Ok so the Puma/Sea King Replacement the RAF want Chinook and the Booties want a SH with the capability of Chinook.
Slight problem are the lifts on Ocean, Argus, Invincible etc big enough to take Chinook even without blades?
Are the hangers high enough or have the space to manouver the Chinook for maintenence?
If not how much extra cost will be added refitting the Amphibious fleet for Chinook.
Merlin is already at sea with the Royal and Italian Navies.
As to CSAR we need the capability we have relied to long on the Spams and the Frogs to provide it. And I would say the Navy is the best service to provide it.
1.they have the best helecopter pilots in the UK armed forces
2.They have some of the Best Role 1-2 medics in the UK armed forces
3.They have the best and most adaptable light role specialised infantry in the UK armed forces.
4. I would say most of our CSAR ops will have to be launched from a ship. (maybe a secondry role for Argus?)
BTW have we any possibility of getting AAR capability for the Merlin/Chinook like probes and a Tanker aircraft?