Originally Posted by
SASless
RE the Puma replacement....why not buy off the shelf Blackhawks?
Sikorsky built Blackhawks....same as the latest generation US Army Models?
Lots of reasons for that to be a smart move.
One of the prime contenders for the Puma replacement is offering exactly that, "previously owned" Blackhawks with new engines and gearboxes as well as a digital Garmin cockpit. It also gives the UK Mil the numbers they are after (circa 44). If they go down the Airbus or Leonardo route they will get half the required numbers, judging by the cost of the Polish deal. AceHawk seems to also tick the local jobs box as well, although up North instead of the traditional Yeovil location.