So here we go then, another piece of kit for the Forces that now they decide that don't want........! Take the lid off boys and look in side, you might just learn a thing or two about the future of helicopters.
Being very close to the operational side of this aircraft I believe the only area for concern is the prime contractor Lockheed. They are a complete bunch of idiots and could organise a helicopter program if their professional lives depended on it!!
We have told industry many times about the problems with the Merlin and assumed that the prime contractor would do something about but we were wrong. Talking to contacts in EHI it appears that the information flowed back to the experts at Westlands is highly censored and all the major problems are being stored up until the MoD give LMA some more money to fix them!!!
Why don't LMA walk away from the contract and let us deal with Westland direct? Since the crash Westlands have bent over backwards to help with the investigation, LMA have been no where to be seen, thanks chaps you take all the money and let Westlands take all the crap!!
On the subject of engines, more the better I say!!