Nimrod Rplacement

[thomasburnside]

As we all know the RAF are replacing the Nimrod R1 with the RC-135. But what about the MR2 the MRA4 was scrapped but if it hadnt been would be in service. So now theres no MRA4 what would the RAF order if they were to order a replacement.

[NigelC]

P-8

http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-sp ... index.page?

[Chris Trott]

Yep. The MoD continues to say it's not going to buy the P-8 because of the "airframe" (whatever the hell that means), but I suspect that with the P-8A reaching IOC (Initial Operational Capability) by the end of this year, the RAF will be buying a few before long.

Here's a couple of articles (yes, both techinically commentary/opinion pieces from the same source) but it includes a lot of information from straight press releases and article sourced directly for the specifics of what was put together showing that the RAF, whether in public or not, is lobbying hard for the P-8A and doing everything it can to force the MoD's hand to purchase some.

(From Janruary 2013)
http://ukarmedforcescommentary.blogspot ... nd-uk.html

(From June 2011)
http://ukarmedforcescommentary.blogspot ... or-uk.html

[thomasburnside]

Dont see why they wouldnt get it its in production and ready to go but where would they be based Kinloss has closed.

[SkippyBing]

Dont see why they wouldnt get it its in production and ready to go

Which is just the excuse the MoD needs to commission BAE Systems to develop a bespoke conversion of the 146, ignoring the fact the production jigs have been destroyed, because the P-8 fails to meet one nebulous part of a specification that's no longer relevant. Consequently in 20 years and £40 Billion time after the failure of the programme we'll buy the last 10 P-8s off the production line.

[thomasburnside]

Take it then the P-8 isnt good for the UK then.

[NigelC]

because the P-8 fails to meet one nebulous part of a specification that's no longer relevant.

I take it that you're referring to the fact the P-8 is not four-engined.

P-8's perfectly suitable for the UK.

[Garry Russell]

How long would it take to get P-8's?

it seems, once the make their first flight it's an awful long time with Boeings afterwards. Are they bare hull when first flown?

With other orders I can't see they'd get any soon unless they did another deal as with the C-17 that seemed to put the UK well out of pocket.

[dodger]

Just my two pennies but like everything else with our MOD to many chiefs and not enough indians,

I have thought for years when they scrapped the Nimrod after 4 Billion wasted why did'nt we buy the Lockheed P3 Orion. its quite capable for our coast line emergency service i would have thought, it would have filled the void for a while and cheap too.

But then what do i know i'm only a G.O.F!

Roger.

[Garry Russell]

Indeed ..or keep the Nimrods going...anything is better than nothing as they proved when they kept the Shackleton in service well past it's use by date