BR71, in a way you're correct. The brass massage the situation to achieve their desired outcome. I was talking to folks about the Sea Kings the other day. With an avionics upgrade they could continue to operate for at least another ten years. The airframe hours are quite low at an average of 8000. [there is a an H-3 water bomber in WA right now on contract that has 49000 hrs on the airframe they said!]. Keeping a dozen or so upgraded Hueys [when we own them] as utility ships would be smart.
Bit like the old days when the RAAF did not operate any small comms aircraft and we'd send a Herc or P-3 to pick up the CAS or whomever for a trip from Richmond to Williamtown etc. How good was that for the use of valuable equipment?
Brig Fraser was hell bent on four types only in the ADF.
