Crab and Crabette,
As you are clearly better informed (especially Crabette!!) than us mere civilan mortals, perhaps you would like to explain what will make the AB 139 a good SAR helicopter.
Where will your beloved 360 radar go?
Where will the twin hoist fit?
When will the SAR autopilot be ready?
Where can a FLIR be fitted that won't get knocked off on rough ground?
Where will all the SAR kit go?
With all the above fitted, how far will it go?
I saw the AB139 at Helitech and the Agusta salesman seemed less sure on these points than you both seem to be.