RAF will be flying more than one type long term. Puma 2 will be replaced. By what and in what numbers is not yet known - but there is an appreciation that the CH47 can't do everything.
Down trading to Ch47s from Merlins? Don't think so.....more payload, more range, more survivable, more flexible....oh, it's just a bit noisier and vibrates a bit more!!
The strategy is based on analysis that has been consistant for over 20 years - for a country of our size a fleet of 60-75 CH47s is the most cost-effective way to move kit around a battlefield. Only political belligerence and AW marketing/lobbying has stopped this happening before.
No case at all made for the FAA or AAC to take the SH force. Why? ASW aside the FAA will only have 28 SH cabs (Merlin) and the army 30-odd LUH Wildcat. Therefore, with 70 CH47s I'd argue that the SH force is better placed to absorb ALL SH assets, leaving the WAFUs to hunt subs and the AAC to hunt tanks.....
