3D - a point worth mentioning when trying to compare the reaction (or lack of it) by the RAF compared to Bristows is that the two events were separated by about 15 years and during that period the whole litigious society syndrome was imported from the USA. The MoD didn't need to worry significantly in the 80s about being sued if they did nothing about the BoI's report - they did this on many occasions (Puma anticipators anyone?). How different for a civilian company in the 90s where failure to act could be seen as negligent if a similar event occurred again. That would hurt the bank balance and is a powerful motivator for change. You can see the difference today with the way the MoD reacts to criticisms about quality of kit because families are prepared to sue and cause lots of bad
PR.
As for FLIR - it did take a lot of effort to get it but the wait was worth it - until QWIP technology and staring arrays became available, the FLIR kit wasn't up to the job of finding a head in the water (obviously still attached) and we would not have been able to upgrade once the kit was bought.
The biggest problem with SARH is going to be affording it - the country is broke thanks to Tony and Gordon and £3-5 Bn is a lot of dosh - especially since the cost will go up as the bidders can't meet the required spec within current costings.
The answer is to leave well alone and give the Sea Kings a new lease of life with Carson Blades, structural package and avionics upgrades. Cheap at twice the price and no reduction in capability. Unfortunately Sir Clive's train is going the wrong way for those of us in the RAF - but it's OK, we can watch the Typhoon at airshows
