HMS Ark Royal (R07) on eBay (end time 28-Oct-10 18:25:34 BST)
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If you recall, John Wayne owned a battleship which he used frequently. I could see this happening but the crew must be staggering...
At that price I wouldn't be surprised if the old girl and her Harriers get snapped up by Serco (or one of those other "out-sourcing" bandits) and leased back to the MoD/RN at a vast profit until 2020 when the new planes will be ready for the Prince of Wales and her sister ship!
Lions and donkeys!
Let's pitch in; You can be captain!
Group buy?
Group buy?
look good In the bath.............................:D
There was an interesting article in the Sunday papers here that suggested that before they buy and send to sea the 'new' aircraft carrier 'PRINCE OF WALES' without aircraft to protect it, maybe someone ought to remind them of the fate of the last PRINCE OF WALES that went to sea without aircraft to protect it. Hit and sunk within two hours and 40 minutes wasn't it?
When the Navy had sea harriers, the sea harriers protected the carrier and the carrier provided Aircraft cover for the fleet. The fleet also protected the carrier and therefor the Harriers. What was the point in that I wonder?
At least whent the Navy got RAF Harrier II GR7/9 and T10/11, they could protect the fleet and also drop bombs and 'Guided' munitions. All a Sea Harrier could do was launch SRAAMs.
There have been rumours in the RAF for years that they may 'Navyfy' the BAe Typhoon for carrier ops, it could certainly take off from the new carriers, even with a very substancial payload, but it would be down to costs again. One Typhoon can do the job of a Harrier, Tornado F3 and Tornado GR4, it really is quite cost effective despite the way the press put a spin on it. This airframe can carry 6 Bombs, 4 (6 depending on role) AMRAAM, 2 (4 depending on role) ASRAAM and self designate. It also has a greater range and endurance of any other A/C in British service.
Now lets all pray to the Typhoon and keep me in a job!
That would be great party boat