UK Defence Forum

Nice find, we must be due for another delivery soon.

Do we know how well kitted out they are at this stage? Just wondering how long before she is in the UK.

Now we just need to keep receiving more above and beyond the nine, say three to six extra.

Don’t you mean say seven to nine extra?

Would you put buying more P-8s over E-7s?

Numbers of both are inadequate! We have been without MPA for far too long, whereas I do not recall the E3s being vandalised as the MR4s were and they were capable of serving for a good while yet, if they had been properly maintained & upgraded. The need for E7s and its acquisition in low numbers is an own goal. In no way should the “owning service”.be rewarded for its lack of care for the E3s. On this record, I would transfer the MPAs to the RN at the very first opportunity. The RAF are developing quite a BAD record regarding anything other than a Generation 4 or 5 Fast Jet, or aircraft that are painted red.

Jdam wrote:Would you put buying more P-8s over E-7s?

Personally, I would have.

P-8 is part of a large and growing global community, which two of our closest European allies (so far) are also joining. Huge growth potential and Uncle Sam is likely to fund the upgrade path (and maybe future variants such as the proposed JSTARS replacement or Rivet Joint down the road). Not to mention: we're a maritime nation... 'Growing' Royal Navy...Ruskie subs.... global outreach.. etc

E-7 is an excellent platform but we're buying only three, out of a global fleet set to be less than 20. Two users have their eyes elsewhere and the other is Turkey (with all the complexities they bring). Doesn't bode well for future development. We would struggle to provide both UK AEW&C coverage plus an ongoing deployment like Op Shader.

Marshall ran for the hills from this project (when it was still for five). Can't blame them with the UK's track record in converting bespoke AEW platforms.

There are other ways to go about the modest capability that E-7 will deliver with its tiny fleet. About the only thing that could convince me otherwise would be the USAF buying Wedgetail themselves, guaranteeing its long-term future plus keeping the door open for cheaper, production line airframes.

Had we kept the E-3s current this would not even be a concern for another decade.

Jensy wrote:

Jdam wrote:Would you put buying more P-8s over E-7s?

Personally, I would have.

P-8 is part of a large and growing global community, which two of our closest European allies (so far) are also joining. Huge growth potential and Uncle Sam is likely to fund the upgrade path (and maybe future variants such as the proposed JSTARS replacement or Rivet Joint down the road). Not to mention: we're a maritime nation... 'Growing' Royal Navy...Ruskie subs.... global outreach.. etc

E-7 is an excellent platform but we're buying only three, out of a global fleet set to be less than 20. Two users have their eyes elsewhere and the other is Turkey (with all the complexities they bring). Doesn't bode well for future development. We would struggle to provide both UK AEW&C coverage plus an ongoing deployment like Op Shader.

Marshall ran for the hills from this project (when it was still for five). Can't blame them with the UK's track record in converting bespoke AEW platforms.

There are other ways to go about the modest capability that E-7 will deliver with its tiny fleet. About the only thing that could convince me otherwise would be the USAF buying Wedgetail themselves, guaranteeing its long-term future plus keeping the door open for cheaper, production line airframes.

Had we kept the E-3s current this would not even be a concern for another decade.

The RN has said they are looking toward an unmanned AEW capability to replace Merlin AEW. Any reason this wouldn't work for the RAF too?

Ron5 wrote: The RN has said they are looking toward an unmanned AEW capability to replace Merlin AEW. Any reason this wouldn't work for the RAF too?

None that I can see, possibly with large, persistent, inhabited aircraft (maybe modified Voyagers or P-8 derivatives) providing the C4 element.

Hopefully the RAF will be seeing far more capable radar capabilities on Typhoon too soon.

Nice to see but a strange name for an aircraft.

Lord Jim wrote:Nice to see but a strange name for an aircraft.

According to Forces News:

The sixth of the UK's Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft will carry the name 'Guernsey's Reply'.

It honours the close bond between RAF 201 Squadron, Guernsey and Flight Lieutenant Herbert Machon OBE, the Royal Air Force said.

It added that the naming of the airplane marks Guernsey's 76th 'Liberation Day'.

Herbert 'Herbie' Machon flew Spitfires for the RAF in the Second World War, having left his Guernsey homeland just before the Nazi occupation.

As a tribute to his comrades living under German occupation, he gave his Spitfire the nickname 'Guernsey's Reply'.

The World War Two veteran died in 2004, and RAF 201 Squadron acted as pallbearers at his funeral service.

^ Herbie Machon with his Spitfire named Guernsey's Reply

Won't be long for no.7 to arrive...ZP807 is flying.

Maybe get it up monitoring fishing vessels in the channel asap?

andrew98 wrote:Maybe get it up monitoring fishing vessels in the channel asap?

Whatever turns you on

Timmymagic wrote:Won't be long for no.7 to arrive...ZP807 is flying.

Since this aircraft will be 7 of 9, I can think of some really cool nose art

KiwiMuzz wrote:

Timmymagic wrote:Won't be long for no.7 to arrive...ZP807 is flying.

Since this aircraft will be 7 of 9, I can think of some really cool nose art

Pictures required

If you are thinking of what I think you're thinking, then I'm thinking that I think we need a bigger plane

Errr.....P-8 number 7 has been named...

Only joking..

And she is home.

Believe it or not we're getting local SNP "baa-heeds" complaining the 07 wasn't named Sir Sean Connery (on local Facebook & media posts)

Dahedd wrote:Believe it or not we're getting local SNP "baa-heeds" complaining the 07 wasn't named Sir Sean Connery (on local Facebook & media posts)

Tell the fuckwits he was in the Navy not the RAF.