It is a shame, but probably inevitable given the MPA4 debacle, cost constraints and changing global security commitments. I knew Kinloss best when I was in the cadets. Despite Lossiemouth being closer, Kinloss was the base for "Basic Glider Training" (effectively, flying a light aircraft, given it was a motor glider that you kept the engine running) and had air experience flights from, including in the back of a Nimrod. I had a very interesting chat with the radar operator, and got probably more of a demo of the radar capabilities than was strictly allowed. It was slightly disconcerting being in the back of an airliner sized aircraft pulling appreciable G forces as the pilots practiced their submarine tracking exercises, the RR Spey engines gave it substanitally more power than an equivalent civilian airliner.
At least Moray won't be entirely bereft of interesting aircraft. Lossie is one of only three combat fast jet bases left to the RAF (along with Coningsby and Marham), and has the Typhoons moving up from Leuchars and is scheduled to have the Lightning II when they appear.
The Think Defence blog had a very interesting series on potential future Maritime Patrol Aircraft earlier this year. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the SDSR next year; but the implication from the Autumn Statement is that defence will be cut further, which will probably mean more capability loss, rather than funding for a replacement MPA.
It is a shame, but probably inevitable given the MPA4 debacle, cost constraints and changing global security commitments. I knew Kinloss best when I was in the cadets. Despite Lossiemouth being closer, Kinloss was the base for "Basic Glider Training" (effectively, flying a light aircraft, given it was a motor glider that you kept the engine running) and had air experience flights from, including in the back of a Nimrod. I had a very interesting chat with the radar operator, and got probably more of a demo of the radar capabilities than was strictly allowed. It was slightly disconcerting being in the back of an airliner sized aircraft pulling appreciable G forces as the pilots practiced their submarine tracking exercises, the RR Spey engines gave it substanitally more power than an equivalent civilian airliner.
At least Moray won't be entirely bereft of interesting aircraft. Lossie is one of only three combat fast jet bases left to the RAF (along with Coningsby and Marham), and has the Typhoons moving up from Leuchars and is scheduled to have the Lightning II when they appear.
The Think Defence blog had a very interesting series on potential future Maritime Patrol Aircraft earlier this year. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the SDSR next year; but the implication from the Autumn Statement is that defence will be cut further, which will probably mean more capability loss, rather than funding for a replacement MPA.
Reply
Leave a comment