the arguments for it's existance are compelling
i'm just thinking about those arguments. When BA or Virgin or Easyjet buy a new type of plane, it isnt sent to QinetiQ at Boscombe Down for testing. Boeing or EADS do all that. The C-17s that the RAF use - i think they were bought off the shelf and not tested in the uk - is that right? it almost makes you wonder whether the suppliers of military planes, eg Boeing and EADS, could just supply a tested piece of kit thats ready for the military to decide how to use - like they do with their civilian planes.