DM - thanks for your input re the Mk3...you have elaborated even more than I was intially prepared to go. While you are correct that the original spec called for operation from ships...in terms of permanent operation from ships, as would be required by a "proper" CHF variant, and of course, the Mk1/2 variants, then no substantial measures were taken at build to enable this. As you rightly state we had run out of the cash - in 98 there was a further (fleeting) possibility we could have integrated folding heads in the last 2/3rds of the build at a "discount" price during SDR98.....but this was also rejected at the time given the aircraft's already limited payload capability against that very Mk3 spec to which you refer and no substanial support from the relvant MoD offices who were more focussed on delivering other major issues within that SDR, and it was pre-formation of the JHC. It still leaves the dilema that the Mk3 is not suitable for prolonged operations from ships, and without substantial improvement work...which in itself will prove costly, there will be long term cost of ownership issues, if and when the Mk3s are employed within the CHF role.
Cheers