Fact - The MCA are advised when RAF/RN bases are off state. SYY MCA call the SYY SAR unit to say that Lossiemouth are off state and SYY have to cover their area, it also happens elsewhere.
FAct - MCA units do not have RCS (and I know what i stand for)
Fact - The Mk3A did not go out of service after a month. Introduction was delayed due to the avionics/autopilot problems and when they were sorted, then the aircraft entered service.
Fact - the only capability differences that exists at the moment between the RAF and CHC/Bristows aircraft are:
1. Lack of NVG.
2. Lack of autohover on the standby aircraft.
The RAF wins on both these points, but, that is all. There's not much between the two services and in any case the gap will diminish with once CHC have taken over Portland. Then its only NVG and that will be sorted out with SARH (wont it?)