I have been interested in finding out more about the UK MoD plan for the RAF's two BAe 146-100 CC.2 (Stateman) that are operated by No. 32 out of RAF Northolt. Alongside their core Royal duties, they serve as an air transport for high ranking UK Gov ministers (incl. PM, Chancellor, and ForSec) around the UK and Europe. For reference these are:
- MSN: E1021; British Aerospace 146-100; Registration: ZE700; Delivered: Jul 1998; Configuation: C19
MSN: E1029; British Aerospace 146-100; Registration: ZE701; Delivered: Apr 1999; Configuation: C19
(Credit: Andrew Parsons)
In recent years, the larger Airbus A330-200MRTT called "Vespina" has been reserved by the RAF for Royal/Ministerial transportation duties on top of its original tanker role. For reference the aircraft is:
- MSN: 1363; Airbus A330-200MRTT; Registration: ZZ336 Vespina; Delivered: Sep 2015; Configuation: C58Y100
I have seen rumours recently that the UK gov is expected to retire the ZE700/ZE701, which is not unexpected as they are over 30 years old. With the forthcoming Integrated Review of the UK's global foreign relations and defence posture, it would do well to acknowledge the capability of an aircraft that can get in and out of smaller airfields in Europe/UK, while still effectively executing the Royal/Ministerial mission, when the bigger ZZ336 can be considerable overkill for PM day trip up north. This is why the the pair of RAF 146s are so valuable.
My question is what replacement can possibly be considered for missions when the ZZ336 is simply too much plane?
Thanks, and stay safe
Dublinspotter.