Military aircraft of the Year 2012

[Jona33]

I like the 787, nice plane, I got to see one of the prototypes, so many electronics, had the entire cabin filled with rows of kit. Fantastic range.

[aaron886]

When I want your opinion on my judgement of values. I'll give you it OK.

 

Woah, alright big man, my bad! Maybe the MV-22 supporters didn't want your opinion, did ya think about that? :D

[tflash]

With 7 crashes and 36 fatalities in a 12-year span, I certainly do not want to claim the introduction of the MV-22 has been a smooth one.

 

It is one of the last aircraft designs that introduce genuine new mechanical complexity; most current designs avoid this and focus on electronics instead. I still find an open MV-22 nacelle a little worrying sight: http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1641628&postcount=10899

 

But I think in 2012 we came to a point where it has become a standard part of transport equipment. This hasn't come easy and is for the moment without any competition. It would take > 10 years for others to rival this design.

[tflash]

No opinion on the military side of things.

On the civil side. After many delays and a lot of money. I think the 787 has earned top marks. It has set a new standard of efficiency and comfort. A few minor problems but it has proven itself so far.

 

The airbus 380 has had a rough year. From engines catching fire, to cracks being found in the wing spars on low hour aircraft. I think airbus has taken a beating for this. This may have been over a year ago now. It is still fresh in my mind. Bottom score.

 

I'm also a fan of Boeing's 787 but as many other planes its introduction is a little bit marred by problems: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-boeing-dreamliner-review-20130112,0,5802912.story

[marcos]

The A330 MRTT is certainly enjoying a lot of commercial success.