To clarify,
Extract from Hansard 5 Dec 2002:
Merlin Helicopters 5 Dec 2002 : Column 928W
Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government is on target to deliver the remainder of the 44 Royal Navy Merlin helicopters that are due for delivery by December 2002; what the in-service date is of
those remaining aircraft; if he will outline the overall cost of the Merlin Helicopter Programme; and if he will make a statement. [85358]
Dr. Moonie: All 44 of the Royal Navy Merlin Mkl helicopters have been delivered. The final aircraft was delivered on 2 December 2002.
The overall cost of the Merlin Mkl Helicopter programme is £4.183 billion.
ppruners,
The figures quoted earlier in the thread presumably are just for the aircraft.
Since the 4.1 billion project covered research and development, test flying, ship mods, training facilities, simulators, hangars, manpower issues, manufacturing costs and profit etc etc yet all items essential to develop and purchase the thing. The plain and simple answer to the thread is to divide 4.1 billion by 44 (or so), which is a v scary number. Frighten yourself more by dividing 4.1 billion by the number actually servicable or fully mission capable today !!!!!
It is only government money after all which has gone back into UK industry in the main. I believe it is a really nice bit of kit and has more world leading features, sensors and capabilities than any other military helicopter. Thats what quality defence from all potential threats costs these days.
pp