Evalu8ter - the Wessex didn't have the luxury of a mid-life update as the Puma has and even after the update the 'Plastic Pig' Mk2 has plenty of problems with serviceability -look how long it took to come on line.
Adapting to new avionics is just a matter of training - I'm ex-Wessex/Lynx/Sea King but the transition to 139 was very straightforward.
However, I completely agree the 139 is not a battlefield helicopter - it is far too precious with it's electrics/avionics even if it has a sh*t ton of power available.
Not to go off on a total tangent but re Puma Mk2 cost as a comparison when you consider mid life upgrades. Wasn’t it sold as an upgrade securing U.K. jobs, yet initially at least the work was conducted in Romania? Also at £20 million per airframe, at least what has been quoted, you could have bought the new H215 as the Spanish Air Force have done for SAR. More capability and longevity than any MLU.
Also given the RAF previously reverse engineered a South African Oryx from Makila back to Turmo power yet have now done the opposite why didn’t they also upgrade the sponsons to the larger type given more grunt? Seems a waste and a half. Where has that £20m gone apart from avionics and engines?