LO,
Thanks for the reply, and I hope your trip back to childhood was a pleasant one - although your reference was a touch obscure for me. Care to explain?
I'm interested by your comments on F-35 - what is the 'IPP flamethrower' issue you refer to? Happy to add some facts if you like (it's less hot and slower than the Super Hornet's, for instance), but PM me if you want some gen. I agree with yr suggestion for the A gun, better to go for the podded system. Saves weight and fuel.
Actually, they started with a 27mm Mauser, then dropped it for a US Gatling design. The 25mm round it uses is a standard NATO one, and more easily available (and a tenth the cost) of the 27mm Mauser item. But when has non-standard ammo ever stopped the pilots going out and buying the kit they want?
And on contractors' performance? See my previous posts. It's a free country, say what you like, where you like, when you like. Just don't get bent out of shape if someone asks you one day to see if you can do any better.
Best regards as ever
Engines