French help

I would like to correct two mistakes in your Farnborough special (Flight International, 16-22 July). The introduction of the "Home Guard" article says that the UK set the pace with Concorde, "with a little help from the French".

I remind you that this programme was signed on an equal basis between the UK and France, with a 40:60 split for the airframe, and a 60:40 split for the engine, respectively. Also note that twice the UK tried to cancel the programme and each time only French determination saved it.

Also, the US heritage of the Falcon business jets, mentioned in the "Aiming High" article, does not in fact lie in Lindbergh persuading Juan Trippe to take "a dozen Falcon 20s". It actually started with a huge order for 40 Mystére XXs, with 120 options.

Philippe Jung

President, History Commission Association A‚ronautique et Astronautique de France, Verneuil sur Seine, France

Source: Flight International