Ok, so it's an April fool...right?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.
Courtesy Alistair Maclean & Guy Harvey.
BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
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BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
From Air Scene Uk (http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/scene.htm)
- Techy111
- Battle of Britain
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
Gotta be.....! ! ! I mean they got the ranks wrong......
Tony
Tony
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- Garry Russell
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
Sure is an April 1
Garry
Garry
Garry
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
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- Viscount
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
Hurri pilot is a bit "common" to be in the BBMF don't you think?! ;-)
- Kevin Farnell
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
But, don't put it past them.
If called upon, I reckon that these old machines would show their mettle and get the job done.
Happy 90th, dear RAF
Kevin
Stratospheric traces, of our transitory flight.
Trails of condensation, held in narrow paths of white...
Trails of condensation, held in narrow paths of white...
- Garry Russell
- The Ministry
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
As long as it doesn't rain Kevin
Garry
Garry
Garry
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
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- Victor
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
Tsk. Whatever next? HMS Victory to sail to the Gulf? :roll:
Wherever you go, there you are.
- Garry Russell
- The Ministry
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
What!!!......haven't you heard???Keith Jones wrote:Tsk. Whatever next? HMS Victory to sail to the Gulf? :roll:
Garry
Garry
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
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- Victor
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Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
Well, I'd heard about the Cutty Sark being deployed as an interim measure while we await the new C-17 to join the fleet
Wherever you go, there you are.
Re: BBMF to achieve frontline offensive status
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: