"but just as many sqns"
But thats where the statistics get distorted
During the Falklands war the navy was able to send around 55 Wessex 5 south, plus they had enough for at least a 12-strong "squadron" still at Yeovilton (admittedly two were gaily-painted admirals barges, and one was still in 1960's brown/green camouflage).
At the same time, the SK4 fleet would have been around 23 - not including the two Mk4X trials aircraft. (Contrary to what I thought earlier, the last 18 were built after the Falklands)
So, around 100 available CHF aircraft, for a nominal strength of two squadrons (845 & 846) though as we know, a number of "extra" squadrons were created overnight.
Thats rather a lot more than a few hand-me-down Merlins. For the same number of cut-down carriers (two) , 2x LPD amd Engadine (plus whatever the RFAs could carry)
Last edited by jamesdevice; 18th Oct 2011 at 20:33.