The first batch of Pumas did not have a tail skid. None of the OCU; XW 197-203; or 33 Sqn; XW 204-216. 230 Sqn continued with XW217 onwards. Around Trembling Two they were attached to the aircraft coming out of Westlands and a couple were isued to Odiham. "They are never going to be retrofitted" was the official line; until 219(?) had a tailstrike in Stanton PTA and was heavily rearranged.
Three weeks later ALL the Pumas had skids on.