The private sector is vastly more efficient, whereas the public sector sadly has far too many jobs that really don’t need to exist and crap pay as a result with few or no incentives to improve. Admittedly the profit motive for somepeople is not acceptable in the private sector but I view it as a small price to pay for more efficient use of the taxpayers money. Thats why I am not too hung up on the air tanker deal and similar private initiatives as they ‘may’ lead to some financial and tactical efficiency. Where I have my doubts about the private sector is what happens when the bullets start flying………………….

The Harrier although considered outclassed by many still has one very useful trick up its sleeve where it can outclass the conventional carrier aircraft. It can be operated in much rougher sea states than even the American super carriers. I was reading last year that during the Falklands war Harriers were occasionally being operated in conditions two sea states worse than any conventional carrier had ever operated in. Admittedly you don’t get bad weather every day but the ability to fly in all but the worst conditions can actually be useful. Presumably the new F-35’s will have a similar ability in poor weather.

Have I missed something, re the last sentance in the original article “Britain has already cut its order and others may follow.” When did Britain ‘cut’ its order, I thought it was still 150 with the type to be confirmed once the British Politicos have got their asses in gear ? :confused: :diablo:

First generation full spectrum stealth ?

Older aircraft if they offer a unique capability in your theatre can be spectacular value for money so that is why some types hang on so long

I suspect the British govt will jump at the chance of delaying funding of some of the Eurofighters; as they announced this week that they are having to spend about $1 billion (that was not budgeted) on force protection measures in Afghanistan and Iraq ! Thats on top of the normal $10 billion procurement budget, so something may have to give somewhere and Eurofighter could be it.

One of the items, among about 20 purchases they announced, was that they are armouring the cockpits of Nimrods, C-130’s and I think C-17’s and finally fitting the fuel tank foam suppressant, which will no doubt please the aircrew.