The rumour (and it is only rumour on a rumour network) is that NH 90 will be the 'one stop shop' encompassing both the BLUH and SCMR capabilities as will as satisfying some of the NAOs damning report on lack of lift.
The word on the street is that yes we (MoD Plc) are that broke that we are having to cut significantly our expectations. This has been assisted politically by NH 90 being built in Yeovil, preserving a number of jobs.
At the higher levels in the Joint arena this is also being received well as NH 90 (traditionally an SH/Combat Service Support asset) will have a Find capability and integrate into a Formation ISTAR/C4ISR plan. All of the NH 90 will have the LRUs for the various roles, but the sights, weapon hard points, seating etc will form part of the role equipment (bit like another SH type conducting an operational ISTAR role).
The RAF in particular love this concept and are supporting 110% as they see another way to nail the AAC out of the picture. The thin end of the wedge will be allowing NCO pilots to fly NH 90 in the SH and ISTAR role, next step will be to commission them (as per the RN's 847 NAS template, and then before you know it-thank you very much, no requirement for teeny weenie airways as 48 frontline Apache doesn't really warrant having a Corps. Does it?
Just rumour remember!
