How many of you remember Steve Austin? And no, I\u2019m not talking about the former professional wrestler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those of a similar vintage to me will know that Steve Austin was the Six Million Dollar Man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Never heard of it? Well, it was an American sci-fi action-adventure TV series from the 1970s, starring Lee Majors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time, it was massive and, as a kid, I loved it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was about a former astronaut, who after being seriously injured in a test flight crash, is rebuilt using bionic implants that give him superhuman strength, speed and vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is then deployed as a secret agent on all sorts of dangerous missions. Exciting stuff, eh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rebuild of Colonel Austin, to give him his proper title, was done at considerable expense \u2013 hence the title of the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, $6 million was a huge amount of money back then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But today, while still considered a sizable sum, it probably might only buy you a bionic little finger at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six million back in the 1970s was a major (or should that be Majors?) headline grabbing figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what would be considered a nailed on front-page figure these days?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try \u00a39 billion \u2013 because that\u2019s how much a deal signed last month between Derby\u2019s Rolls-Royce<\/a> Submarines and the Ministry of Defence was worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n