So the answer is that the aux tank fit has now been cleared for use and is permanently fitted on the Stornoway aircraft - why didn't you just say that in the first place Calli?
The MCA said that the aux tank fit would give a 300nm RoA so I guess from what has been said that you now come up aginst an AuM limit and can't get full fuel in with full SAR role kit. So the new shiny machine has exactly the same problem as the old !!!!ty one
So much for progress!
But I believe the aux tank fit reduces the cabin space available - anyone care to state how many seats there are available for survivors with the aux tanks in?
5 full crews to maintain one aircraft on full cover........that's 25% more expensive than the military (going down to 4 crews) who have 2 aircraft - of course civilianisation is cheaper than the military....not!