Yes Vertico we were

Lack of rigorous T&E results in poor procurement
 

As with the Army's Snatch LR debacle, if you want clear evidence that rigorous T&E is needed then investigate the way the last EFT/Bulldog replacement was conducted. Boscombe had little to zero input in the selection process. Flight "testing" was left to AEF pilots and QFIs. The result was an underpowered, high drag, low payload and barely aerobatic machine that is near invisible on the standard British day to external observers. Couple this with a poor canopy design that obscures lookout for pitching and turning manoeuvres, no go forward harness and a "jettison" handle that does not do as it's title suggests, and the results are tragic. 6 deaths in 2009 and 4 flying machines destroyed. Thankfully qinetic did get involved post accidents. But the machine remains problematic in service - just read the last years worth of DASORS. The bolt on solutions are not working as first Thot.

I think we're in the poo!

I think we're further in the poo!

I agree, the gov should be trying to save jobs down the drain :ugh: in terms of research and anything else!!!

Also the cancellation of many projects especially the Harrier for me is outrages a truly British Aircraft.Im not to partial to the herc as nice as it is and I do like it it isn't really British like the Harrier:rolleyes: and I cannot believe that the Sentinel project has gone I didn't know this well I had noticed it had stopped flying in may area were it was been tested and developed.:* rant over

If you want the latest opinion of the great uninformed, you might want to read the thread 'Brits reinventing the wheel' on Military Aircrew!

Safety Case:
1. The US fly it.
2. If nothing has gone wrong in 40 years, it must be fine.
3. We have an ISD to achieve.

Just one little problem......
 

You can't sue the US Government.
You can sue the British Government. Many of our brethren have.
Kinda changes things.:uhoh:

This was an interesting thread to look back on from a few years out.

Any further perspectives from anybody, I wonder?

With the recent unveiling of the Tempest, do people on this forum think that will open up new opportunities for UK test pilots and engineers?