Maroon Man
For the FAA Merlin is the best option they have it in service alread and have the crews and infrastructure to support it with the ASW/ASV fleet It could also take on the AEW role as the Italians have also done. The draw back with the current HC3 Merlin fleet is how ship compatable is it? in its current form can the Merlin HC3 be maintained on Ocean and Ark Royal without modifying the airframe?
wouldn't something like that be a better option for the Navy?
I agree there is a need for Chinook support to CHF and the current arrangement appears to work. Or if more airframes were available IE in a new buy situation then the formation of a dedicated squadron would be a good option.
The SAR sea kings will cease to be a problem when SAR is privatised.