This Weeks Links

14 thoughts on “This Weeks Links”

1. Mike July 4, 2012 at 3:17 pm

   The aviationist website is a blog, not really an accurate source for info/news tbh, a big ol teaspoon for that piece, though before the arab spring, dassault was courting an interested Libyan AF, so maybe in the future, if its a bright one that is.
2. Simon July 4, 2012 at 3:54 pm

   TD,

   The HMS Ocean link doesn’t work
3. Simon July 4, 2012 at 3:59 pm

   It concerns me that Italy are buying only 30 F35B.

   Not sure I understand why they have to split them with the air force either?

   Surely 72+ F35B would be a better bet? Unless, of course, they know something about the price, supportability and performance of the F35B vs the F35A
4. Think Defence Post authorJuly 4, 2012 at 4:21 pm

   Thanks Simon, fixed now
5. Simon July 4, 2012 at 6:29 pm

   That HMS Ocean article is very interesting and a little sobering. I sort of says “look what we’ve got… no Harriers”.
6. Mike July 4, 2012 at 9:17 pm

   But Simon, what use would they be for the role in the Olypics??

   QRA? That would be a bad choice, *especially* where its located.. I would think we would be better off using a LZ/Pad area for rotary assets onland rather than going to the trouble of parking our sole platform up-river.

   I do think this overt show of our forces in the Olympics is a little worrying, sure its a ‘dont mess with us’ message to the bad guys, but kinda smells like the Chineese Olympics… alas, its neccessary.
7. Phil July 4, 2012 at 9:19 pm

   Italy is buying less than 30 F35B I believe if the Janes article I read is to be believed (50/50).
8. All Politicians are the Same July 4, 2012 at 9:36 pm

   Phil, Italians buying what they need, given the fact that Cavour has not been modified to take F35 yest and her very low operational use in recent years. I do not believe they can operate Garibaldi and Cavour simultaneously and are utilising Garibaldi presently. Cavour will probably never expect to embark more than a squadron of F35B given her expected role but the split buy at least allows the concept of surge ops in a pure Carrier role. Given the high degree of compatibility between the different variants their plans smack of common sense and fiscal realism.
9. Think Defence Post authorJuly 4, 2012 at 9:39 pm

   I think its all part of the ‘security theatre’, or image rather than any practical utility
10. All Politicians are the Same July 4, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    What Ocean gives you is an operating base for security. Proven encrypted military comms, a multi spot flight deck in a good location with refueling capabilities. Ability to act as a mother ship and C2 centre for river patrols. Planning spaces, accommodation and you do not need to pay to build anything or get permission to store avcat on your new helo site. Then add in the ability to take the link picture and recognised picture and fuse it together at from the wider area and she is ideal.
    Sorry TD but as you said to me a few weeks ago ref LPG ” I do not often disagree with you@ but if you cannot see the utility of Ocean then you are not really looking.
11. Think Defence Post authorJuly 4, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    APATS, I was aiming my comments on the missiles on rooftops thing, I agree, Ocean makes sense
12. All Politicians are the Same July 4, 2012 at 10:21 pm

    @TD sorry got wrong end of parade stick!
13. Brian Black July 4, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    Hi, Mike. HMS Ocean is not the sole helicopter site; Army Lynx will operate from Ocean but there will also be RAF Pumas based at Gordon Road TA centre in Ilford.
    They’ll be defending the airspace over Olympic sites in conjunction with Typhoons, able to intercept and escort light aircraft out of restricted airspace. I’m curious as to what the helicopters will be armed with.
14. ChrisM July 7, 2012 at 11:07 am

    The helicopters are armed with snipers in the doors.