Hi Not A Boffin,
TOTALLY agree with every word you say and to me it was such a CRAZY decision to even think about the F-35B and STOVL carriers.
May I respectfully ask if you believe we will see an operational carrier before the commencement of the next decade?
And if I am on a role with these questions do you think we will we pay for all the research plus conversion work on the 'C' to make it tanker capable, or will we purchase some Hornets for that role? Would purchasing just a few Hornets be cost effective in so far as it is another aircraft type?
What about AWAC|AEW? I am still not convinced our rotor wing option is the best aircraft for the job.
Apologies to one and all for going off topic but can we all now please accept the Harrier is just another chapter in our excellent aviation history?