Have heard the same as above.
If the papers were correct this morning, and Puma will go soon to be replaced by Merlin, then it makes sense for the Air Corps to increase the size, payload capability etc etc of BLUH i.e. Blackhawk / NH90 / AB139.
Also, if the Air Corps have a D model Apache and Blackhawk, we can actually work on a similar level and pace to our cousins over the water.
There's no reason why 847 could not get the armed version of Blackhawk / Seahawk, ditto 657.
If not, then is NH90 only a Maritime aircraft or can it be sensibly used on land as well? Is AB139 used by anyone yet or is it still at the prototype stage?
Did not know that Westlands had the release contract to build Blackhawk. Is that for anyone in particular, or just a useful mistake?