WEB, thanks for the welcome (-: From a procurement point of view I'm always sceptical that we buy the absolute best equipment/get mesmerised by the USN when in fact requirements might be met with cheaper (dare I say COTS?) solutions. The current Sea King AEW was a bodge job post Falklands- yet by some accounts has evolved into a highly capable and valuable piece of kit. The downside seems to be endurance and operating ceiling? Hence my suggestion that we purchase a commercial twin engine and transfer the grey boxes over.
SASless- Twin Otters don't offer much of a ceiling increase over Sea Kings?
The importent thing about this program is to get the carriers themselves built, worrying about the aircraft is like cancelling your latest car because you can't afford the leather trim. The ships will last forty to fifty years and during that time naval aviation will change dramatically. Of course its nice to get the trim sorted at purchase, but don't sabotage the whole deal in the process. Hence interest in Gripen (-: