Harrier Callsigns 2011

[robin]

With the sad withdraw of the Harriers force, and with the prospect of selling some of our airframes overseas, the Harrier must be maintained in some sort of operational readyness, and indeed transfer to BAe for rework prior to being sold.

Would the Harriers that fly in 2011, fly underder their old RAF callsigns, or would they fly under BAe callsigns???????

[romeo bravo]

A lot of assumptions there....

Why would the Harrier be maintained to operational standards? Its no longer in the RAF's operational fleet. Why transfer to BAEs for rework and sale, they may carry out the work on behalf of UKG. Its the UKG who would bew selling, not BAEs; unless the RAF have/will sell them to BAEs, I think not.

[garethbrum]

They will be stored in a completely serviced state, that was confirmed at the final event. This will be at Cottesmore though, at least until a decision on disposal is made.

[CH2]

I would GUESS that will at least mean run outs to the engine test bay?

[romeo bravo]

I would GUESS that will at least mean run outs to the engine test bay?

And who will 'oversee' the testing? Engine tests are overseen by Rolls Royce at Wittering. If they is a problem with the engine, who will give approvals to continue and say engine is ok? Not Rolls Royce, as their contract with the MOD has finished.

[CH2]

Well like I said, I guess, thanks for putting me straight, did not realise that particular contract had been terminated already. Not quite sure how they can be stored in a servicable state if that is the case.

[garethbrum]

I would GUESS that will at least mean run outs to the engine test bay?

And who will 'oversee' the testing? Engine tests are overseen by Rolls Royce at Wittering. If they is a problem with the engine, who will give approvals to continue and say engine is ok? Not Rolls Royce, as their contract with the MOD has finished.

Numerous engine tests were being conducted by RAF / RN engineers at Cottesmore when I was there in December.

[Richard B]

Word and tone i got from a few of the Pilots i know, is that any movements of the airframes will be on lowloaders.