>Historically, in critical role platforms, there's always been a US element to the machines, i find it very hard to believe that Boeing/MD/Bell-Textron wouldn't be given a development contract as has always happened to build/modify a suitable platform for them to retain design/tech control.
Textron, HA! As a former employee, I can tell you they do NOT innovate. Their UAV Division, used to be AAI, and everything was Israeli made. IAI made the original Airframe, Malat and a few other companies made the Servos and other components, including the EO/IR Payload. They were going to lose that contract after Textron bought AAI and they scrambled to make the Shadow an Extended Wing bird. Then the Army wanted secure communications and Payload Video, and Textron (or AAI) couldn't come up with the Electronics to do it, so they had to outsource to L-3. That was the beginning of the end. They tried further to make the Airframe different, and came up with an M-2 version, using company funds, and employee raises, but no promises of buyers. So, lets paint it black, and call it Night Warden - again, millions in company and employee funds, but no buyers. The same with the Texan II. Pilatus Airframe, imported from Italy through Beechcraft. Fake and gay. Textron is a losing company. They also lay off their most experienced employees and hire new people for half the wage after some basic training. It's the same across all of their Business Units. Bell, Cessna, Lycoming, Greenlee, Beechcraft, etc,etc. It's no wonder the Military is not relying on them any more. Their Field Service people are severely lacking as well, due to the aforementioned issues. Get rid of the principal people, and hire new senior techs at half of what the principals made. Shit is broken a lot longer and not Mission Capable for MUCH longer periods. They've done it to themselves. It's kind of nice watching it all burn down now. I hope Leonardo is successful. Fuck textron.