Would an Islander fit the bill for re-supplying troops to augment the Chinook or would it be too slow and small for the job?
It has impressive STOL performance and carry a bit of freight, a re-supply of ammo or food & medical supplies would surely work and even Casevac.
The new Beech 200ER's are nearing service and they could release the Islanders for another role.
Maybe a bit slow and obviously limited to what it can carry of course.
Can't see the UK buying a transport aircraft the size of the C-27 at any time myself but it would be nice to get a surprise once in a while!
As for Bell 412's. The USMC are having 100 UH-1Y built brand new as far as i am aware. surely these are much cheaper options for a stop-gap measure?
Last edited by Razor61; 30th August 2007 at 00:50.