bentwaters81tfw Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34864328 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 That's nice for them Let's not have any political nonsense though, shall we? 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 And quite right too! Not the political nonsense, but the fact that we now have a dedicated VIP transport aircraft, just like the rest of the World has. From Wiki... "The UK is the only G20 nation not to have a dedicated long range Head of State/Government aircraft like France's A330 or Germany's two A340s." Here's the whole article: VIP Transport How about a VIP Transport Group Build? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenko Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 How about a VIP Transport Group Build? And no Mark you cannot do the aircraft you fly 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard E Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 (edited) And quite right too! Not the political nonsense, but the fact that we now have a dedicated VIP transport aircraft, just like the rest of the World has. From Wiki... "The UK is the only G20 nation not to have a dedicated long range Head of State/Government aircraft like France's A330 or Germany's two A340s." Here's the whole article: VIP Transport A good point that was also made during the newspaper review on Wednesday night's BBC News. In many respects, the RAF is simply reintroducing a role as, back in the day, 10 Squadron's VC10s were often used to make intercontinental VVIP flights. Presumably the only changes that would need to be made to the aircraft would be to install some additional secure communications and self protection kit and a few comfortable seats. How about a VIP Transport Group Build? An A330 in the old school grey and white colour scheme would be an interesting WHIF. Edited November 19, 2015 by Richard E 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spfparker Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Sensible move. It could refuel its own fighter escort if ever necessary! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Hiya Folks, Having seen all of the misinformation and discussion on the TV regarding the new role envisaged for the Voyager in a governmental role,...what is the truth? I`ve heard that it will cost £10m to `refurbish an `old' RAF jet (but shouldn`t that actually read conversion of a brand new privately owned but leased aircraft?) but surely it doesn`t cost so much to add some extra radio`s, swap a few seats around and add some business class `berths'? Does the £10m cover the cost of additional leased hours too? It does seem to make sense diplomatically for the Prime Minister to use an RAF (marked!) aircraft, especially one which is fitted with all of the latest countermeasures against missiles etc with a top of the range comms suite and I dare say that the additional leasing costs are going to be cheaper than renting a BA aircraft and crew each time,......but shouldn`t it also be made available to the Royal Family too as I`ve not heard anything publicly about the latter? Any views (non political of course,....forget Blair Farce One'!) or hard facts are greatly appreciated, Cheers Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeR Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I have no opinion one way or the other, as long as it represents value for money and not "other reasons". Mike. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh65 Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 That's nice for them Let's not have any political nonsense though, shall we? To be honest I expected this would have been locked by the time I got home from work. This will be controversial in the press but its not unreasonable, especially as its basically just going to be a tanker with some nice seats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4scourge7 Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 So, I`m still not clear if this jet is coming from the nine strong `core` fleet, or the from the `surge` fleet of five. Or is it some kind of plug-in-and-play that can be used with any of the fourteen whenever required? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Didn`t the VVIP/Royal 10 Sqn VC-10`s at Brize have a specialist interior which could be loaded aboard through the cargo door in stages? I wonder if they intend to do the same thing with the Airbus? Personally I`d make everybody travel in the same seats,......from squadies to generals to politicians but I suppose the VVIP`s need extra comfort to enable them to work and also look fresh faced and bushy eyed when they reach their destination. The might even contract this part out to Emirates as per the Jennifer Annistan advert!! Cheers Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Foster60 Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I must not say anything, I really must not. Nigel 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Séan Pádraig Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Ireland have a Gulfstream IV.... anyone know if there is a 1/48 kit of this aircraft? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmatthewbacon Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Welsh Models do a 1/72: http://www.welshmodels.co.uk/EJP72.html I think in 1/48 there are only expensive executive desktop models for $400 on up... bestest, M. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I feel this is such a politically controversial subject I will be over in the corner quietly rocking until it's locked & hopefully deleted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Probably more cost effective than chartering aircraft, also better security protection. About time IMHO Julien 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted November 20, 2015 Author Share Posted November 20, 2015 I recall when there was talk of scrapping the Royal Train to 'save money' A cartoon appeared ( I can't find it) of a double decker bus parked at Buck House displaying 'Royal Replacement Bus Service' complete with 'jobsworth' driver with a fag on. HM and P the G looking on were not amused. Great cartoon, Idea quietly dropped. Another string to the bow of the Voyager, I wonder if the 146's will go now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Surely in this age of digital & physical security worries, having the PM, senior politicians and Royals using equipment with trusted communications equipment as well as the added safeguard of it being a part of the UK's armed forces must be a good thing? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agent K Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 (edited) I recall when there was talk of scrapping the Royal Train to 'save money' A cartoon appeared ( I can't find it) of a double decker bus parked at Buck House displaying 'Royal Replacement Bus Service' complete with 'jobsworth' driver with a fag on. HM and P the G looking on were not amused. Great cartoon, Idea quietly dropped. Another string to the bow of the Voyager, I wonder if the 146's will go now? As I read this it is the addition (reinstatement) of a capability (last provided by the VC10's)and not a replacement (not that the 146 could ever do the Voyager tasks anyway). Edited November 20, 2015 by Agent K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truro Model Builder Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I am firmly in the 'about time' bracket on this one. USAF VC-25, JASDF B747s, French A340 etc on the ramp, and here comes the British PM with some anonymous little jet leased from the lowest bidding contractor. Always been downright embarrassing, frankly. It is to be used for Royal transport as well, I believe. Excellent, particularly as the other Commonwealth air forces have had the equipment to fly the Royal Family in recent years when we have not. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Headroom Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 If the Voyager has a cargo door then surely a modular interior can be rolled in or out in hours, so making any of the aircraft suitable? As for secure comms, don't they already have this as standard fit? Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caution Wake Turbulence Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 If the Voyager has a cargo door Not sure it does - can't see one in any pictures... Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted November 20, 2015 Author Share Posted November 20, 2015 If it hasn't, they missed a trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caution Wake Turbulence Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 The A330-200F also has a modified nose gear and associated blister to give it a level floor on the ground. Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F4u Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I think there should be a dedicated aircraft just for the security aspects alone and will it be cheaper than chartering considering the maintenance, crew, fuel etc I don't know ! Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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