Merlin

[Tux]

Today I had an RAF Merlin right over my house. Strange because there is only one base that has Merlins and it's nowhere near me.

Hope I bored you

[Void Main]

Reminds me a lot of the Jolly Green Giant and various versions of the CH-53.

[Tux]

I see what you mean a little.

I still can't work out what the Merlin was doing in this neck of the woods.

[Tux]

Hey void, guess what the new presidential chopper is gonna be

[Void Main]

I heard them talking about it on the radio where they had selected Lockheed Martin for the contract along with British and Italian help. I didn't hear any specifics on design though. Searching around the web a little it would appear that the transmission will come from Italy and the rotors will come from Great Britain? Do you think it will have some Merlin infuence? :)

[Tux]

It is a GKN Westland merlin EH101, renamed to US101 and refitted
Sorry, an AugustaWestland, because GKN sold off their Westland helicopter business.

[Void Main]

Well I'll be, so it is:

http://www.teamus101.com/news27.cfm

First the Harrier, now the Merlin, before you know it we'll be importing cars. :) I see there are a few politicians raising a stink about it in certain states (in locations of the losing bidder) but I think it's great news!

[Tux]

hehe, you're verging on politics there

[Calum]

yes careful, those left wing pinko lunatics might start posting a load of claptrap about free market economics, and we wouldn't want that now...

[Void Main]

I don't have a clue as to what their affiliation was. I just know they were raising a stink because the contract didn't land in their backyard so their people would benefit, like I would expect any representative to do regardless of their affiliation. If I had to guess I would say they were probably tree hugging left wing bleeding heart liberal democrats though (just kidding Calum). :)

[Calum]

i am pleasantly surprised to see this thread still here! so i'll stop ribbing you now!