1. I don't think DERA has offered genuinely independent T&E for several years. Consider the Jaguar GR1b where kit was developed by Farnborough, tested by Boscombe, but the initial development and final acceptance testing was done by the same squadron? However, whilst the aircrew are serving RAF/RN/Army that is where their loyalty will rightly lie, and they will certainly do their best to get the best kit for their mates on the front line.
2. Since DERA was formed the military element has been charged at commercial rates, a proportion of which I believe has been paid back to MoD for their use - that's unlikely to change.
3. BDN / Farnborough has never ever had a modern fleet - it has almost always existed on surplus aircraft and ex-prototypes. (Most) CT or research flying doesn't require current types, only development or certification testing for specific types absolutely requires that.
4. If a company need approval from CAA for an aircraft, it provides an aircraft for CAA flight department to test, who give it back afterwards - it's a condition of the certification system. Presumably the same will apply to MoD (or more accurately DPA) and DERA?
5. I'm an ex-DERA FTE, I know several ex military test pilots, flight testing is an enjoyable occupation. Why not?.
G
[This message has been edited by Genghis the Engineer (edited 15 August 2000).]