GPMG,
Totally agree - the very heroic actions were forced upon these crews that were having to scrape the barrel for this immediate combat recovery. They were forced into this corner/decision by the lack of assets availible at that moment at time - without second guessing, I wonder IF there had been a credible immediate combat recovery plan/brief availible would they have opted for their actions?
I get the feeling that the lack of SH lift will eventually hit home - and I believe this incident will further the case, and as I have said in earlier posts anything (including a Lynx) would surely have been better than an 2 AH flying back into harms way with untrained (I didn't say not briefed) individuals heath robinson secured to the aircraft conducting what looks like an emergency procedure.
I can see a possible knee jerk reaction of Sea Kings now being sent into theatre to try an appease this fallout and sudden (now public?) realisation and understanding of the implications of not enough SH lift assets. I just hope that the junglies (who also are renowned for their 'can do' attitude) are not placed in exactly the same situation in an aircraft that is limited in performance. Looking at some of the heights and temperatures out there even the Sea King with go faster stripes and fluffy dice improvements may be seen wanting.
Why is everyone else investing in SH lift (French, Germans, Australians and even the Kiwis with NH90!) and we are left doing significantly more, with less and extremes of environment? Can someone please quantify and define the peace dividends from the fall of the Warsaw Pact, because all I see is less/wrong investment in a highly volatile and kinetic world.
Which penny hasn't dropped or how much risk are our Lords and Masters willing to take? Not over dramatic, or inter Service rivalry or playing politcs - just stating fact:
SUPPORT HELICOPTERS ARE AN ESSENTIAL ENABLER AND COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT THAT SAVES LIVES - WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FOR THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF OPERATIONS THAT WE ARE ENGAGED IN - THEREFORE LIVES WILL BE LOST AS A RESULT UNLESS EITHER THE OPERATIONAL TYPE/TEMPO IS REDUCED OR MORE SUPPORT HELICOPTERS ARE PROCURED Forgive me, I am beginning to sound like WEBF and his hallowed Sea Harrier thread - so I will get off my soap box.
