An interesting point.
The aircraft went through an exhaustive flight test program run jointly with Lockheed, USAF, RAAF and RAF test crews prior to its arrival into RAF service. This was intended to avoid the situation we now find ourselves in.
Why then are we now undergoing another set of trials and all the associated delays and additional costs.
In the past there had always been a very close working relationship between the RAF and MOD PE. However, I think it would wise to re-evaluate our relationship with QinetiQ. What concerns me is that QinetiQ have, in addition to ensuring that the aircraft do what they are supposed to do, an interest in remaining financially viable.
Are we paying twice? I’m sure the joint Lockheed/USAF/RAAF/RAF test program cost us money and now we are covering much of the same ground (with some of the same people being involved) with QinetiQ. Why do QinetiQ find fault with so much of the original joint test program?