After following the thread drift, I found it quite an interesting exchange of views over what was considered at the time ‘the Aircraft’ for the R. A. F. Quite a number of the contributors come over as being, if not anti-British aero- industry then very pro-U.S.

However, I found some naivety regarding the political views and the costs of the aircraft referred to. Namely, every U. S. model was always offered to the British government ‘as an absolute bargain’. If this was quoting from an M.P. it shows the ‘political speak’ i.e. lies coming over. Remember, at this time B.O.A.C. was in government hands, so they were very aware of the American pricing system, i.e. ‘Buy our airplane, you can have it next week. See how low the cost is and how attractive the payment terms are.’ I won’t get in to development costs here. At no time has any British manufacturer been able to offer terms to equal those of the U.S., either financing or delivery. The U.S. make their money (profits), on sale of spares. This is well known to the commercial world and I imagine in various government circles for military purchases, if only after the contract has been signed.

One person claims many contracts coming in within budget, weapons maybe, I cannot recall one aircraft doing this, but I am prepared to stand corrected. No aircraft has ever been built to its original proposal as times have meant extra functions or equipment being required during development. Hence price has to increase, I would not blame any company refusing to build to a fixed price under these circumstances.

A couple of you have mentioned ‘MRCA’ before it became Tornado. Does anyone recall the Luftwaffe’s interpretation of this – ‘Military Requirements Come Afterwards’. ‘In other words after the politicians have finished, we get what is left over.’ Not an unfamiliar situation, I think in the R.A.F. with aircraft being adapted for roles they were not designed for. ‘But, you have to realise money is tight, etc. etc.’

F/A 18RN – your mention of Russia’s finest, I was given to believe after Vickers gave assistance to get the Il-62 in to the air, they deliberately led the KGB astray with the Tu-144. Hence, its poor performance. Probably just another aero-story, but as Chox keeps reminding us, ‘it makes for more interesting reading.’