Archimedes,
Not sure if this is what you're thinking of, but this from JDW 19 December 2001; it didn't seem to be giving the "big up" to BAE's chances:
"BAE officials believe that the MRA4 is capable of meeting future maritime patrol requirements in both Japan and the USA, for which the company is proposing the redesign of the aircraft's main fuselage - the main platform element to be retained during the RAF programme - for local manufacture. Noting that these requirements call for aircraft deliveries by the end of this decade, Tom Nicholson, BAE's managing director, Nimrod, said: "We offer market availability, and with the right front prime [contractor], we're confident that we can give anyone a run for their money."
Market availability? Evidently not!
Moose
