Based on the fact that a Puma HASBEEN performing fantastically for years then is that enough to satsify the current requirements for more helicopters? and even if and when it does get it's new engines do you really believe it will get a 'huge' improvement in terms of lift and improvement? I agree any is better than none but we are still not talking anywhere much above 1500 Kg at most for any useful distance.
The "gold standard" could have more than doubled the lift capability of the Puma fleet - that's pretty
'huge' in terms of improvement. Even the likely "silver standard" will increase lift capacity by almost 20% assuming a 5T APS. Also, a "useful distance" in Iraq is not really that far. There are enough refuels available everywhere necessary and if loiter time is what's required then you are using the wrong cab on so many levels...
In terms of effectiveness the Puma upgrade works in terms of timescale and cost.
As for the Merlin being an expensive cab to bus around MND SE, yes you could say that, but what is the alternative if it wasn't there? Is a Chinook any cheaper?
Yes, because you would not need to replicate the support chain for a different type. No idea about per-hour costs though.
Ask the GOC and his Commanders which aircraft they have asked for time and time again?
4000 or so troops for RiP in anything smaller than a Merlin/Chinook would take about three months not three weeks.
So roulement out some Chinooks/Merlins for the RiP just as we did in NI. You're also making more of a pro-Chinook argument here as they can carry more pax. That, or Mi-26...