Crab said:
"Just in case you still don't understand - the RAF was asked by the MCA to provide technical assistance regarding the interim bid - to my knowledge this involved confirming that certain aircraft were suitable for the job, not actually selecting them, validating the performance claims of the manufacturer nor selecting the winning bidder".
Surely confirming that the aircraft were fit for the job involves validating the performance, range, payload etc? If the RAF ("lowly squadron leader") did give technical advice then her competence is questionable!
Regards,
a taxpayer