BAe are trying to twist a few arms. The Financial Times reports today that BAE are "worried" that the fact that the Astute sub and MR4 programmes are years and billions over budget might cause them to lose the competition to build the new RN carriers. The other bidder is Thales, the decision is expected early next year.
Financial Times Report
Reference the MR4, for those who didn't pick it up on a previous thread, in addition to the wing/fuselage mating problems the following other problems are also present or possible.
The wing structure needs reinforcement around the air intakes.
There is a possibility of distortion in the intakes which may cause engine surge problems.
The programme test pilot expects directional stability trials around the stall to be "interesting", even with the additions to the tail surfaces.
The papers yesterday also mentioned at software integration problems.
First flight has now slipped to the end of 2003.