Changes to the Royal Air Force

[White Cap]

Hello all,

These are just some of the changes forecast by the UK Government. I have edited the offical version:-

1. A reduction in requirement for Tornado F3 deployable Air Defence capability will result in the disbandment of one F3 Squadron (XI(F) Squadron) by 31 October 2005. With the transition to Typhoon, all Tornado F3s are expected to withdraw from Leeming in 2008.

2. The Jaguar out-of-service date will be bought forward to 31 October 2007. The first squadron (54 Squadron) will draw down by 1 April 2005 together with the Operational Evaluation Unit and Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The second squadron (41(F) Squadron) will close by 1 April 2006 whereupon the third squadron (6 Squadron) will re-deploy to Coningsby. The closure of Coltishall airfield will take effect by December 2006.

3.The Nimrod MR2 fleet will reduce from its current strength of 21 aircraft and 31 crews, to 16 aircraft and 22 crews by 1 April 2005. It is planned that the replacement and more capable MRA4 fleet will now be around 12 aircraft strong, although there is still much work to be done with industry before we reach a final decision.

4. The four in-service C-17 aircraft will be purchased when their current lease expires and an additional C-17 aircraft will be purchased.

5. The service life of the VC10 and Tristar will be extended by 2 years to ensure continuing air refuelling support, pending delivery of a new tanker capability.

Cheers,

White Cap