From my (admittedly limited) knowledge of helicopters operated by the British military aren't many of them similar to 'Trigger's Broom', in that although the airframe serial numbers may be old a good amount of the component parts are fairly new?
The Chinook may have been around in RAF service since the late 70's but the rotor heads, gear boxes and engines haven't, which correct me if I'm wrong, are the most critical parts of what (very) basically is an iso container strapped to a means of dragging it into the air. Thats not for one second playing down what is done with the Chinnies BTW.
Whilst the Sea King may be old technology and whilst it may not be the most suitable aircraft for operations in Afghanistan does that automatically mean its 'old and knackered' or is it just being used in a role it was really designed for?
Yes I'd like to see the British military equipped with newer SH but realistically thats not going to happen.
Last edited by The Helpful Stacker; 11th Sep 2009 at 12:13.