LZ
Thank you for your summary of the FMEA procedures on the EH101.
Clearly ths thread has wondered well offthe Merlin Entering Service line but here goes (all my own opinion without comittment or bias!):
The facts as I see them.
For an aircraft to enter UK service it must have a safety case that is acceptable to the procuring authority. Such a safety case will be agreed by a combination of service and civilian specialists working for or on behalf of he procuring authority. Such a safety case will begin with the contractors safety case with omissions or other changes made as the case develops. This case is in no way hidden from the Service as it is directly involved in its production. Merlin is in service,QED an acceptable safetycase exists or is reaching conclusion.
No safety case wil ever cover every concievable malfunction combination so operators are reliant on the general engineering design basis when push comes to shove.
The best indication of reliability is safe flight hours flown. I think that AUG did their long term hours building in Italy and Scotland to test the longevity of the EH101 major components.
In summary, The Merlin is here and now. Its had a chequered start but the RN and RAF are currently fielding an ac which has been extensively analysed and tested. I would like to hear from Merlin OPERATORS. Whats bad (and good) about it. Can they do the job safely and effectively with it?