43 sqd disband

Location : leuchars,fife,scotland Spotter Watch Member : no

in my local paper i read today that 43 sqd will disband tomorrow monday the 13th of july there will be a formal ceremony on the apron followed by a flypast

Location : arbroath Spotter Watch Member : no

anyone got a time for the flypast

Subject: Re: 43 sqd disband 2009-07-13, 03:10

Madness. I hope to God that there's not another 9/11 planned for this country as I don't think that we could stop it. Sad

Location : United Kingdom Spotter Watch Member : No

Why have 43 Sqn been disbanded this early..........Should have been nearer the F.3s Out of Service Date like 111Sqn. Unless 6 Sqn are being brought up earlier than planned...........

Anyone know?

Location : leuchars,fife,scotland Spotter Watch Member : no

seemingly the rumour at the mo is 6 sqd are goin to form at leuchars with typhoon in oct 2009 rather than 2010. i could'nt make the flypast today due to work but did see it fly over it was a four ship,not the diamond nine 56sqd did when they went but who am i kidding is there still 9 tonkas airworthy to fly at same time lol

Moderator Location : UK Spotter Watch Member : No

Unknown wrote:: Why have 43 Sqn been disbanded this early..........Should have been nearer the F.3s Out of Service Date like 111Sqn. Unless 6 Sqn are being brought up earlier than planned...........

Anyone know?

Simple answer - money!!!!!!!

In order to carry on the Afghanistan crusade, savings must be made in other areas of defence, hence bye-bye F.3 early.

Only 12 F.3's to be left in service by September.

I hope and pray that this country does not face any homeland threat anytime soon. This goverment have butchered our Forces far more than the Taliban ever could!!!

Location : Irvine North Ayrshire Spotter Watch Member : no

Totally agree with you there Goose,the government have sacrificed the 43SQN far too early for my liking,whats next 111sqn after the airshow, wouldnt surprise me Mad

Dougie strength and honour Sad

Location : United Kingdom Spotter Watch Member : No

Can't remember if they did it or not but did the Fighting Cocks ever deck one of the Tornado F.3s in a livery like Phantom XV571 I don't think they did but I may be wrong...........

Location : United Kingdom Spotter Watch Member : No

Also I didn't realise this but best wishes to the Squadron Mascot - Yes Thruster the Cockerel is retiring as well, I think he was once seen at one of the Airshows next to a 43 Sqn Tornado (if not flying the thing!!!!!!)........

I believe he's going to a "quieter" life at a local free range egg farm.......

I wonder if he'll be providing the Bases supply of eggs?

Location : Hemel Hempstead, UK Spotter Watch Member : No

Unknown wrote:: Also I didn't realise this but best wishes to the Squadron Mascot - Yes Thruster the Cockerel is retiring as well, I think he was once seen at one of the Airshows next to a 43 Sqn Tornado (if not flying the thing!!!!!!)........

I believe he's going to a "quieter" life at a local free range egg farm.......

I wonder if he'll be providing the Bases supply of eggs?

Don't make me tell you about the birds and the bees... Nice idea but impossible however! Razz

Maybe he'll be in a KFC?

Moderator Location : UK Spotter Watch Member : No

Unknown wrote:: Can't remember if they did it or not but did the Fighting Cocks ever deck one of the Tornado F.3s in a livery like Phantom XV571 I don't think they did but I may be wrong...........

797 was the Jet painted totally black for a while IIRC. Didn't last long - but that's a longer story!!!! Big Grin

Location : United Kingdom Spotter Watch Member : No

Yes I seem to remember that incident, was it not in 2006 after the 43 Sqn Families Day and before the Airshow, I seem to remember hearing it was taking part in the Practise for the Diamond Nine at Airshow '06 but not before one of the RAF Higherachy saw the colour scheme and told the squadron to remove it, and when it came to the Airshow it was locked away from view - SPOILSPORTS.

Moderator Location : UK Spotter Watch Member : No

RAF Website news article here

Admin Location : East Midlands Spotter Watch Member : Yes

I was informed today that everytime a Tonka takes off it costs £10K, whilst a Hawk costs £2k

Location : United Kingdom Spotter Watch Member : No

Now Street Hawk a couple of good questions for you:

1) Which variant of Tornado costs more of that £10K (GR.4 or F.3?)

2) How much does it cost for a Typhoon to take off more or less than a Tornado?

Admin Location : East Midlands Spotter Watch Member : Yes

It's Simons funeral in a bit, so I am unable to do an research.

However google the following

MoD Directorate of Performance and Analysis,

Defence Analytical Services Agency,

http://www.ercouncil.org/Cost-Effective%20Defence.pdf