Search found 1998 matches

by Gabriele
06 Jun 2015, 13:43
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

If anything happens, it won't be P1, It'll be P8. It won't be P1 for the same reason the 'rod largely became unsustainable. 1 country, niche aircraft, no economy of scale and no piggy backing the shared development of a large programme. I'd say 8. Aiming to have UK1 in the UK 2018. Anyone else want...
by Gabriele
05 Jun 2015, 11:11
Forum: Royal Air Force
Topic: Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Replies: 2804
Views: 763804
Italy

Re: Typhoon

https://twitter.com/defense_news/status/606577178399109120 I wonder what the reason is that Italy is taking the lead role in these negotiations. Not that I am complaining by any means, but it is normaly BAE that is at the forefront in the middle east when it comes to Typhoon. Although they have not...
by Gabriele
05 Jun 2015, 11:09
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Replies: 6067
Views: 1724269
Italy

Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Only having 9-14 in 2018 is a horrifying thought when Tornado goes. The imagery of an RAF with only 120ish combat jets is not a good one. Take out the tranche 1 typhoon and the situation looks even more bleak! Its totally inexcusable. 120ish is already without Tranche 1, and without the Tornado. 10...
by Gabriele
05 Jun 2015, 11:05
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

I completely concur. We can't, and shouldn't try, to do everything. We should decide what are strategic technologies for the UK (SSNs for example) and ensure we maintain our design and development capabilities in that arena, and buy other kit off the shelf (Main Battle Tanks for example). At this t...
by Gabriele
05 Jun 2015, 09:10
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

The AAS radar flies: NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., – The first flight of the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) configured P-8A Poseidon aircraft was completed on May 20. The successful flight marked a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy, Raytheon and Boeing team. The APS-154 AAS radar will...
by Gabriele
05 Jun 2015, 08:28
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Replies: 6067
Views: 1724269
Italy

Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

You would not have the total breakdown by chance would you? By jeez 96 aircraft in LRIP 10 you could nearly call it FRP The breakdown is as follows: 44 F-35A for USAF 9 F-35B for USMC 2 F-35C for USN 3 F-35B for UK 2 F-35A for Turkey 2 F-35A for Italy 2 F-35B for Italy 8 F-35A for Australia 6 F-35A...
by Gabriele
04 Jun 2015, 23:28
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Replies: 6067
Views: 1724269
Italy

Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

While not intended to simulate actual air wing operations, the trials were intended to run through specific test cases. As an example, maintainers conducted a full engine removal and replacement and also attempted to demonstrate a lift-fan removal. Both were prioritized to ensure that it was shown ...
by Gabriele
02 Jun 2015, 21:42
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: Type 26 Frigate (City Class) (RN) [News Only]
Replies: 5461
Views: 1464838
Italy

Re: UK's Future T26 Frigate.

The stated government position has long been that there will be a first contract for 8 (the ASW ones, seen as high priority) followed by a second batch. Hopefully. Industry, and no doubt the Royal Navy, have been trying to press the case for a 13 ships single contract to close the door as much as po...
by Gabriele
02 Jun 2015, 13:06
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: Type 26 Frigate (City Class) (RN) [News Only]
Replies: 5461
Views: 1464838
Italy

Re: UK's Future T26 Frigate.

Surely the demonstration contract includes long lead items and material for the T26? It funds design and procurement work for several major subsystems (diesels, steering, gearbox, cranes, cabins, stabilizers, gas turbines, mission bay equipment, hull sonar dome and other stuff) for the first 3 ship...
by Gabriele
01 Jun 2015, 13:31
Forum: Royal Air Force
Topic: Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Replies: 2804
Views: 763804
Italy

Re: Typhoon

SPEAR is to be flight tested on Typhoon, but ironically isn't planned as a Typhoon weapon yet, no. However, if SPEAR will survive, go ahead, and deliver its promise, i would think that will have to change, at some point.
by Gabriele
01 Jun 2015, 13:07
Forum: Royal Air Force
Topic: Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Replies: 2804
Views: 763804
Italy

Re: Typhoon

Common Launcher Development for Typhoon UK Ministry of Defence awards funding to investigate feasibility of a common weapon launcher for Typhoon The UK Ministry of Defence has provided £1.7 million of funding to research a common weapon launcher for Typhoon that could be capable of carrying multipl...
by Gabriele
31 May 2015, 23:34
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion
Replies: 15444
Views: 4409527
Italy

Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

In September 2013, it was announced that 809 NAS was to be reformed to become the first Fleet Air Arm squadron to be equipped with the F-35B Lightning II. The squadron will operate alongside 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) of the Royal Air Force, and both will be stationed at RAF Marham, Norfolk, whe...
by Gabriele
31 May 2015, 21:24
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: Type 26 Frigate (City Class) (RN) [News Only]
Replies: 5461
Views: 1464838
Italy

Re: UK's Future T26 Frigate.

Gazelle's replacement is, effectively, Watchkeeper. They've said a few times thats the one they consider to be it. I can see how that can work for many situations. Its not yet been specified if the gazelle will or will not be replaced. Surely a light utility helicopter will be of use and offer more...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 19:10
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: River Class (OPV) (RN)
Replies: 5411
Views: 1420394
Italy

Re: river I/I.5 and II patrol vessels

I don't think support and maintenance have ever been mentioned as part of the 348 million. Where did you hear that? http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131112/text/131112w0002.htm#13111282000034 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate ...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 18:20
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

Little J wrote:If P-8 was acquired but AAs was not exportable, maybe the Sentinel's radar could be modified to a similar configuration? With Raytheon making both I'm sure they would be able to help (for the right price).
It should be doable, from a technical point of view.
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 18:17
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: River Class (OPV) (RN)
Replies: 5411
Views: 1420394
Italy

Re: river I/I.5 and II patrol vessels

shark bait wrote:Doesn't the cost also include a maintenance contract? so the published figure isn't really a unit price.
I don't think support and maintenance have ever been mentioned as part of the 348 million. Where did you hear that?
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 17:14
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: River Class (OPV) (RN)
Replies: 5411
Views: 1420394
Italy

Re: river I/I.5 and II patrol vessels

Regarding the River Batch 2, their absurdly high cost, their design and how i'd use them to try and squeeze real value out of them, i wrote this: http://ukarmedforcescommentary.blogspot ... tions.html
A bit old by now, but still entirely valid.
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 13:46
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

Gabriele Do you think they would extend the R1 again if RAF went P8 AAS as it would take time to acquire and train on I know seedcorn might help bring it in quicker but I don't think they could be brought into service by 2018.Is P8 AAS available or still in testing AAS is a black programme. Does no...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 13:35
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

downsizer wrote:It isn't the operators that claim/say that, it's politicians and their CS mandarins.

Anyone with any actual knowledge of operations knows it's fucking bollox.
Of course. But it is through the politicians side of the MOD that the things get decided, so the problem remains.
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 13:34
Forum: Royal Air Force
Topic: Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Replies: 2804
Views: 763804
Italy

Re: Typhoon

I remember that... the sweet dreams of Typhoon in Afghanistan in 2011, followed by more dreams of Paveway IV being operational from 2012... And earlier, bigger dreams still of a quick build up from Tranche 1 into an all singing, all dancing Tranche 2 on the magazines of years back, with those glossy...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 13:28
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

That and the idea they could do the job of the P8 is full retard. FFS. Well, it's the same MOD that no later than today throws basically everything into the list of what is supposedly mitigating the lack of MPA, from C-130 to Sentry passing by Crowsnest. Missing Challenger 2 and AS-90, clearly very...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 13:21
Forum: Joint Service
Topic: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options
Replies: 1217
Views: 456921
Italy

Re: Future UK Maritime Patrol Options

Besides, both Sentinel and Shadow are on a temporary lifeline only, out to 2018...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 11:27
Forum: Royal Air Force
Topic: Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Replies: 2804
Views: 763804
Italy

Re: Typhoon

really compare how much has been poured into tornado in the same time frame. And then look at how much was put into Jaguar and Buccaneer after Tornado was introduced! Out of memory and a quick history scan, might be missing several pieces still, but Typhoon's build up so far has included expenditur...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 10:23
Forum: Royal Air Force
Topic: Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Replies: 2804
Views: 763804
Italy

Re: Typhoon

Typhoon needs to be seen by the RAF as its primary platform for the long term not as an interim platform till something else turns up. It has been starved of development funds whilst tornado has had money poured into it. Typhoon, starved of funds...? Uhm. I'm sure it would have benefitted by the qu...
by Gabriele
30 May 2015, 09:17
Forum: Royal Navy
Topic: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion
Replies: 15444
Views: 4409527
Italy

Re: Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers - News and Discussion

The only thing that it really means is that you will be stuck to trying to do the job of one large carrier with two smaller and less capable ones.  We are not discussing replacing 1 for 2 but 2 for 3 or in my case 4 The Royal Navy experienced that at the Falklands, making do with Invincible and Her...