Think it says a lot that the "retired GR9 and GR9a Harriers are in RTF storage at St Athan still! - the FRS2 Sea Harriers have already been sold off!!! In regard to the Typhoon - I don't think it would be a problem - sure the French Navalised the Rafale! As for the future, Its only a matter of time before we start as a Nation Buying "Off the shelf" Aircraft purely on cost grounds - however with the MOD in charge of Procurement - they will do as they always did and mess it up!!!
@wiganerrmc - I agree m8 and with the CATOBAR looking set to be installed on at least one of the new Carriers, it is an option - the question remains though, will the Government switch orders to a Navalised Typhoon - or remain committed to the Lightning 2 which even after service entry, is going to need years before it comes up to standard???
@BenSenneck, F35 is an international project led by the US/UK, both our nations have access to ALL the technology as the only 2 "Level 1" partners and British firms will be included in the construction of ALL aircraft, its not American technology but rather a cooperative effort between the major Western powers. Yes the US is funding most of the development costs but thats simply because she is far richer and intends to place a far far bigger order than any other nation.
@BenSenneck, Strange unless BAE Systems is a US firm i believe the Brits will be making far more components than engines, which lets face it, are one of the most important parts, the EWS for example is British designed and much more.
@BenSenneck American tech? RR is building the engine, heck BAe has seen off the avionics and the wings for crying out loud! It's a joint venture. We get their tech and they get ours, although through their typical paranoia the americans have been reluctant a few times as of late in that department.
It will take years to build, equip and fit out these carriers, followed by sea trials and testing every aspect of the ship and by then the new F35 fighter will become operational!
The americans can keep the F35 for all I care, Typhoon or Rafale for me any day !!
Analog32 3 months ago
@Analog32 The f35 is jointly being built by BAE and Lockheed Martin. So yes, we are going to finished testing it, then keep it.
MrStig691 3 months ago
Are the tories still selling these?
gingerfrank86 7 months ago
Think it says a lot that the "retired GR9 and GR9a Harriers are in RTF storage at St Athan still! - the FRS2 Sea Harriers have already been sold off!!! In regard to the Typhoon - I don't think it would be a problem - sure the French Navalised the Rafale! As for the future, Its only a matter of time before we start as a Nation Buying "Off the shelf" Aircraft purely on cost grounds - however with the MOD in charge of Procurement - they will do as they always did and mess it up!!!
dave3663 9 months ago
@wiganerrmc - I agree m8 and with the CATOBAR looking set to be installed on at least one of the new Carriers, it is an option - the question remains though, will the Government switch orders to a Navalised Typhoon - or remain committed to the Lightning 2 which even after service entry, is going to need years before it comes up to standard???
dave3663 9 months ago
The ships will be delivered 2015 and 2016 respectively - F35 won't be delivered till 2019 at the earliest! you do the math - we're a laughing stock!
dave3663 10 months ago
@dave3663 ye but the eurofighter can be upgraded very easy to land on the carriers
wiganerrmc 9 months ago
@dave3663
Even when we get them, it'll be american technology. What's wrong with the harrier or Euro-fighter?
BenSenneck 9 months ago
@BenSenneck, F35 is an international project led by the US/UK, both our nations have access to ALL the technology as the only 2 "Level 1" partners and British firms will be included in the construction of ALL aircraft, its not American technology but rather a cooperative effort between the major Western powers. Yes the US is funding most of the development costs but thats simply because she is far richer and intends to place a far far bigger order than any other nation.
TheCharlie359 9 months ago
@TheCharlie359
That's a pretty sweet way of saying the Rolls Royce will make the engines and everything else will be made in the USA.
BenSenneck 9 months ago
@BenSenneck, Strange unless BAE Systems is a US firm i believe the Brits will be making far more components than engines, which lets face it, are one of the most important parts, the EWS for example is British designed and much more.
TheCharlie359 9 months ago
@TheCharlie359 BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc,
MrELOPNE 1 month ago
@MrELOPNE, I know BAE has subsidiarys in the States, i think what you read was my attempt at sarcasim lol!
TheCharlie359 1 month ago
@BenSenneck harrier is old, EF is not naval, it can be navalised but at high price...better way is to buy rafale which are navalised since day 1.
bingofioul 5 months ago
@BenSenneck American tech? RR is building the engine, heck BAe has seen off the avionics and the wings for crying out loud! It's a joint venture. We get their tech and they get ours, although through their typical paranoia the americans have been reluctant a few times as of late in that department.
MrStig691 3 months ago
@dave3663 Do the mathS
MrStig691 3 months ago
It will take years to build, equip and fit out these carriers, followed by sea trials and testing every aspect of the ship and by then the new F35 fighter will become operational!
ericartwo1 1 year ago
what's the point in getting rid of the harriers when we have two new aircraft carriers!
Rogueman95 1 year ago
ace
dynamo400 1 year ago
what man can build
investornator 1 year ago
@investornator Yes, a pity we cant build the aircraft to on them, it will make them somewhat limited!!!
semperfidelis677 1 year ago