The timescales of getting any form of LR MPA back into service militates against the RAF retaining any form of crews in a "seedcorn" role. The RN have not abandoned ASW and are continuing to train ASW Observers and aircrewmen. It should be from here that any re-introduced capability is grown and operated. If and when a funding line is established (presumably post SDSR 2015 or 2020), the RN can start feeding Merlin crews into the USN programme in readiness for the introduction into service of a UK P8. In terms of economies of scale it would be ridiculous to have 2 Services operating ASW assets.
Last edited by Pheasant; 21st Jun 2012 at 08:39.