MM4,
There are 35 mk3 crews. There are less pumas in the P2 programme than we have at present, and the present force is full to bursting. We are getting 12 of the 22 promised wokkas. Do the maths.....
Do you really think the Merlin crews can be absorbed into Puma and Chinook? I can't really get bitter over handing Merlin to the RN as they need something to replace the SK with. The decision at the moment is to transfer it lock stock. That's life.... However, mk3 is patently unsuitable, will cost a packet to modify and train the new crews and will not be fit for purpose at the end of it. MLSP fixes what aint broke and makes no performance enhancing difference to what is a wheezy airframe. The RAF will end up deploying to sea anyway to augment the lift required.
What's the point of crowing about Puma? Puma 2 is a minor sop. It polishes the turd for another 10 years. Whoopy do..