Originally Posted by
rrekn
Not quite Hilife,
The AW149 was designed as a military platform and then adapted to become the civil AW189. I take your point it has no combat experience, but it would be available quickly (and cheaply) and suit most of the roles that it's likely to find itself in. It need only last 10 years until the FVL is available.
I appreciate that AW/Leonardo are familiar with having money thrown at them but are you seriously suggesting that the 189/149/WG30 should only last 10-years?
Is that your definition of Value 4 Money for UK- tax payer?
It will take more than 10-years for the WG30 to reach the frontline - it is simply a ‘cash cow’ for overseas shareholders - any re-config to cost a fortune in time and money.
All because Italy has given it a ‘mil approval’ does not mean it is a military aircraft.