however
after over 40 years we still don't have a foldable CH47 which makes me think it's impossible, if it could be done it would have been done by now, so the counter Merlin argument is a bit moot.
A marinised Ch47 is never going to happen, if you want big lift then buy CH53, at least that has a naval pedigree.
Oh they might be flying in formation with swine, coz both scenarios are about as likely.
If you want a large volume foldable, maritime helo, there's only one out there, it's in service with the UK, it's in an amphibious role already with the MMI and all the work will be done in the UK with a UK workforce to modern design standards (not from the 60's).
No other scenario is credible, the big question is who owns them in the long run, and my view on that is posted above
DM