Ha, "Prophets of Doom"?!
No, no, never that... Prohpet of caution perhaps--doom? Never.
I have no doubt that engineers and techs are hard at work, doing everything they possibly can to ensure the successful modification of this a/c.
My concern has always been with how much authority the ENGINEERS have been given to determine the amount of time they'd need to satisfy themselves that these alterations are safe and sound--rather than having to bow to the pressure of the it's-a-"Pretty Concorde"-pride-thing faction.
Don't oversimplify perfectly reasonable concerns just so you can give yourself an excuse to break out the pom-poms and beat your little chest buddy. This isn't a pride thing, it isn't a joke...
If these mods are being rushed (and I believe, devoutly, that they are) the consequences to the reputation of your "beautiful aircraft" are going to be devastating. Nothing spells "Ooops!" like turning your commercial flightcrew into test pilots while your half-assed modifications crack-up your aircraft at supersonic speeds, with 100 passengers along for the ride.
------------------
Okayerjusmakinthi!!!!upasyougoarntyou?!
[This message has been edited by Leanan Sidhe (edited 21 February 2001).]
[This message has been edited by Leanan Sidhe (edited 22 February 2001).]