The Devil is in the Detail. Or rather Perception. During the Cuban Missile Crises the Russians thought the USA knew they had already based nuclear warheads in Cuba. So when Kennedy imposed a the Cuban blockade the Russians backed down because they believed he would escalate to “Armageddon” Now we ha...

Can anyone help, l have lost the plot! How many are supposed to be delivered, how late are deliveries and have Boeing had to pay contractual penalties. I fell sorry for the USAF. They are stuck with a failed buying system, that is expensive and “anti-competitive”. Boeing has lost its reputation for ...

Most likely that the first viable, but heavy, systems will be deployed on high value US Navy ships. Missiles are a very expensive way of protecting ships against drones and have you enough. So numerous second layer gun systems are needed. The Royal Navy’s track record from 1930 is like the Titanic, ...

Having listened today to the Russian Foreign Minister talking to journalists, etc., it would appear that they wished they had not started the crisis. Interesting comments about the former Russian Empire/Russians living in former USSR territory now independent countries. Should they have Russian pass...

Patience. Your dealing with the USA political/military/ pork barrel/bureaucracy that will continue squabbling - the troop basing deal with Russia. Finally Trump has permanently changed the USA attitude over requiring other NATO members to spend their fair share and provide more military forces. Bott...

Well, as I said some time ago give it 6 months for the dust to settle. It’s not clear yet whether the temporary Alaska oil exploration delay is just tokanism. If not the USA will be beefing up their Artic assets as well as UK/Europe assets. Some sleeping assets might be resurrected or used more. Put...

Why should a contractor act other than to maximise profits. We contracted a sole source furniture supplier.. It was rubbish; cabinets and cupboards fell apart from the start. So, if I was a contractor I would exploit a customers desire to vary a contract by either requiring their extention at even g...

Supra, thanks for your reply.
I forgot to say it took the Committee 6 months to make their decision compared to 30 mins by the trainees.
Filmman

Unfortunately, Governments have a record of stupid, penny pinching Private Finance Initiative contacts that cause problems. To "save" money our tanker version had no booms (I believe it cost extra to certify their removal). Apart from the cost of reinstalling them, I understand that recertification ...

We had a new single engine piston plane whose prop airflow caused the most annoying screeching noise. We immediately replaced it to avoid complains about airfield ops; we would have found it unacceptable. Jets tend to shroud their noise whereas props can have a new sideways (fan) audience. With rega...

Thanks to everyone for the informative replies.
Filmman

Advice please. Are the 737 airframes being used for the Wedgetails and the P8s the same size/fuel capacity. Can a longer, larger fuel capacity fuselage be used. As the emphasis is moving north of the UK, greater internal fuel range would increase operational flexibility. Meanwhile we await the inves...

Wait 6 months for the dust to settle. Don't be surprised if there are US defence cuts. The Democrats might be spending big on public health for fellow Citizens who don't have health insurance, etc USA politicians still think that Europe is under-spending on defence So bases may still close and force...

So, by inference, the tanker guys would like a longer runway at Mildenhall?
FIlmman

40yrs ago a kc135 T/O with the original engines blew one as it passed the fire house heading for John'sfield, but stopped short. The crew set a record for the 100yds. The red hot brakes were hosed down. Subsequently a RC pilot said that if it was fractionally later in his plane he would have ensured...

No, schools out until next year? The strategic decision has been made, subject to October's election. I would be surprised if all basing decisions have been made. So be patient.
Filmman

Any plans for or chatter about a runway extension past John!s field? Neighbours are usually notified of contiguous planning applications. The public road might also need to be moved. It would solve the RC135 's fuel problem, save money, be a general plane enhancement and be quieter. There would need...

The official announcement would appear to be strategic, possibly lacking in clarity about Mildenhall. However, it could be what it is, allowing personnel to better plan their futures and them in charge, Maintenance/Logistics, Mission delivery, Finance to fight their corners. It's possible there coul...

USA defence policy was based on being able to fight 2 different wars simultaneously. Following the collapse of the USSR empire the West slashed defence spending and became fixated on a Globaal Economy. Unfortunately, China grew and following historic precedent started expanding militarily and dream ...

Nobody really knows the future of Mildenhall and other European bases. But we can consider the context. Most of Europe is in the EU trade bloc which is increasingly falling out with the USA. The USA establishment is increasingly irritated by the ungrateful "EU" and wants it to take more of the burde...