Oh, the irony...
Imagine how much more embarassing it will be for HMG, MOD and the senior command echalon when Uncle Sam's Misguided Children use the same number of aircraft to generate a significantly higher FE@R than JFH did; when they have them MAU-MEU capable / deployable in greater numbers; when they assimilate more ordnance onto them than they had as RAF owned machines (gun pack, JDAM, AMRAAM?) and also when they are deployed on Ops.
It would be even crueler if they upgrade some to a 2+ type spec.
Would we ever send a British service member on an exchange with them to fly? After all, it was only July last year when the last RN pilot flew one and it mght be useful seedcorn experience for maritime ops even if we don't go for the B model after Call Me Dave's independent review (pun intended).
I suppose the Corps have supported the Harrier from very early in the game, so no suprise that they would want more. Semper Fidelis? I somehow think that they are.
Echoing the comment above, I would love to see the 'exiles' flying again and not just stripped for parts.
Last edited by Finnpog; 5th April 2012 at 06:59.