I’m not sure it’s an embarrassment… Its a complete failure of successive governments. Let’s rewind a little. - The UK had three invincible class aircraft carriers. - The UK decided to replace them with two QE aircraft carriers The U.K. decided to replace the 3 with 2 carriers in the 30-40k tonnes r...

You understand wrong. Currently vertical landing with a full weapons load (fuel would be dumped) isn't a problem. It might become one in the future with the heavier weapons in the pipeline but even then it would only be in the hottest of climates. With the expectation of engine thrust increases, th...

SW1 wrote: ↑15 Mar 2023, 13:17

Ron5 wrote: ↑15 Mar 2023, 12:35

SW1 wrote: ↑14 Mar 2023, 14:49 ... and a full load of expendables ....

Fuel would be dumped.

Expendables doesn’t mean fuel!

So how much would the not fuel expendables weigh for the F-35?

I think the surface fleet will end up around mid 20s in numbers tbh I hope you are wrong - one thing for sure is that if it is true, having two yards is a dead dream. With satellite surveillance, AI to scan it and significant investments in surface to surface and surface to air systems by our peer ...

Timmymagic wrote: ↑14 Mar 2023, 14:16 ... mansized budgets ...

Very good

SW1 wrote: ↑14 Mar 2023, 14:49 ... and a full load of expendables ....

Fuel would be dumped.

Timmymagic wrote: ↑14 Mar 2023, 14:09 The only reason we would need SRVL eventually is when FCASW and external tanks arrive ..

I don't think empty tanks weigh that much.

Three thousand folks from Somerset on line 2. Tell them to use the prefex 0039 Ron and speak to their employers. Are we looking for a proper medium helicopter solution, or running an employment agency? Don't worry, Leonardo will win, of that I have absolutely no doubt as the tail once again wags th...

Keeps the Pratt engine. Convenient for all international partners. It's good news for the UK, there was never any real prospect of a full re-engining programme, so development of the F-135 is the best option for us. It's the best option for the UK because as far as I know, the new, new engines woul...

I think the surface fleet will end up around mid 20s in numbers tbh I hope you are wrong - one thing for sure is that if it is true, having two yards is a dead dream. With satellite surveillance, AI to scan it and significant investments in surface to surface and surface to air systems by our peer ...

Three thousand folks from Somerset on line 2. Tell them to use the prefex 0039 Ron and speak to their employers. Are we looking for a proper medium helicopter solution, or running an employment agency? Don't worry, Leonardo will win, of that I have absolutely no doubt as the tail once again wags th...

Tempest414 wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:15

Caribbean wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:01 The RN has also stated that they will act as escorts for the LSG -so not just flag waving & maritime constabulary.

It was also stated by the last Sea Lord that they would be sent into harms way

Pirates shoot back and embassy parties can get pretty rowdy.

Poiuytrewq wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:24 RN is adapting the T31 (as predicted by many) and it is gradually turning into a GP Frigate with similar capabilities as the T23 GP that are being replaced.

You (and many others) hope.

Caribbean wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:01 The RN has also stated that they will act as escorts for the LSG -so not just flag waving & maritime constabulary.

Mythical LSG can be guarded with unicorns.

Long term solution is UK produced K9 (Project Thunder). So undoubtedly won't be acquired due to army & MoD incompetence.

Three thousand folks from Somerset on line 2.

My main thinking is the ability of the F35 to take off and return to ship with a full (or near full) load of fuel and weapons. As I understand it that is not possible with the current vertical landing solution You understand wrong. Currently vertical landing with a full weapons load (fuel would be ...

SW1 wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 10:20 I don’t know how many time that type 31 myth needs busted.. The type 31 are fwd deployed protecting our interests primarily outside of the NATO area

No myth. The RN has very clearly stated the T31's capability and use i.e. flag waving and maritime constabulary.

tomuk wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 23:19 to avoid capability gaps

Bit late for that.

Wildcat, Typhoon & Hawk don't count?

Even got a hangar! Open on 4 sides tho'

SW1 wrote: ↑09 Mar 2023, 19:33 As escorts are now a billion quid each someone before long will be asking why so many are unusable at anyone time it’s an eye watering amount of cash for little utility

So about 3 Tempests worth with 50% availability between trips to periodic maintenance & breakdowns.

SW1 wrote: ↑09 Mar 2023, 08:00 Airbus is a much larger “national” Aerospace entity in U.K. than leonardo.

Yeah, let me count how many complete designs are built and tested by Airbus in the UK. Expertise in building wings is not that useful for helo's

Poiuytrewq wrote: ↑08 Mar 2023, 16:17

donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑08 Mar 2023, 14:45 [around 2035-2040)

If so, what is Rosyth going to do between 2026 and 2033?

Same as now: sitting around drinking beer, smoking, and talking about fitball.