So Virginias are back on again? I thought that I heard the US nixed that?
Just so I am up to date: the current plan is for the RAN to lease three Virginias as a stop-gap until the AUKUS sub (that’s going to start being designed at some point in the future in the UK) is ready… correct?
I watched this a couple of weeks ago. Really excellent overview of the program, the politics, construction, and an inside look at a Virginia class.
In a nutshell that is my understanding… Yes.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the ‘Son of Collins’ turns out to be just a rebadged Trafalgar or more Virginia’s? But Navy can’t seem to help themselves and have to stuff it up by modifying an existing design to suit their ‘unique’ circumstances.
At least our Army and RAAF have learnt that lesson and just buy ‘off the shelf’ now.
Missed that. Not that I have really watched 60 Minutes for quite a while, since they started drifting from journalism to sensationalism.
But that was quite good.
Cool timelapse of pulling the P-8 out of the drink.
I find all time lapse mesmerising, but what I was focused on was how small the tidal range was…
I know everyone loves the Phantom… personally I just can’t wait for the SLUF in DCS
Same here. Sluf and crusader is going to be awesome
I’ve been reading up a lot on the Phantom of late, especially those in UK service.
Did you know that there was only one confirmed “kill” by an RAF Phantom?
It was an RAF Jaguar! Yes - it was a DACT exercise and the Phantom crew’s designated aircraft developed a last minute fault, so they were provided an alternative. Only no-one told them that it had live munitions on board!
They fired a Sidewinder at the Jaguar - pilot ejected safely, aircraft destroyed.
Wouldn’t like to have been the guy/s carrying the can for that one! 
Have read a lot of articles by ex-RAF and RN pilots and it’s interesting stuff. A mate of mine back in the day was a WSO (well he called himself a navigator in those days) on an FGR2 and he showed me round one evening when he was off duty QRA. I just wish I could remember a thing about it.
PS - I agree about the A-7, though
They are building a nice stable of cold war aircraft in DCS… We just need some ‘period specific’ maps to go with them.
Meanwhile. I just found this and about to watch it:
2:43 does anyone know what type these winches are and what/how they are anchored?
Reports of a B1 in the states has crashed in training
Looks like during landing in freezing temps and low vis
Crew made it out in one piece. I hope they’re ok.
Some incredible aerial shots (video is a bit buggy in the beginning)
Not exactly NATO, but I would say at least on the same side…
I just read in a newspaper that the Swiss goverment is considering to close a part of the A1 Autobahn for an air force exercise this year. The A1 is the most important line of communication in Switzerland, so a closure would have pretty significant economic implications. The last Autobahn exercise was in 1991.
The article had some nice historic pictures.
Hope so. But no guarantees. Whoever invades will do so at considerable cost before winning.
Great pictures! Impressive how those F-5s really fit anywhere, I wonder how the Hornets will do in these situations.
