Canberra TT.18 wrote:I see 20 Prefect (ZM301-ZM320) was 23 6 Texan (ZM325-ZM330) was 10 4 Phemon (ZM334-337) was 5 That is less than earlier announced The gaps also don't fully make up for the others.
Slightly different serials and numbers on UK serials..
It'll be interesting to see how 10 T-6s pan out, but when you compare it to the number of aircraft RAF EFT use on a daily basis (and bear in mind only a few will move up to the T-6), and the number of frames 45 Sqn have conducted ME AFT on, it's not that ridiculous and actually makes reasonable sense. Obviously as a contractor they don't have to provide the long term fleet up front; they have the luxury of renewing the fleet as and when required. The Tucano fleet was bought to service and maintain a Cold War RAF training system over several decades too.
I'm with Capercaille; just 10? And how many Typhoons and Lightnings are we expecting to need pilots for? I'm sure we train overseas pilots as well don't we? Plus it's safe to assume one or two will be unserviceable at any given time. I suppose it means most training will be done on the PlayStation.
harkins wrote:I'm with Capercaille; just 10? And how many Typhoons and Lightnings are we expecting to need pilots for? I'm sure we train overseas pilots as well don't we? Plus it's safe to assume one or two will be unserviceable at any given time. I suppose it means most training will be done on the PlayStation.
To put it into perspective, RAF EFT (ie 16 & 57 Sqn) will probably utilise 5 or 6, maybe 7 at a push, Tutors each on a daily basis. Coming back to what I said about the proportion of those graduating onto BFJT, and you then see 10 isn't all that ridiculous, even taking into account servicing and unplanned unservicabilities.
If you put it that way it's enough. To be honest, I find it difficult not to think from the heart about these things because as an enthusiast I just can't come to terms with anything that doesn't mean more aircraft, more bases and more flying. The costs and necessities of real life make my hobby less enjoyable year on year.
harkins wrote:If you put it that way it's enough. To be honest, I find it difficult not to think from the heart about these things because as an enthusiast I just can't come to terms with anything that doesn't mean more aircraft, more bases and more flying. The costs and necessities of real life make my hobby less enjoyable year on year.
harkins wrote:I'm with Capercaille; just 10? And how many Typhoons and Lightnings are we expecting to need pilots for? I'm sure we train overseas pilots as well don't we? Plus it's safe to assume one or two will be unserviceable at any given time. I suppose it means most training will be done on the PlayStation.
To put it into perspective, RAF EFT (ie 16 & 57 Sqn) will probably utilise 5 or 6, maybe 7 at a push, Tutors each on a daily basis. Coming back to what I said about the proportion of those graduating onto BFJT, and you then see 10 isn't all that ridiculous, even taking into account servicing and unplanned unservicabilities.
We also send crews to Canada and US for NATO training too.
Canberra TT.18 wrote:I see 20 Prefect (ZM301-ZM320) was 23 6 Texan (ZM325-ZM330) was 10 4 Phemon (ZM334-337) was 5 That is less than earlier announced The gaps also don't fully make up for the others.
Slightly different serials and numbers on UK serials..
We had over 200 Jet Provosts in the 80s. Then over 100 Tucanos in the 90s. How just 10 Texans (it would be 7 max at any one stage available because of maintenance) is incredible. Although perhaps the plan is as one lands it goes off again withing an hour with another instructor and student and doesnt sit around. Higher utilisation.
I see the Hawks have all now finished apart from 100sq and the RA.
Hampshire Aviation wrote:Hearing rumours that the Junos and Jupiters are to be on the civil register; maybe on the UK Serials guys could confirm/deny?
As a Shawbury 'local' I've not heard either way - but I will ask the question of some friends at the first opportunity!
I wouldn't be surprised if they are managed akin to the current fleet of Squirrels & Griffins and whilst these operate with military serials - they all still wear their civilian ID on a plate affixed to the cabin floor!
However, the usual arguments pertaining to 'they need to be military registered to go low-level...' don't really apply to helicopters - as generally they are operating low-level for the vast majority of their sorties within LFA9.
Arthur
Canon PowerShot SX40HS - It's not what you've got - it's what you do with it!