Finally - if you want to really comment on Merlin. Travel SW and visit Culdrose - get in one (or even see the sim) - and decide objectively for yourself
If only they'd let me fly the bloody thing. Yes it is neat, fast, commodious and appears to do everything comfortably.
My criticism is not with the machine, but the machinations behind it's development and introduction. In '84 it started out at £12.5M, and as usual has gone way beyond anticipated costs. Unfortunately from what I see and understand the aircraft is under supplied with spares, which must be a tragedy for those trying to introduce it to service.
Glad to see you chaps enjoy the beast.
