When the RAF first procured the Wessex Mk 2, the RN were already operating Mk 1s, 3s and 5s - the Mk 2 being very close to the Mk 5. (in them days, there was a rule that if RN and RAF were operating the same type, RN would have odd, and RAF even Mk numbers).
But the RAF were (allegedly) worried by the folding tail on the Mk 5, which meant you could get more in carriers.
"Please Mr Westland, we don't like the idea of folding tails - might be dangerous - please make our Mk 2s without!"
"But Mr RAF, that's the way we make them!!"
"Don't care - please make ours with FIXED tails."
"OK - but it'll cost yer ......"
And so, Best Beloved, the Mk 2s initially arrived without folding tails. Lo and behold, it was then discovered that - had we had folding tails - we could get more in
hangars.
"Excuse me Mr Westland, can you please retrofit our Mk 2s with folding tails .... er .... like the Mk 5s."
"OK - but it'll cost yer ......"
So we paid twice for what we could have had for nothing. (never got the big Mk 5 cabin windows though!)
