New laws in the USA are draconian at best, what with their new anti terrorism laws. It worries me that the American people are so willing to accept their liberty being trodden on.

Things in the UK aren’t much better, i can foresee a time when i will want to leave for somewhere that less strongly resembles a police state.

One thing i have wondered; how suitable would the merlin be for replacing the future lynx with the British army and RN?

How about nations sending their engineers to Lockheed to work with them for a while on the production line and development?

It would help buyer nations to gain a better understanding of their aircraft and would help to fill the skills gap. When Lockheed charges $xx million per aircraft, they can hardly object.

I’m pretty sure the UK will commit now, Bring_it_on, otherwise why go to so much trouble over getting total transfer of technology?

The only scenario in which i see the RAF backing out is if the F-35B is a total failure. In this case, the F-35C would be a high ranking alternative, as we have a major carrier bourne requirement.

Not likely at this point for a number of reasons. The main one is regardless if the UK purchases the STOVL F-35B the USMC will and the export market will be great. Countries like Spain and Italy will want the F-35B with or without the UK. Remember all three variants share much in common which is a big selling point. Personally, I think the RN would be better served with the (CV) F-35C. Possibly, with a smaller number of F-35B’s going to the RAF! Of course that is another debate. Yet, back to the point the F-35B will go on regardless if the RN/RAF purchase it. End the end the UK will buy one type or maybe two. Eitherway the F-35 will go on…………………

Got to say, I agree on all counts.

The F-35B has a role in forward air bases or with rough airstrips, but for the carriers we might as well go the whole hog and get the F35C. Its simply much more capable.

The west needs to realise that China may in future become a real enemy, so needs to act accordingly. Obviously it would be better for all concerned if the PRC could ally with the west, and we see this more and more. Another world war or cold war would benefit nobody, and simply end in stalemate

This page has some info, not sure how reliable, but its usually good:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-84#Costs

My fave has to be the ornithopter, an aeroplane that flaps its wings to generate thrust!!

http://www.luftpiraten.de/px/lexikon/ornithopter.jpg

It actually has a wide range of applications….. oh who am i kidding! Its cool though.