Toward the end of the SHAR Mk1 > Mk2 conversion programme, AMSO initiated a 15 year spares buy for Mk1-peculiar spares.
As the funding was allocated to "SHAR" (whatever Mark it may be), this left Mk2 potless, explaining most spares shortages throughout its short life. I wonder if these unused spares are still around. Must be worth a few bob.
Again, not just a pop at AMSO (they fielded a 2 Star - DGSM - to jump on the PE staff who highlighted the deliberate waste to auditors). The same ASE **** who agreed to avionics being scrapped (see previous post) agreed this was a good way to spend Mk2 money, and didn't say a word.
As they say, take aim at foot, volley fire. Sort out failures such as this and watch capability grow.