The Royal Air Force (RAF) and Boeing have entered into a joint framework, which was signed at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The collaboration aims to delve into sustainable aviation possibilities for the Poseidon MRA1 fleet.
The framework’s scope will encompass life cycle assessments, end-of-service aircraft value determination, the use of digital tools to refine flying operations, and the pursuit of eco-friendly maintenance procedures.
Following the introduction of the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy – outlining military aviation’s role in achieving the Government’s Net Zero 50 target – Boeing became an initial signatory. This strategy underscores the drive to ensure the RAF’s Poseidon fleet, comprised of nine aircraft, is not only resilient and operationally effective but also cost-efficient and environmentally considerate.
The Poseidon MRA1, a variation of a Boeing 737, serves multiple roles. It is outfitted with sensors and weaponry specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare, alongside capabilities for surveillance and search and rescue operations. The aircraft’s design inherently offers avenues to enhance its operational effectiveness.
Needs Stingray, as GB has explained so many times.
Assume Protector can not carry Stingray, so would the integration costs be the same like those with a missile on a manned aircraft?
I ask as I hear Protector will also have a maritime role, so wondered if it could act as “overwatch” in the GIUK in conjunction with Poseidon if that aircraft remains using Mk50s.
It should be a ‘no brainer’ that we also integrate Stingray as part of their weapons fit, while still having the ability to use Mk 50’s when needs must. Just the same as the need to integrate Brimstone onto our Apache helicopters. It’s a hugh own goal in my opinion, especially as the amounts are peanuts in the grand scheme of things. Would dearly like to see a small uplift in the cash department to allow us to buy the additional 2 Wedgetails and a further 6 P8s. While we are at it, an additional 12-16 Merlin’s wouldn’t go amiss… Read more »
Needs a full weapons outfit including Antishipping weapons and more choice the better. Not sure that Stingray has been cleared for high level drops like the Mk50 as the P8’s tend to operate at high altitude not down in the waves like Nimrod or the Helo’s. Norway will ensure its small P8 fleet has ASM for sure and yes a few more actual airframes would be a real plus to restore the cover once provided.
Yes, not sure if Stingray has that high drop certification either, but can’t be a insurmountable issue if it does?
Norway will be integrating NSM on her F35As and most likely her P8 fleet as well, no reason why we shouldn’t jump on that bandwagon either. Not sure if/when we are going to receive any maritime Protectors to help out, but they will bring their own issues that will need resolving/paying for, so won’t be as cheap as made out.
Usual altitude for P-8 is 5000 ft but does go higher for transit type flights
The Harpoon Block 1C has been integrated dont know about NSM but they are working on the LRASM (AGM-158)
Nimrod’s always worked at a lower altitude then that, as they were able too, so Stingray was invariably always dropped from a much lower altitude. If it were to be integrated, drop altitude surely wouldn’t be a issue to overcome?
We aren’t currently going anywhere near LRASM, but, NSM a different ball game, can’t see the Norwegians not trying to put it on their P8s if they are already integrating it on their F35’s! They might not I know, but surely a quick win if they do?
One thing we do in the UK sadly is not always give our platforms there full potential ,yes that’s right stingray is needed.🍺
Essential logistic chain, need to think about weapons, and maybe think about getting another 3 of these bad boys.
3 with the over-land surveillance radar would be a huge capability increase. The APS-154 costs $10 million. Peanuts in the grand scheme, and the airplanes are already ready to receive it. The MOD needs more accountability on gaps like this.
yes please!
Report on Reuters in the last ten mins that “Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet which crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, the TASS news agency reported, citing Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation authority.
Additional reporting by TASS “All ten people on board were killed including other high ranking Wagner commanders”
As Omar Whittle wrote in his book “The Wire” — “If you come at the King, you better not miss”
“Revenge” commented the CIA Director William Burns, “is a dish Putin prefers served cold” or words to that effect (BBC website)
Prigozhin was known as ‘Putin’s chef’, wasn’t he Putin was the chef this time…!
Prigozhin was known as ‘Putin’s chef’, wasn’t he? Putin was the chef this time…!
(how can we edit these posts?)
Bottom right, level with your last line of a post, a little icon looking like a wheel appears if you move your mouse arrow over it, that is the edit function.
Hmmm…so in addition to Mad Vlad’s ‘open window policy, has he now initiated an ‘open cockpit’ policy? What…too soon? 🤔😉. (SAM discounted by Intel, but not a tidy explosive.)