TYPHOOOOOOOOOOOON!

[Craig.]

why would we give them our newer typhoons? Just give them the tranche 1 typhoons. Keep the 2's. and wait for the 3's to be developed.

[bm]

Have they bought ammo for the guns then - are they even plugged in

While we are (around about) on the subject - what

[Craig.]

we technically have no carrier borne defence aircraft now. They have i believe now all been joined up as part of the RAF's defence force. Although there are still ground attack harriers in the navy for a couple of years. No new news on the Aircraft carriers, still problems with the new JSF so until those are finalised they cant do much with the super carriers.
As for the Typhoon, very capable aircraft, as agile as the F-22 moreso than every other jet fighter in the world. Multirole aircraft, does the job its supposed to, will improve with newer models.

Charlie correct me if i am wrong

[C]

why would we give them our newer typhoons? Just give them the tranche 1 typhoons. Keep the 2's. and wait for the 3's to be developed.

The tranche 1 Typhoons will be in squadron service and all up to a similar standard. I don't think by any means we'd give up all of tranche 2 (if any), but we won't be desperate for the newer ground attack capability of tranche 2 initially, as the Harrier will still be in service until JCA comes along, and the GR4 will be doing its business for a while yet...

While we are (around about) on the subject - what’s the situation re harriers & AC carriers? Last I (think I) heard we were going to have no Sea borne aircraft capability for the next few years? Not sure where I got that from, I think I read it in the Times or telegraph a while back so its a little sketchy in my mind! Probably complete balls thinking 'bout it

20Sqn at Wittering will become the joint Harrier OCU when Yeovilton closes. I think all ab-initio RN fast jet pilots are now converting to the GR7/9, and when 3 Sqn is disbanded temporarily at Cottesmore next year, a Navy Sqn will take its place (effectively the 3 Sqn name will go to the Typhoon Sqn at Coningsby, and the Navy numberplate will go on what was previously 3 Sqn at Cottesmore (possibly overnight). The GR7/9 will then become our carrier capability when the last SHAR sqn is disbanded at Yeovilton next year...

[C]

we technically have no carrier borne defence aircraft now.

The SHAR FA2 is operational until the middle of 2006 I believe - I think the timescale is similar to that of the RAF Jags

[Craig.]

Yeovilton closes

just so you know Yeovil isnt closing. Its just going to be a helicopter/ royal marine base. With the option for fast jet training and so on where needed.

[Craig.]

The SHAR FA2 is operational until the middle of 2006 I believe - I think the timescale is similar to that of the RAF Jags

Ah the guys at last years yeovil airshow were going on about it being their last year before going to the joint defence force rubbish. Thanks again Charlie:)

[Hagar]

Do we have any carriers for these aircraft to operate from? This is a serious question & for once I'm not being flippant or cynical.

[Craig.]

Ark royal. Invincible, illustrious?

[Craig.]

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/148.html

some good info on the new carriers. But i wouldnt expect those to be the final designs.
http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/cvf/
Not a fan of their names either. I feel that should be kept to cruise liners. HMS Queen Elizabeth doesnt quiet have the intimidation factor of Invincible

[C]

Ark royal. Invincible, illustrious?

I think 2 of the 3 are in use at any time.

Craig - you're quite right about Yeovilton - of course it isn't closing - just getting rid of the last "real" aeroplanes there (bar the historic flight and the FAA museum... )

[Craig.]

i didnt realise they could afford to run 2 of 3 LOL.  Actually i remember a long time ago being in portsmouth and seeing two of them together docked nose to nose. They may not be the largest carriers in the world, but even so they are still huge. Especially when together.

[Tequila Sunrise]

To be honest I wasn't Impressed, I had the chance to board Invincible when I was in the ATC, it looks bigger on TV imho. I'll also be surprised if the new ships are ever laid down, a few months back I wrote a paper on naval avaition for college and like hagar said these guys "couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery".
Something you may or may not have heard is that in order to reduce costs the French Navy may pay for construction of a third in the class in order to supplement/replace the CDG whch has proved to be a bit of a white elephant  ::)


CVA-01 rings a bell here  :(

Craig  8)