Glad Rag, friend....I am talking about a rationale in principle for maintaining sufficient strength to support the civil powers if and when they should ever be need. That said, with what is coming in years ahead, there is more than enough reason to be concerned that greater levels of civil unrest are feasible....after all, we have not been immune in years gone by, never mind what has happened in part of the Kingdom in the last 40 years.
I will say no more than that
As for the MASC Merlin.....shame its not got an integrated radar under the fuselage?? Once there was a signifcant UK research prog to deliver radar capability from the main blades...as usual it was canned after early succcess...it was mostly pre-1982 and the re-emergence of the on-board AEW role...might have been a much better performer and far more graceful......but then lets hope there's enough cash left for any MASC solution when the time comes.
Cheers