tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post922849659951821663..comments2024-02-29T11:45:01.870+01:00Comments on UK Armed Forces Commentary: Gaps, gaps, gaps - part 1 Gabrielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-73768775495985132652013-01-14T19:43:52.642+01:002013-01-14T19:43:52.642+01:00Will mainly be about electronics, i suspect, but p...Will mainly be about electronics, i suspect, but perhaps the change of powerpack to the more powerful, smaller and more efficent MTU will go ahead. Hard to say. <br /><br />For sure, the idea of adopting the smoothbore 120/55 gun is abandoned. Gun fits fine, but the NATO single-piece ammunition would be a nightmare to stow inside Challenger, current ammo stowage space no good. It would take a whole new turret...Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-44027961940157802612013-01-14T19:31:46.667+01:002013-01-14T19:31:46.667+01:00Gaby
Any Idea on what the Challenger 2 Upgrade Pr...Gaby<br /><br />Any Idea on what the Challenger 2 Upgrade Programme aims to do? <br /><br />I know its early days but If you have any information I would be greatful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-24911616906819243322013-01-11T14:50:43.943+01:002013-01-11T14:50:43.943+01:00I think the 2022 date circled for a while, but for...I think the 2022 date circled for a while, but for what i've heard the current plan is 2018. I do hope they remain for longer, though. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-19755100772749019092013-01-11T14:34:25.500+01:002013-01-11T14:34:25.500+01:00I seemed to think it was 2022, is that my imaginat...I seemed to think it was 2022, is that my imagination or has the date been brought forward?<br /><br />The AAC being left with just 38 Wildcat's seems all wrong to me, hence why I'm still hopefully that additional orders around 2020 aren't completely off the table.Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-10123903895833049462013-01-11T14:25:49.651+01:002013-01-11T14:25:49.651+01:00I share your opinion here, and i hope Fire Shadow ...I share your opinion here, and i hope Fire Shadow goes ahead. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-41078583244650004722013-01-11T14:25:18.577+01:002013-01-11T14:25:18.577+01:00AH9A will be around until 2018 under current plans...AH9A will be around until 2018 under current plans. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-40941691356917275132013-01-11T14:20:52.563+01:002013-01-11T14:20:52.563+01:00Hmm, yeah it does seem with Wildcat that the procu...Hmm, yeah it does seem with Wildcat that the procurement plan was curtailed, only to be increased once again further down the line. Lets hope the LAH will be secured as soon as possible.<br /><br />I don't think 66 Wildcat's is too bad a number as long as the AAC keeps it's AH9a for a while and replaces them with some additional orders in the future. Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-8486495122055110632013-01-11T14:08:09.658+01:002013-01-11T14:08:09.658+01:00Gaby
"Fire Shadow is now "under review&...Gaby<br /><br />"Fire Shadow is now "under review" within the Army, as is the whole of the unfortunate Indirect Fire Precision Attack program of which it is a part: the fear is that this "review" will ultimately be the final, lethal blow to IFPA, which has been so far a near complete failure."<br /><br />Yes, the Royal Artillery certainly appears to have been an easy target for the cost cutters. They have had immense difficulties in getting any new kit for almost a couple of decades now. I hope that Fire Shadow survives because it has the potential to become a very useful weapon indeed. My hope is also that IFPA suvives in some form or another.<br />All the decisions to cancel programmes that you have listed are very short-sighted as Artillery is a real battle winner. Look at the successful performances of the 105 mm Light Gun and of GMLRS in Afghanistan, for instance. MikeWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-30971136668615869302013-01-11T09:15:24.380+01:002013-01-11T09:15:24.380+01:00I'm guessing some of the C130J will indeed end...I'm guessing some of the C130J will indeed end up staying for a longer time myself, possibly with Special Forces role as well, as the A400 might be a bit too large for SF work. <br /><br />As for the Wildcat LAH, well, it's not as good a news as i hoped it would be. Their future is not yet ensured, and worse, the 30+8+28 plan represents already a variation of an earlier plan for 70 Wildcat helicopters, which was put forwards but then quickly rejected. <br /><br />And in origin, there had to be a good 80 Wildcats... I just hope the LAH is given the definitive go ahead in the new budget cycle. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-39025037119866931112013-01-11T01:22:31.892+01:002013-01-11T01:22:31.892+01:00Great to hear (even though it only rumours) that 2...Great to hear (even though it only rumours) that 2 more C17 are being considered for the RAF, I have long thought that the fleet should be built up-to 10 airframes total.<br /><br />I wouldn't be surprised to hear at some point that a few C130J will be retained beyond 2022, if the prospective one third shortfall in tactical lift becomes a reality then it sounds like one of the better options available. <br /><br />Really good news about those 4 'Light Assault' Wildcat's as well!Challengernoreply@blogger.com