Quite
It is a newbuild ac based on a proven, relatively elderly design, with a mature fuselage that is built like a brick !!!!!house
Everything else, apart from the tube, is 'brand new' (circa 1997-2007)
How many of you out there are buying washing machines, microwaves, cars etc which are 'brand new' because they haven't been used but were manufactured in 2005?
I think the XV230 BOI and other ac incidents in AFG and IRQ will have an impact on the outcome of the initial front line delivery ac
To say that the design is "frozen" is a political, money saving statement
Engineers that design and build things never 'freeze', they look for new ways and inovation - and the lads at Woodford will find a solution.
The major modifications suggested on this thread could be incorporated much like an SEM, LMI, STI etc, within the overall cost
However, the Baron of Profit at BWOS might scupper that