Lets face it. At the end of the day this aircraft has been the biggest waste of money I have ever seen. The Merlin is a disgrace and no amount of defending it will convince me of its worth. It cost an absolute fortune and since delivery it has sat in the hangar and rotted away unservicable. I'd hate to know how many hours we have flown on the beast since delivery but I bet its a real shocker. The procurement peope should hang their heads in shame at this white elephant. We should find out who is to blame for this blatant and absolutely disgusting waste of money and name and shame them.
I heard a rumour yesterday that to return the aircraft to full flying servicability and at the same build standard will cost the tax payer in IRO £840 Million. And thats on top of the £45 million EACH they cost. A disgrace, an absolute disgrace.