A few videos

Just to tide things over while I finish up work on my next piece, a few videos for your perusal.

The "Regional Bomber" Concept

So today I want to take a look at the concept of a "regional bomber" for the RAF. The idea has been kicking around for a while in one form or another, though mostly it is an invention of the Internet as opposed to a serious plan considered by the armed forces. Or at least, that we know of.

Update 19/10/12

I'm quite busy at the moment, but the fabled post about the concept of a regional bomber is on its way.

Eventually.

In fact you probably could have built a prototype by now.

On time and on budget

Today I want to look at some of the problems we have here in the UK with defence procurement. I've been flicking through some old National Audit Office (NAO) reports lately about various programs and the conclusions they make seem to be fairly consistent, cropping up time and again. It's also obvious that politics and unforeseen circumstances have more than a little to do with many of the issues that we encounter. This is not intended as any kind of comprehensive review of procurement, just a starting point hopefully for a wider discussion.

Burial of Private Lewis Curtis

An interesting story from British Forces News:

Hit and Miss

Defence companies make me laugh. On the one hand, they're very good at telling people that their defensive systems are flawless and will stop any attack. On the other, they're also very good at telling people that their offensive systems are flawless and can evade any defence. What happens when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object? See for yourself. Below are two videos from DCNS, see if you can spot the irregularity.

Exercise Cougar 12

HMS Illustrious and the rest of the Royal Navies Response Force Task Group (RFTG) is setting sail for a three month exercise, Cougar 12, in the Mediterranean. This is a fantastic opportunity for the men and women involved and it's a superb demonstration of the capability of the Royal Navy, despite the recent cuts and the negativity that you often read about in the press, and in the comments section of various online newspaper articles.

 

I could give a more detailed description, but frankly Sir Humphrey over at the Thin Pinstriped Line has covered it to a degree that would be difficult to match, so it makes sense to simply guide you in the direction of his piece, for those that haven't seen it already.

http://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.co.uk/