They could probably assist in search, but a P-8 isn't going to be able to winch you out of the sea

Also, has it definitely been said they are going to be RAF assets? I suppose there's a possibility they could go to the navy otherwise.

Was there any mention of engine options? RR would be preferable I'm sure, but I have a feeling we'll be getting them with whatever they had on in the shop window.

09andrew wrote:A squadron of Typhoons for QRA down at Culdrose would make my summer holiday down to Cornwall much more interesting !!!

This just wouldn't make any sense. There's no threat out towards the atlantic that would warrant a south west QRA.

Given the longevity of the B-52 and Bear it suggests to me that a more conventional looking aircraft might be the best way forward. Although they'll probably come up with a cross between the Death Star and the Millenium Falcon. Perhaps Boeing should have pitched the 747-800B. At least they'd be abl...

I'm ever so curious to see what they come up with. Are the tender requirements
publically known?

Some great big stealthy thing, optionally manned, one would imagine. But you never know. Could just roll out a reimagined Vulcan (I wish I know I know).

I do hope it has some kind of GA flying future. It's almost impossible to get planning permission for a new GA airfield these days, so every field that is lost is blow to the aviation community.

I note @virtualastro has 102,000 followers these days and he does seem, well, excitable .... You are too kind, he is a fruit loop :lol: :lol: :lol: In all seriousness though, it's kind of interesting to see this how these sort of conspiracy theories are born, accelerated by social media, and ultima...

Andy_99 wrote:How long before the mysterious vapour trails pics surface

'Doughnuts on a rope'

Whatever it was, it was reported in New York as well as the UK - http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/unknown-boom-shakes-windows-new-york-uk-article-1.2028357 The UK authorities tried to attribute it to fireworks in London, which was quickly ruled out. And the New York authorities tried to attribu...

I heard some bangs in Peterborough at 9.00pm Saturday, but it sounded like fireworks, although no associated light display. Perhaps, the noises were created in a Government exercise to see if unexplained noises get get reported. Some reports now state no sign of an explosion near Catterick. Curious...

I wonder if it's possible for a sufficiently large sonic boon, and giving the right terrain and atmospheric conditions, to sound a lot like fireworks as the initial shockwaves bounces off hills, buildings, etc. The mutiple bangs could be attributed to the characteristic N-wave multiple shock wave pa...

Someone has posted an apparent recording of the noises on YouTube. I'd be interested to know if anyone living outside the London area can confirm they heard similar sounds. Doesn't sound like any aircraft I've ever heard, in fact it sounds very much like fireworks, so I'm wondering if she simply cap...

Those airships must be flying at very low level across the channel! I had a curry tonight so if anyone heard a bang near Attleborough it was probably my belly. When I read loud bangs had been heard as far north as Scotland, I just assumed it was someone in a hurry to get to the off license before i...

'Some suggested it sounded like 'aircraft sonic booms' and pointed to Russian airships that were performing 'routine military exercises' while passing through the English Channel. Russian Airships? Mystery Solved.... Good lord, a zeppelin invasion. On a Saturday evening as well. They've certainly c...

You gave photos and a story to a paper that is well known for misreporting and you're surprised when they did exactly that? Really? Wow. :huh: Why you ever thought this was a good way to raise money for a charity I have no idea. Poor chaps probably mortified, but no real harm done apart from a bit ...

If it came to down to it, I'd rather the reds kept a fast jet, even its an American model, than resorting to a British made prop trainer. However I would wonder how suitable second hand F-16's would for an aerobatic display team, considering they must be coming towards the end of their service life ...

Is this true....... http://theaviationist.com/2014/10/03/photo-f117-still-flying/ A photo of an aircraft taxiing is not proof that it flew. Fast taxi, engine tests, towing to a different hangar, filming, target practice. Could be anything. I'm also fairly sure if there was anything even remotely in...

I suspect one will be kept in service at a time, while the other is in dock for refit/maintenance/training. Just move the planes between the active one. I'd be surprised to see both at sea at the same time. The important thing is the capability to have one carrier at sea at all times so the bad guys...

Le Mans Start! I love it