Vince,

I think he always has been!

What I find is particularly unusual about the Desire for its time (aside from the over square aspect ratio), is it's flat bottom. I think in the '80's there were several flat top designs but few flat bottom ones. The desire almost seems to have reversed the fuse concept and putting the pipe above the wing rather than below it is also a nice touch - DH Calypso style as Mike puts it.

I think a curved fuse bottom is mandatory nowadays in F3A 2+2.

Mike, any particular thoughts on insulation material these days for the lite-ply floor in the pipe area?

David.