What a state we are in...

[dave]

So we have the possibility of the P of W being sold, now the RAF are having a go...

Air Force chiefs are refusing to back down on a decision to retire 30 'quick reaction alert' jets used to protect British skies from potential attacks by Vladimir Putin.

In a move likened to 'scrapping Spitfires before the Battle of Britain', bosses at the cash-strapped RAF are to retire the Tranche 1 Typhoons to save money.

The jets, which still have thousands of miles left on their clocks and could continue to fly for several years, will be grounded after completing just 40 per cent of their predicted flying hours.

The planes retirement will reduce Britain's complement of QRA jets from 137 to 107. The remaining jets are recently built Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 Typhoons.

The Tranche 1 Typhoons should be mothballed to enable them to be brought back at a time of conflict.

For the purpose of defending Britain's skies from Russian jets, they will do splendidly.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the T1s would be withdrawn from service next year – five years ahead of the scheduled retirement in 2030. Aviation expert Professor Justin Bronk told MPs there was 'definitely an argument' for mothballing the T1s.

While T1s can be used in only 'air to air' combat scenarios, such as against Russian aircraft threatening UK airspace, T2s and T3s can do 'air to air' and 'air to ground' operations.

Dare we wait for the army's plans?

regards,
                  dave...

[graham]

The way it's going, we'll only have a few catapults and spud guns left.....

[dave]

hi Graham,
sorry no, HS wont let us use them, they could hurt someone...
regards,
dave...

[keefyboy]

Hi Dave - this story makes my blood boil especially in the current climate. I was involved with Typhoon during both production and In Service Support. The Tranche 1 jets are perfectly capable aircraft and ideally suited for QRA - they can't do anything else. The problem with getting rid of them is that they will need to be replaced by Tranche 2/3s which can be better employed on the mud moving tasks which they are cleared for.
Cheers
Keith

[keefyboy]

I know for a fact that each Typhoon costs circa £70M to build each - for 30 aircraft thats some £2bn - we are not back in the 50's where aircraft where built for peanuts!! Every £70M aircraft that gets discarded - should be answerable to the UK taxpayer. What is happening is disgusting - I don't know the answer but I'm sure it's not the RAF. None of this makes sense and it's clearly a Treasury decision as it was with Jaguar and Harrier. A £70M aircraft is a lot of money when just £1M towards a good road or a child care centre is a good thing. I don't know the answer but I'm thinking in this day and age it might be a good thing to be well tooled up!!

[keefyboy]

Also whilst I'm on a rant - I fail to see why anyone wants to get to Birmingham 30 minutes quicker!!?

With our modern technology - you don't need to go to Birmingham for a meeting!

I think the original cost of HS2 was some £30bn to take everyone to Manchester and Leeds - well now it looks like £120bn to get from Old Oak Common to Birmingham!! - let alone Euston!! Rant over and I'll finish watching the F1GP which is probably the last one I'll watch this season!

[chrisj]

It is very tempting to get into a rant over both the HS2 issue and Typhoon withdrawal , plus many other 'political ' things but I think we should remember that this forum is not the place for such things . I spent over twenty six years in the RAF through many governments so am well aware of these expert civil servants and ministers . The money wasted ( my opinion) on the immigrant situation could go a long way to resolving many issues but I am not permitted to say that ! There is soon to be a general election when we can all show our feelings but to whom ? Unless Mr P is running the country by then ! Chrisj

[graham]

Hi Chris, anyone can voice their opinions on anything they like on here as far as I'm concerned. there is a section towards the bottom of the forum where there's an "anything else" bit, and as long as it's nothing racist, sexist or anything else "ist", you guys can say what you like on whatever subject you like.

[chrisj]

Thanks Graham . Being of the 'Old School' we were able to speak our minds ( with caution) but the way things are now days I had best not put anything into print ! I am just appalled at the state this country is in and there is no sign that things will improve anytime soon . Chrisj

[billsamuels]

Evening guys,

I share with all the feelings written on this thread but, can I just ask this one question. Aren’t the majority of these Typhoon air frames the ones that have been mothballed and Cannibalised to such an extent that they are not likely to be able to fly again in any case - or am I wrong!

Bill

 

[michael]

I see on going problems with the Hawk T2's engines is forcing the RAF to train pilots in the USA and Italy at a cost of £2m per pilot,now making the total £7.4m.

Over the next 3 years - 12 to Italy and 15 in the USA.

Apparently the problem is the engines spontaneously combust !!!! due to a technical fault (I would say YES !!!)