Probably not and I would suggest they should definitely try not to, integrating the full range of kit on the Typhoon probably makes a great deal more sense and will leave more money available for F35C.

That picture of the QE with Chinook and Merlin is at least a year old, it definitely pre-dates the SDSR.

please read what im saying!

im not saying that we dont need a FAA, in a ideal world a FAA is perfect. what i am saying is that with the small amount of airframes we cannot afford to have a large proportion of them soley dedicated to the navy. they need to be pooled together to try to cover the whole spectrum of needs. and the place to do this is the RAF.

unfortunatly we are not in a position to have everything we want.

We all have done already, you’re trying to recreate the FAA but as part of the RAF, others have already told you this has been tried before and it doesn’t work, you have also been told that RAF personnel don’t want to go to sea.

Ok well in that case there an equal argument for both CVF to be put under the RAF control. You are obviously a naval fan, nothing anybody will say will change your opinion.

Quite ironic this statement since it’s fairly obvious that you’re guilty of exactly what you’re accusing everybody else of.

Personally I think it will just be yet another technology demonstrator programme, funding for keeping skills up, blah, blah, blah………

hi
just read on the lockheed martin website that we (uk) will still bebuying 138 f35,its got a bit about the 2011 paris airshow so must be up to date??? also in navynews magazine they have a we bit on the construction of hms queeny,interesting that they say she will be ready in 2016 & that pow a couple of years later,dont know if this is just pre SDSR dates or what,queeny as a LPH or cats n traps? if its cats n traps who would land on her first? better be british preferably royal navy! :rolleyes:

I wouldn’t believe everything you read, there’s no way we’re buying that many.

The Mistral would provide an LHD replacement for HMS Ocean, and the Rafales would be a much more affordable option than the F-35C, especially if it was part of a barter deal for the second carrier.

We aren’t getting a replacement for Ocean though, there’s no provision for it in the SDSR so therefore no budget for it that’s why people have expressed surprise about it’s mention above.

Besides the second carrier is needed for when the first is in refit.

To be honest I get the impression that General Houghton and Bernard Grey are plucking ideas out of thin air.

I’d use another well known phrase “Making it up as they go along”.