SI-CLIK..............I heartily agree with everything you say in the defence of Merlin, and I also believe it is a cracking bit of kit. We just need the stores/logistic support to catch up, then it will prove itself in the Fleet, and all the naysayers can have a huge slice of humble pie..................
However, I must correct you on one small fact. HMX-1 is the US Marine Corps Sqn that flies Dubya around, and is the Test and Evaluation Sqn for the USMC. They are the one's who had a hand in the decision. VX-1 conducts similar testing and evaluation, but for the US Navy, and so are busy with other aircraft types. Unlike us poor relations, the USMC and USN are completly seperate forces, and never the twain shall meet.
You learn something new everyday.............
