Tarnished
"We\'ll MOD the aircraft at our own risk" I think NOT!
Methinks you are mistaken! Service Modifications are alive and well, and an accepted part of the equation.
The end result being, that unless the jet comes with a cast iron warranty, backed up by mountains of evidence in accordance with every known standard under the sun its just not going to crack it through the entry into service route. This is the main area that Q have been fulfilling in behalf of the MOD.
Untrue. As long as risk has been reduced iaw ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practical) then the aircraft / mod / weapon is likely to be accepted and gain Release to Service. This is applied on a case by case basis, and common sense is applied. QQ are used to offer independent advice, but it is up to the Service to decide whether to accept DA advice, QQ, other 3rd party reports. If needs must, then the Service may also disregard any or all of the above, but accepts that final liability rests with the Service. I appreciate there are many who are \'risk averse\' out there, but there are also many who use that finest of gifts, common sense. These may be in QQ, BAES or the military. Please don\'t \'tarnish\' all with the same brush (pun intended). Ultimately we do have to balance operational need with risk. That is what we do, whether it is bringing an aircraft into Service, or planning our 4-ship attack.
By the way, it does go like the absolute proverbial sh%t off a shovel!!!!! Just a shame it can\'t hover!
