BBC News - Struggle at the top over decision to scrap UK Harriers Utter madness. Please sign. Saving the Harrier
The No 10 Downing Street Government online petitions for the PM seem to all have been closed - Dave doesn't want to know!
The No 10 Downing Street Government online petitions for the PM seem to all have been closed - Dave doesn't want to know! I actually managed to sign it by clicking the provided link and it must have worked since I even got an e- mail confirmation.
That was the petitions one posted above, there used to be several hosted by the British Government which have all been closed down now.
This is just another case of the Diabolical Disorientation which appears to be sweeping the world - so hang on to your sanity as it will probably get much worse ...I note that even placid Switzerland is proposing a referendum on whether to allow adult(sic) incest...and why not - that will just leave bestiality and nacrophilia to think about...only my view mind you.... Cheers
I have said before there is nothing worse than political and military leadership who distort their rationality to defend a position that they wish to implement or support. What is required is a resignation from the military leadership who oppose it, in protest to the decision.This decision will cost those in the front line of defence, a decade of lost carrier bourne operations and vertical lift off capability.Further the succession chain will be lost when the F 35 (Lightning) enters service.What are the those who will man the new aircraft,going to convert from, or do buy training from ther US. One thing is clear from the Wikileaks,that Fox has promised the US that he intends to procure a large chunk of UK defence spending from the US.It means good business for the US defence industry from the UK which is said to have the fourth highest defence budget in the world but not very good for our own defence research and development and the knock on trade from this.
Harriers take to skies for final mission RAF Coningsby has bid a fond farewell to three of its Harrier GR.9 aircraft.
My feelings exactly Harry, experience going back to 1968 will be lost, both by the pilots, groundcrew and naval air operations staff, that expertise on 'how things are done' can never be replaced by a manual or training film. What was our most versatile (and indeed war-winning) aircraft has been sacrificed on the altar of treasury cuts - let us hope that those responsible are called to account sooner rather than later.
To me the decision is utterly irresponsible. The Harrier may not be the fastest or most elegant looking Warplane, but it is totally effective in many different ways. Not many aircraft are able to sidestep a missile or following plane. Unfortunately when Politicians require to save money, it is usually the Defence budget that get's whacked. Instead of cutting back on front line planes, why not start in Whitehall where millions of pounds of taxpayers money has been thrown away with poor accounting and procurement blunders, Chinook helicopters rotting in Hangers for years being a perfect example, due to procurement blunders with avionics. Have to get off the soapbox as the old blood pressure is rising! Regards Tom
And then there's this! Thank god we're interested in military history - there isn't much of a future in it.
I sometimes wonder if we would still have Spitfires in the RAF if some folk had their way. The Harrier is over 40 years old and is well past it's sell by date, a case of time to move on. It was going in a few years anyway time anyway so I don't see what the big deal is. I honestly can't say I'm sad to see and hopefully the UK won't get itself in a position where it regrets the decision-Personally I don't think we will. 1982 was a long time ago. I can't say I'm sad to see it go from a financial point of view and maybe a bit from a nostaligic point of view but in short I'd rather see the money be spent somewhere else in the country where it's more needed. When all is said and done the UK has no money and tough decisions have to be made. Incoming!
I sometimes wonder if we would still have Spitfires in the RAF if some folk had their way. The RAF to be re-equiped with spitfires That would be a good idea.
As I have mentioned before on this thread - there is a madness abroad - which affects many people in office to do many strange things as I can only agree with Jedburgh - Smudger - Idler and I suspect many other forum members who invariably remain silent on these matters - and reject the wisdom(sic) of others who perhaps think that the money spent on defences can be channelled in other directions such as building on the 1.5 BILLION GBP's allocated to illegal immigrants and others who do not lift a finger to assist the country in it's needs - and somehow have the notion that their country will not be involved in another war...this is the ultimate fallacy as there are forces awaiting the time when Britain will be totally defenceless before making their moves to subjugate the once proud British...... But then - what do I know - many people are much smarter than I - and they probably think that they know better - so go ahead..as Einstein once said WW4 will be fought with stick and stones.....we won't need Harriers then ...but we will before then ! Cheers
I suppose the real news is that there was a debate. Has anyone actually heard or seen it anywhere? Defence reviews of the past always made some sort of effort to say what the perceived threats were before presenting the best solution (compromise, if you prefer). We don't seem to be getting this now, it's just a case of hacking out what they've decided not to ringfence. I just hope they remember to bring the Army back from Afghanistan before they scrap the rest of the RAF.
I can't say I'm sad to see it go from a financial point of view and maybe a bit from a nostaligic point of view but in short I'd rather see the money be spent somewhere else. This reminds me a little of the debate about mechanization in the British Army in the interwar years. Interestingly, and perhaps contrary to popular belief, most cavalry officers were resigned to the process, even enthusiastic about it. They knew that the age of the horse was coming to an end, and that embracing the armoured fighting vehicle would ultimately preserve their distinct regimental identities - which they were much more concerned about than exactly what form the regiment took. Plus, there was a wonderful pay-off for the rank and file; AFVs didn't need mucking out in the morning ... Best, Alan
Having just done a quick bit of googling I was quite surprised to see the last Harrier to be manufactured was in 1997 for the RAF and between 1997 and 2003 any 'new' Harriers were essentially reconditioned ones. None have come off a production line since 2003. I'm still finding it hard to see the difference and or fuss about this aircraft's days coming to an end as did other iconic aircraft in the history of the RAF like the Spitfire, Meteor, Lightning, Vulcan, Buccaneer etc.
