RumPunch, you posted what I was thinking. Here is the end of something we've been good at, innovative engineering. It's sad to see the end of a long legacy of important British achievements in aviation, from A V Roe's early biplanes through to the Lancaster, Lincoln, 748, Vulcan, 146, ATP (oh alright then), Bucc and Vulcan refits during FI. I'm glad you mentioned the Nimrod AEW fiasco too. I suppose the question is does anyone care? I know I do. My heart goes out to the men and women who would have applied themselves to making MRA4 a worthy successor to AVRO's history, only to see their efforts dashed. What now then for this sceptred isle?