Hmmm merlin 4572m=15,000ft, osprey 27,000ft(
), hawkeye 37,000ft quoted service ceilings
Why do we ALWAYS get the BEST operators and then lumber them with the LEAST performing kit?
What is going to be the greatest (military) threat to our fleet and what will be the best way to give maximum warning? height/altitude of the radar set for starters closely followed by performance of on-board number crunching systems, only one of the three examples is proven in this field.
Come to think of it haven't the RN gone about this in completely the wrong manner?
Shouldn't they be making the best case for protecting the asset (UK PLC investment) before splashing 100 of millions of £ on offensive systems???
Just a thought.
