Thales has, allegedly, developed a lightweight Searchwater array called the 2000MS that is based on the 2000AEW set fitted to ASaC. The claim is made that this array tips the scales at 100kg.

Boeings A-160T Hummingbird UAV has demonstrated a capability to lift 1000lb’s for an 8hr stretch unrefueld and 500lb’s for 12hrs. It also has enough onboard power generation for the impressive looking Forrester radar.

We’re looking at TOSS for what reason again?.

The point is though that the RN is looking for a MASC (Maritime Airborne Surveillance & Control) aircraft. An unmanned flying radar array can’t by it’s very nature provide the control element.

Control implies having operators on board to make the instant judgements, and I’d go further an suggest that MASC should have an autonomous capability without being tied to a mothership or requiring portable base stations.

With the E-2D about to roll into production, might the most economical and wisest solution simply be to start producing a modernized version of the C-2 sharing powerplant, airframe, refueling capability and flight deck with the E-2D, similar to the fashion C-2As were again placed into production in the 1980s (a “C-2B” is you will). Especially if you consider there isn’t a market for much more than 40 or so airframes (with France, and perhaps the RN and Indian Navy as additional customers for a handful more).

I don’t see how there is much more money for development of a whole new airframe in the COD role (especially given the demands of getting off and back on a carrier).

The CVF of the Royal Navy isn’t catobar, so wouldn’t have an interest in such an aircraft

Another contract announced for the 2 CVF’s, with the contract awarded to the aircraft lifts…

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Latest-news-Lothian-firm-wins.3943368.jp

From:http://www.airtanker.co.uk/capability-airtransport.htm

Air Transport Capability
Modern, comfortable, fully equipped passenger cabins providing up to 290 seats with no reconfiguration of the tanker transport required
A330 standard cargo space fully available for the widest range of pallets and containers
Lower deck cargo bay equipped with semi automatic loading system

I thought these were to be based on Combi-freighters with modular passenger sections to allow the option of a full palletised cargo or Cargo/pax mix?

If they are of used at all in the civilian arena I’d be surprised since I doubt the numbers would allow that much spare capacity to be sold off.

Civilian passengers I’d have thought unlikely, more likely freight if anything. Perhaps even only open to charter for humanitarian relief charities.

As for tail codes, off the top of my head the civilian owned trainers (Tutor, firefly and King Air 2000), have roundals and civilian G- registrations.
Not sure how that would work for a “front line” aircraft though

One question that I’ve lost track of in all the PFI nonsense…Are the RAF receiving new build A330s or are they second hand conversions to MRTT?

Hawk 200 Series … Latest Ardour Engine with Digital Cockpit.

Last sold with an APG-66H radar, wired for Sidewinder AAM, with Maverick or Brimstone as a PGM. A pair of 500lb dumb or retarded bombs under each wing.

Not in the Gripen or F16 class, but would do a job on COIN and CAS, even second layer air defence for the correct airforce.

Surely it was a case of the DOD/USN/USMC whoever made the decision that the 101 was to airframe to have, it fitted the original specification at the correct price.

The real issue is that once the airframe has been bought they are suddenly confronted with so much cabin space that they are now throwing in complex communication systems amongst other things (not in either Seaking or blackhawk) …. It’s these and issues regarding their integration that since they weren’t on the original specifications are pushing up the costs.

Had it been a Sikorsky airframe that won the contract, these issues and high costs would still be there, though perhaps slightly fewer given IIRC it has a slightly smaller cabin size