Ops-Normal.org

Some new toys for the RAF. Replacement for the E-3D Sentry.

Wedgetail for the RAF

Is that the same highly skilled workforce who despite the warnings from Lockheed proceeded to jack up a Tristar (ex-BA) with the intention of inserting tank(s) to convert it into a military tanker?

The appropriate hole in the side was formed with skill, panache and daring using great care.

Some consternation when it was noticed that the fuselage had sagged. I wonder why?

I trust they’re further up the engineering curve otherwise we may need the Shackletons again as an “interim” measure whilst the E7 gets mod’d??

Mind you the US AEW Constellations always appeared to be banana-shaped so perhaps the lifting body still has a future !

Aha!

You buy our frigates and we'll buy your Wedgetails. Righto Courtney, time for a scotch?


"This announcement builds on a growing military capability and industrial relationship between the UK and Australia, after the Australian government selected the British Type 26 design for its future frigate."

https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/puttin ... rspective/

Would these Type 26s be designed and manufactured by the same people who gave us the Type 45s?

In which case potential invaders of Oz need not worry too much in the near future.

Apparently the British taxpayers are once again picking up the tab for this procurement farce.

And allegedly they are draining excessive amounts of wiggly amps whilst moored up at UK south coast facilities designed for old-fashioned ships of mid-20th century vintage.

barkingmad wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 11, 2019 3:11 pm

Is that the same highly skilled workforce who despite the warnings from Lockheed proceeded to jack up a Tristar (ex-BA) with the intention of inserting tank(s) to convert it into a military tanker?

The appropriate hole in the side was formed with skill, panache and daring using great care.

Some consternation when it was noticed that the fuselage had sagged. I wonder why?

I trust they’re further up the engineering curve otherwise we may need the Shackletons again as an “interim” measure whilst the E7 gets mod’d??

Mind you the US AEW Constellations always appeared to be banana-shaped so perhaps the lifting body still has a future !

First, the positive side. The acquisition will allow RAF engineers to get type experience on B737's, at least for the A&C side, which will come in useful when they PVR and start to enjoy the benefits of the real world as a result. Same useful type training applicable to a certain twin jet operated by 5 Sqdn.

As for the highly skilled workforce / "management " combination, and you are being very generous in your estimation here, there was another Tristar which enjoyed an extended stay when the plan was to install television screens in the cockpit instead of the original dials and stuff.....then there was the Herc which suffered a " slight mishap "with the "cut here " mod. to extend the airframe, another where the tanks leaked almost from the moment fuel was uploaded and "one or two " other unfortunate incidents. Some cruel people suggested wearing a Stetson and cowboy boots were mandatory qualifications for employment....as an aside, they also used to repair the infamous RAF buses so many of us were sadly only too familiar with.