CIRCLE WITH A DOT

Consider the long, degrading debacle of the F–104 Starfighter, an aircraft the US never deigned to deploy, but which it sold through systematic bribery and deceit to many of its allies, and which killed scores of its pilots. Lockheed knew it was a widow-maker. We should have blackballed the company for good after that experience; Canada should never have considered the F–35 for a millisecond. The whole F–35 program exemplifies everything corrupt and incompetent in military procurement today.

@mike despite the Monocle's restrained enthusiasm, I'd still like to try it at least once. But with the *very* deep pocketed interest in iconic and exotic railway travel that's happening right now in Europe/Central Asia, thanks to the rich Belmond group -- there's a potential (if *slim*) opportunity. Maybe?