Its probably worth a look at what roughly equivalent army aviation units are operating in Europe.
The French still operate over 300 Gazelle and are looking forward to the NH90 to replace some of the 158 Puma variants. 67 Tigers
The Germans are operating 79 Bell UH1 (1962 design!!!) 185 BO 105, 108 CH 53(40 which are just being upgraded, another 1960's design), 78 Tigers, 75 NH 90 on order.
Italy has 130 Huey variants, 22 A109, 109 Bell 206, 39 Chinook, 60 129, 60 NH 90 on order.
Spain has 40 Huey variants, 13 206, 17 Chinooks, 47 Pumas, 24 Tiger, 58 BO105, NH 90 on order to replace the Hueys and Pumas.
UK 70 Gazelle, 100 Lynx, 67 Apache, 40 future Lynx on order.
The first thing that strikes is how small the AAC is given UK military commitments.
Secondly all the attack helicopters are operated by army aviation units around Europe..
Thirdly none of the other European nations seem to have a problem with the army operating up to Chinook size.
The European committment to the NH 90 has left the UK out in the cold. We should bite the bullet cancel future Lynx, order the NH90 and tell Westland to try and get on board with Boeing for a Chinook replacement. In any case Westlands is now part of the group building the NH 90. We can't continue to support Westland at the taxpayers and the militaries expense. I doubt that there will be much scope for overseas sales of future Lynx so the whole development burden will fall on the UK taxpayer.
If UK governments want to be a world player then they are going to have to stump up the money. I question their priorities, World player or Olympic games? £20billion buys a lot of helicopters. The AAC needs a firm commitment from the government as to it's future, I am not holding my breath!!!!!!!