It is rumoured that full frontline offensive status is to be accorded to the affectionately known Battle of Britain Memorial flight as part of a package of measures to bolster the UK's commitment to NATO forces in Afghanistan and provide a "more cost-effective in-theatre weapons platform". Some of the finest bombers, fighters and training aircraft that have ever served in the RAF, will once more be deployed to a war zone.
To be formally redesignated 44(R) Squadron, the squadron is quietly preparing its work-up for possible deployment later in the year. It had been hoped that 11 Squadron would deploy with the Typhoon FGR4, but continuing software issues have delayed its operational deployment to early 2009.
Interviewed this morning, Lancaster pilot Captain Damon Ringer (call-sign 'Hells Bells'), was chomping at the bit at the opportunity. "We will show these Al Queda people what a good old British bomber can do to their afternoon tea party!" It would seem a recently found cache of Second World War 'Tallboy' bombs at nearby Faldingworth has been deemed suitable for operations, and will be fitted with GPS-controlled JDAM technology for precision bombing missions. Operating at medium altitude, the Lancaster will be above small arms fire, and the gun turrets will be unoccupied to save weight as there is no air threat in theatre. Spitfires and Hurricanes will be used in the Close Air Support role, using a mix of traditional and modern weapons systems.
Hurricane pilot Major Geraldine Fotheringay-Fortesque-Smyth-Pritchard (call-sign 'Jane') was more sanguine, saying that she hoped these sixty-year old aircraft would serve their roles well, and "Show these boundahs we really mean business!"
Deployment could start as early as July, seriously affecting the later part of the airshow season, although 11 Squadron has reportedly offered a nine-ship Typhoon display to fill the gap as it seems they won't be as busy as they first thought this year.
I can see it now.......IWM cleared out of aircraft to support the campaign in the sand pit. Maybe there's hope for the TSR2 yet............................................ :think:
