The Japanese had previously asked questions about aircraft being developed.

This time, most countries developed new aircraft specifically for the Challenge.

Developing a working aircraft would cost another $10 billion to $15 billion.

In recent years he has tried without success to develop a new single-pilot aircraft.

In the Europeans' view, government aid was essential if they were to break into the business and develop modern aircraft.

"We saw that we would not be developing a bigger aircraft than the 195," he said.

Further developments were aimed at developing a viable military aircraft from this basic design.

Forecasting that only about 320 would be sold over the next two decades, Boeing decided not to develop such an aircraft.

When even this strategy seemed threatened, they started a crash programme to develop a new aircraft.

"They have developed aircraft," he said, slumping back in his chair, worn out and with no sense of victory.