Still at least we finally get some closure on the nagging HC3 issue 😉

More news

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6508869.stm

Additionally VT in a trading statement this week expressed itself as confident that it is going ahead with an announcement soon

Austin is making a good point in that as the F22 is unavailable for export, some potential customers will go for the ‘next best available’ aircraft. That may not of course be the Typhoon depending upon the requirements of those buyers and could equally be a Raphale or the F-18. They are all bound to pick up some sales as a consequence of the no exports policy.

Now if the US was to offer and F22 ‘Light’ with little or none of the restricted technology on it and at a similar price to the others, that would really change the market. :diablo:

I think even the powerful Mi-26 would struggle. Your typical rail carriage can come in at up to 40 tonnes. If the track has been wrecked it gets tricky getting a rail crane on site. Overhead electric lines may also be a factor.

I see Richard Beedall’s website is now predicting an announcement/signing ceremony at the Anglo-French summit in early April. Although he does say that is Optimistic. There would be certain political advantages for both sides if something like that happened then.

You have to consider the position of the Saudi’s. If they were heavily against it, any attack by America would be less likely. They may take the view that their neck of the woods has enough trouble as it is, without stirring up a load more on their Eastern border.

Nuff said. As you can see its meant to be a combination of several types of aircraft, so as to give the fire service the chance to practice various scenarios eg fire in a tail mounted engine or on the upper deck on a double decked aircraft

I am surprised that no-one has commented on the fact that today the RN First sea lord finally took his gloves off 😮 Well almost………….

“Sir Jonathan also said that he had raised the issue privately with the prime minister and the chancellor.

He summarised his position to journalists: “Give me two carriers and just less than a billion and I will be off your back, a happy boy”. “

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6369655.stm

Not sure if this is good news or bad :confused: