As the RAF's aircraft capabilities continue to evolve, the effect delivered by specific squadrons of aircraft also changes. For example, the forthcoming arrival into service of the additional Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft and the A400M sees squadrons stood up, while those currently operating C130 Hercules, VC10 and Tristar either re-equips to these new aircraft types or disbands these aircrafts and go out of service. When squadrons disband the number plate gets placed on the dormant list, rather than being abolished. Those squadron number plates not currently allocated cannot find their reissue, most notably when new capabilities enter service, based on seniority or their traditional role.
Last Autumn No. 6 Squadron stood-up operating Typhoon aircraft, which replaces the Tornado F3 in the air defence role this month. As a result No. 111(F) Squadron disbands and Tornado F3 also retires as planned.
Following the strategic defence and security review (SDSR), the Royal Air Force Harrier squadrons (Nos. 1(F) and IV(R)) disband and the Nimrod MRA4 shall not go into service which means that Nos. 42(R), 120 and 201 Squadrons disband in May 2011. On 1 March 2011 they announce the disbandment, in June 2011, of Nos. XIII and 14 Squadrons operating the Tornado GR4.
The SDSR decisions on Nimrod MRA4 and our fast jet fleet shall lead to a reduction in the size of our training pipeline. No. 76 (R) Squadron, which operates the Tucano training aircraft, shall disband on 12 May 2011. They continue to work through the full implications in this area and cannot therefore release further details at this time. More to follow ...
Conversely, The Guardian, VHS Rental5 August, contains The Shipping News (15, Buena Vista HE) and The Brothers (15, Columbia Tristar).
SOURCES:
{1}:{ http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-03-15a.28.1&s=Defence#g28.3 }
{2}:{http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2002/jul/30/dvdreviews}
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