Originally Posted by
EESDL
Not sure what the fuss is about.
I understand that this is a 'rumour network' but the odd FACT would not go amiss.
There is only one option that can be delivered in the timeframe and at the quantities required and with the role configs already approved - and with EXACTLY the same engines as we are already using for AH64E. And it's not the 60-'M'.
It's a model with genuine UK content - as we all know, the airframe is the 'cheap' bit, it's the Bells & Whistles which cost.
A combat-proven design (>2-million hours) recently used for the Jolly Green 2 and to be supported to 2070.
A type where there are immediate avenues where UK air and groundcrews could go and get experience on type so no manning gap.
A type previously and currently flown by UK serving personnel.
A type that actually exists (>15-million hours) in required format - not 'imagined'
I can see no way that a refurbished airframe will make it to the final selection phase for a UK replacement. This is not what the military, politicians, and general tax-paying public are looking for, and no politician in their right mind would push this as a solution. As a non-OEM, the prospect of supporting this platform is frightening, especially considering you can purchase a contemporary model UH-60 (not that I'm endorsing that solution) with full OEM support and complete FMS support. You need to consider the UK history with the Puma upgrade (disgraceful waste of money) or the Nimrod (even greater disgusting waste of money), or the disastrous UK'ized Chinook to understand that there is no appetite for this type of solution.