LJ thanks for the link, it sounds so simple to build an MPA. It failed to mention ASW which is our core requirement, or compare the operating cost per hour with the various real MPA platforms.
Not much ground clearance to load the bombays shown in some photos, also looks like the radar is a compromise due to available space and not as capable as real LRMPA.
USCG have a very different mission requirement, we have a separate AT fleet. As for A2G weapons, we needed them 10 years ago but it never happened.
If it could actually do all the things LM say (and ASW) and our service were forward thinking enough to get all the options to give it all the extra capabilities it would be great, sounds very expensive though.
Re SAAB 2000 MPA, it also only exists on paper.
P-3 or P-8 are the only sensible option for our requirement, perhaps updated Atlantique 2.
I'm not the biggest P-8 fan but it will do what we want and a future force of ISR platforms based on the 737 airframe would make a lot of sense,
Lexington Institute
MPA in 5 years, AEW in 10 years and ELINT/SIGINT in 15 years and we have a 'common' fleet with mahoosive savings in so many areas, another GEMS! It will never happen
