The Voyager may not be quite ready yet...

[Squawk1177]

Saw this at Bournemouth earlier today. Apologies for the low quality - it was shot out the window whilst taxiing.

Doesn't look like it's going be in service just yet. Good news for us VC-10 fans at least....

[ACLVC10]

[ICM]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, particularly as I had a very happy tour on the VC 10 - but I rather think that the schedule for this Voyager at Bournemouth will have been worked into the extension of service of 101 Sqn's aircraft that we already know about. I believe it is due to reach 10 Sqn late next month, fitted with a centreline refuelling capability. And for good or ill, the Voyager is the future of the RAF's AT/AAR capability for the next 25 years or so, and any UK taxpayer should be hoping to see that become a day-to-day reality in both roles as quickly as possible after the serious delays to date. We're paying for that contract - and, any way you look at it, we've had our money's worth from a VC 10 force that's realistically on its last, but still elegant, legs (and wings).

[ACLVC10]

Very true words ICM, the lady(s) has served us well over the years and like all things good they must come to a end at some point

[peak45139]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, particularly as I had a very happy tour on the VC 10 - but I rather think that the schedule for this Voyager at Bournemouth will have been worked into the extension of service of 101 Sqn's aircraft that we already know about. I believe it is due to reach 10 Sqn late next month, fitted with a centreline refuelling capability. And for good or ill, the Voyager is the future of the RAF's AT/AAR capability for the next 25 years or so, and any UK taxpayer should be hoping to see that become a day-to-day reality in both roles as quickly as possible after the serious delays to date. We're paying for that contract - and, any way you look at it, we've had our money's worth from a VC 10 force that's realistically on its last, but still elegant, legs (and wings).

As a UK taxpayer I'd much rather pay for Jet A1 in copious amounts to fuel VC10's for years to come than the quiet plastic shit that is an A330! I'd be more than happy for my taxes to pay for VC10 overhauls rather than new A330's!

[Tonkenna]

Well, as much as I love the old girl it is time for her to retire. The A330 is a good aircraft and is a joy to fly... certainly not the same experience as flying a 10; very different in fact, but still nice. The Voyager will soon be a great ac and a worthy replacement...

Tonks