Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence is currently exploring options as part of the concept phase for the Merlin Life sustainment programme. It is therefore too early in the programme to be able to confirm details regarding cost, scope and aircraft weight and performance.
The cost just for the aircraft work is £0.5 Billion. Not sure the money is available with the UK stuck in recession and runaway inflation. If a order for that much was around the corner would HMG really let AW ditch 300 plus jobs at the worst possible time for jobless stats and especially after getting a 'job saving' loan of several millions from the nice Mr Cable not many weeks ago. The RW 2* eluded to Mk3 struggling in H&H at his brief today. The cab is a white elephant and the best thing would be is for it to be retired gracefully post ops in 2015, if the aircraft lasts that long.