That’s just the point, in the UK we are locked into the NHS, we pay for it through our taxes, but are not treated as customers, it is the epitome of 1940s socialism. Did you read about Anne Clwyd at all? I know if I had the choice I’d much rather be treated in a hospital in Germany or France than the UK. You paid for your operation, there’s no magic money tree (unless you are one of the parasites who turn up from abroad expecting to be treated for free, but that’s another story).

I’d second Fed’s story there. I guess some people have some bad experiences but its a damn sight better than its often portrayed (especially by those that don’t understand the system – Sarah Palin i’m looking at you).

There’s been work comparing several aspects of the health systems in the USA, UK, France, Germany, and one or two others. The NHS scored very well and came 1st or second out of those I mentioned.

And if you don’t like the NHS in the UK you are always welcome to go private. Suggesting you are locked in because you pay taxes is ridiculous, because even moving to a private healthcare system would require you to pay taxes to cover the poorest who cant afford care anyway, unless you go full American and just let the paupers lump it (that was in jest my yank amigos, no need to resort to lawyers or guns).

Back on topic, still waiting on those photos we were promised!

BBC article quoted the IDF as saying that Iron Dome has intercepted 145 of 200 attacks during the unrest.

I certainly hope the Israelis have been stockpiling munitions for it though. Hamas doesn’t appear to be going all out yet, and Hezbollah is likely to have a much greater capability than Hamas if they choose to use it. That might be why the IDF are attempting to strike at source and weapons caches as suggested.

I can’t help but wonder how America would feel if Iran flew drones 12 miles off their coastline.

Obviously they would be less than happy, but at the same time Iran has no legitimate reason to fly there, where as the US does have reasons to be flying in (the very narrow) shipping lanes of the Gulf. It’s not like they can avoid Iranian airspace by a massive amount in that area even for legitimate tasks.

Apparently Lusty is being preserved in some form though when she goes out of service in 2014.

I think the point is that Harpoon is on its way out, and a new VL missile (possible dual role anti-ship and land attack) to fit in the strike length cells. Not sure if that’d mean that its intended to be used instead of Tomahawk as well.

i cant understand why people are so upset. A restricted F-22 and EF with its helmet, no TVC can match this. Its faster and alot more accurate than to steer a big fighter in a new direction.
Dont talk about the energy loss with a stealth optimised hull and wings with TVC.

This is not what F-22 was made for, period. (especially a restricted one)
It was made to take the fight from this situation.
This is one of the main requirements for EF.

One of the most intelligent things I’ve seen posted in this entire thread. 2 fighters that are both designed to fight threats in the air does not mean they have identical jobs or design considerations.

As far as i’m aware LM haven’t said a word on this or any other multi-national exercise, it seems they have more integrity then the Typhoon PR folks do.

And why not drop the if “I wanted to be b*tchy” line, afterall, you were bitchy right after you said it. Kind of childish don’t you think?

Can you really blame them, LM aren’t trying to sell the F22, Typhoon is still being offered for export. Any company would do the same if there were billion dollar contracts involved.

I should also add that the F-22 does work, very very well especially in BVR as Typhoon pilots readily admit. And even-Stevens wihilst fighting an F-22 that is handicapped by maneuvering restrictions isn’t all that impressive. Much like fighting a boxer who has one arm tied behind his back.

A stab at the ‘fixed’ oxygen supply issues I would think.

In the real world, Typhoon would die 30 miles before the merge.

I wouldn’t start a sentence with “In the real world…” and end it with such a definitive statement. But since you are, the only one I’d bet on is that in the real world the Typhoon and the F22 are not going to be in a shooting match.

How about ability to project power (eg availability og auxiliaries), presence of support capabilities (MCM etc), training of crews, weapons presence and availability, and actual tech present (a decade isnt exactly a great measure).

…Basically a subject that cant be simplified easily.