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Subject: Jet powered seaplanes/maritime patrol aircraft
Iano    2/4/2005 2:17:10 PM
Hi there, Does anyone know if a jet powered seaplane is possible? My idea was, that instead of relying on land based MPAs, if the MPAs could operate from the taskforce, say with the addition of a seaplane tender ship, then the fleet would have MPA cover when out of range of land based MPAs, and also the MPAs would have more time on-station and less time travelling. As the new incarnation of the Nimrod seems the way forward, at least for the RAF/RN, are jet powered seaplanes feasible? Or are prop-driven seaplanes able to perform as well as the Nimrod in MPA role? Do you think we will ever see MPAs move with the fleet and not be stuck on land? Thanks a lot, Ian PS: I know this probably isnt the right board for this topic but didnt get a reply in Naval Air
 
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Lawman    RE:Jet powered seaplanes/maritime patrol aircraft   2/5/2005 11:44:21 AM
My reference to weapons is more to do with the weapons that are in service, that are checked out on the Nimrod. Theoretically, yes, it is quite capable of carrying weapons like Storm Shadow, but it's very unlikely this will ever be done. Also, I believe the Sea Eagle has now been withdrawn, meaning no in-service air launched anti-ship missile (the Harpoon is in service on surface combatants, and subs, but not aircraft). My point about the cost issue, is that the RAF could have bought into the US MMA project, and finished the aircraft with the systems designed for the MRA4. It isn't a question of whether the capability is there, if you can get the same capability for less, you probably should. Notably, if you used the MMA, there's always the attraction of it being 737 based, thus cheaper servicing (possibly).
 
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RM-Nod    RE:Jet powered seaplanes/maritime patrol aircraft   2/6/2005 11:01:27 AM
No the Harpoon is carried on the Nimrod. It carries the full range capable of attacking any sea based target (Storm Shadow has now been dropped unfortunatley, but they can be carried on other aircraft). I agree about the cost, but I think it's important to keep the skill in country and if the MoD were effecient, were run properly and the treasury stopped screwing the forces around we could afford more.
 
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