800 Squadron officially disband on the 27th of March 2004. I assume 899 and 801 will disband in 2 years time.

acc. to an article in the leftist Guardian or Independent there are US navy technicians inside some mountain in scotland who control the programming of Trident missiles onboard british SSBNs. was published in 2001 / 02.

The mountain is part of the Royal Naval Armament Depot Coulport on Loch Long on the west coast of Scotland….

As for the strength of the Royal Navy, I don’t think it’s necessary for it to be massive just balanced. I think a good yardstick would be the capability of the UKDF to retake the Falklands if necessary. Not that I think that the Argentinian Government would try it on again (Appologies to the Argentinian Members this is not intended to offend) I just think that it would test the Uk’s military capability to the limit which would be a good thing. It would probably Ram a few home – truths home to the government about cutting key capabilities ie Sea Harrier.

This is my take on how things should be for the future in the UK

You’ll notice that I’ve also moved some of aircraft to different services. This is because I think it would be operationally and economically prudent to do so. ie I’m not a believer in joint force harrier so the Fleet air arm get their fixed wing capability back. I also reckon there is still duplication in all three services so I’ve made training a joint effort. I also think that the uk should have a separate CSAR capability.

I’ve used the Falklands as a yardstick as it would be one possible hotspot where the UK would have to act autonomously.

Royal Air Force

232 Eurofighter – We got it whether we like it or not, personally I like it
250 FOAS (Tornado/Jaguar/ Harrier replaceent) – Hopefully F35C (Yes I mean the carrier variant)
10 B1 Spirits – About time we had a long range bombing capability. Failing that then B52’s !
10 AWACS – I don’t think the current 7 are enough
20 Global Hawk – To replace Nimrod and Canberra
6 C17 Globemaster – but purchased outright
Current Numbers of Hercules all upgraded to C5 statndard (Eventually replaced by 25 A400M)
Current Numbers of FSTA + 3 (Future Tanker) AND NOT PFI!
10 ASTOR Platforms – again 5 is not enough.

Fleet Air Arm

At least 60 JSF – hopefully F35c – with optionality of drawing on FOAS airframes if necessary
10 AEW – Hawkeye preferably or UAV
18 Nimrod MRA4 – Yes transfer then from the Airforce! Or bring them under direct control of the RN
45 Merlin HM2 – plus numbers to cover lynx replacement
30 Merlin (Cormorant?) SAR – To cover RAF and Royal Navy Sea King SAR
50 Merlin HC1 – Sea King HC4 Replacements
20 Apache (Royal Marines)
Current Numbers of Lynx and Gazelle replacements

Army Air Corps

50 Chinook HC3’s
60 Merlin HC1’s – Replacements for Puma
47 Apache
10 Islander or replacement

Join force CSAR

10 Osprey V22
10 Merlin HC1

Joint Training

Hawks
Grob Tutor
Firefly
Tucano
Jetstream
Dominie
Griffin
Squirrel

…. And while were talking about wishes – I’d like a pony for Christmas!:D

You’ll see flying Mon-Fri pretty much all the time. Nothing impressive mind, just circuits mainly.

Speaking as a ‘Lossie Loon’ and the son of an Ex Fleet Air Arm Maintainer tho’ it was alot better 30 years ago …(But I may be biased!)

I think they should amalgamate the Black Watch and the Argylls just for a laugh!

No Seriously wrt the carriers – a deal with the French? – makes sense if the UK goes with CATOBAR (Cat and Trap) which would then mean the CV variant of JSF would be ordered (Cheaper Airframe=Saves money) which if a previous speculation in AFM is to be believed would also become prime candidate for FOAS (even more money saved) which in turn would unify traning and support (again another saving)

I don’t like the idea of reducing the Number of T45’s tho’ if that is indeed the case then surely there is now even more of a reason to retain Sea Harrier? – it’s bought and paid for. The uk Gov’t dont seem to be taking the Air strike risk very seroiusly. It occurs to me that the UK has a disproportionate amount of Ships and aircraft dedicated to ASW and yet the theatres of conflict to which the UKDF is being committed (ie the Mid east) do have effective combat aircraft.

i’m sorry to hear about Typhoon, but lets face it – it’s long overdue. If they do cut the numbers going to the RAF then I would hope that rather than cut the production, they would approach a friendly nation and sell them on with a training package included in the price – maybe New Zealand prehaps, but hey! I can Dream….

I feel another snotagram to Geoff Hoon coming on…

BTW Phil – I Agree Ogri DOES rule – What do you ride mate?

RE: Fave Job

A PRESENTER ON ONE OF THESE HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES OFF THE TV …. SUNNY BEACHES, PLENTY OF TOTTY, FREE LUNCHES/BEERS – AND WELL PAID!