Although generally ignorant about aircraft, I have been absolutely rivetted by this thread, and can only sit in awe at the complexity and perfection that has been revealed here.
I've pretty much managed to keep up with the principals and technicalities involved, but there is one thing I don't understand. Could you explain to a complete novice the relationship between IAS, TAS ,GS and Mach no.?
Apologies if this is obvious to most here, but you can't get away with writing such a brilliant account of such a wonderful aircraft without attracting the odd ignorant byestander!