Could the Sentinals possibly be re-roled into an MPA or fisheries protection type role?

OK it wouldn’t need half the ISTAR kit it has now, but, could it be used for sea search (Long Range SAR) and then communications relay/top cover for SAR operations?

Perhaps even keep as much of the internals as possible, Have the RAF fly it, and perhaps mission commander, with the other seats filled by coasties/reservists but loaned out (operating costs) to the Coasties?

I’d guess that the agreed price would be based on number of aircraft bought, this would be combined Navy and AAC.
To pull the AAC aircraft from the deal would no doubt increase the unit costs of the Navy birds.

I think they need to rip up all current Helicopter plans, sit down and come up with a proper, cohesive programme. The Puma upgrade makes little sence, The knee jerk order for Chinooks will not deliver in time for Afghanistan and the Wildcat (army variant) fills a role the is historical rather than needed. The UK has always operated mainly medium/heavy helicopters in the ransport role and its doctrine does not follow that of nations like the US.

The Naval Wildcat does has a role to play especially if the Navy begins to operate lighter vessels, and is ideal for litorial operations, so the order for these should be retained.

For transport, the RAF should only purchase atrition replacements for the Chinook now but make sure the upgrade programme is fully funded to bring existing platforms up to the same standard. The RAF should retain its Merlins with minimum work carried out to make them available to operate for naval platfroms if a surge is required. Around 20 new Merlins built specifically for the RN should be purchased with polding rotor and tails with between 4-6 additional platforms pruchased if chosed for MASC.

the Lynx AH-7, Gazelle and Puma should all be finally retired over the next 3-4 years, with the Lynx AH-9A further modified for SF duties if the need exists. The Sea King HC4 should be able to be retired before 2015 as well if an order for the additional Merlins is placed promptly. This will mean the AAC is reduced by almost 50% and the RAF helicopter force by about 15%.

If after 2015 and the withdrawl from Afghanistan there is a need for a Medium Helicopter then a programme should be initiated, or additional buy of Merlin or Chinook. I have not listed a light/Utility platform as I believe its recce role is carried out by UAVs nowadays and the AH-9A with upgraded avionics could fullfil this role in the immediate future if neccessary. again if this capability is needed post 20105 and Afghanistan then it should be revisited.

I’d go along with that, and add additional Merlins for the SAR role to be operated by the Maritime agency/Coastguard. Their maintenance needs can be covered by the AW/RAF existing maintenance scheme. More airframes bought = better deal on maintenance = funded by MOD and MCA

It’s an A-4 Skyhawk

Do it by train every year.

Sure you may have a wait at the station on the way out, but if you use the time to take a walk down the static line again, you can get some nice shots in the evening light, before heading to the station where the worst of the crowds have squashed themselves away onto the first trains already.

Sadley the Reds lost their sparkle to airshow regulars a long time ago. Yes the General public on a day out, ooh and Ahh but to be honest it’s the only time they see a large formation of any type.

When seen in comparison to the French or Italian teams, there is very liitlethat some across as daring or inovative.
Sure the Hawk can’t twinkle roll but there must be new manouvers out there that can be performed. Perhps it’s time to get rid of the 5-4 and 7-2 splits and go for different numbered groupings throughout the display.

Slightly off topic, but at the same time related to the CATOBAR discussions.

With CATOBAR one of the benefits that keep coming up is the use of Hawkeye.

Is the production line on Hawkeye actually still open for new aircraft and at what costs?

I’ve seen references to the new Advanced Hawkeye (E-2D) which is apparently baselined on the Hawkeye 2000 (E-2C), are these conversions or completely new builds, and given that they have the latest APY9 AESA Radar, would that be released to the UK without the usual software release “discussions”

I have to say that I was surprised how close in cargo box size the C27J is the the C-130. THough I appreciate that other factors mean they are in different classes of lifting.

A small number of a C295/cn235 type would probably be of great use in the MOD, especially if it’s a combined order for basic cargo, some MPA and possibly to increase the order numbers and bring down the overall cost, fisheries and Coastguard versions to be operated by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguad agency).

As for what they’d do, how about as other’s have mentioned a step trainer from King Air into A400m, special forces uses, parachute training (if any survive the SDSR), provide a stay at home MPA whilst any Nimrods that remain can do their long range thing. All in addition to short hop cargo lifts that currently require a Herc.

The Fisheries/Coastguard aircraft take over longer range search and flying command post /radio relay of Nimrod, in addition to consolidating the rather fragmented fisheries protection and monitoring roles being carried out by a variety of types under contracts around the UK.