Althenick
Can't just transfer to the RN - they've always maintained that their numbers are spot on and that they can fully man the Merlin, so surely there aren't any slots for RAF aircrew to transfer into ? Apparently all of their costings for the transfer have always been spot on too. Looking forward to seeing them published - then we can all see if this is all worth it.
Pheasant
Yes, it is going ahead - I know in the past I've said it wouldn't but it is very much so. Humble pie being eaten here for you Tourist. Don't know anything about the marinisitation of the cabs, the biggest challenge is going to get the crews trained against the background of operations whilst the RAF guys also try and get released into other jobs. No, the RAF will not automatically pick up a Chinook cockpit, or a Puma cockpit or any other cockpit.the original plan was 28 merlin's for 24 new chinooks - that ain't happening, go figure.