The Reds new jets

OK it's the Mail and they are journo's but.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9982581/British-firm-NEW-Red-Arrows.html

"A British firm is set to strike a deal that will see it design and develop a replacement for the Red Arrows' aircraft. Suffolk-based Aeralis was given £200,000 by the RAF to develop a new aircraft that could be converted from basic trainer to aggressive fighter by swapping engines and wings earlier this year. "

Aeralis is company I have never heard off before this and £200K is mere peanuts in the world of aviation but could it be??

Company website https://aeralis.com/

 

[Late & Tired]

My 'X' on the ballot paper goes immediately next to Option 3

 

[Witty_Banter]

There will be some horlicks and and we'll end up with either

1. An extension to the current fleet
2. A different aircraft bought in haste
3. Or should we dare to think "disbandment"
4. The Aeralis late and over budget( this IMHO will be the probably outcome)

I am reliably informed that Option 3 has been one of the first things offered up, for every SDSR in the last 10-15 years. It's never taken, presumably because it may generate negative publicity.

Considering the Reds barely generate more cash than they cost to run, it won't be long before that figure is either neutral or heading into the negative - particularly as they're not particularly environmentally friendly, don't have a useful role and the cost of fuel is going through the roof.

Now, if someone would strap a heat sensor to them and make them practice over the English Channel, at least we could use them for refugee dinghy detection or something....