Keesje wrote:
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I think in the end UK, France, Germany will sit around the table and come to a joint basic MPA requirement.
As you point out, likely to be a version of the A319/320/321 family, depending on national requirement.
It makes sense. Whether the UK needs the requirement now, is open to debate. Soon may not be soon enough ?
British Airways fly a Airbus A318 from New York direct to London City Airport.
Airbus A319 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
I still prefer four engines.
Welcome to the MPA Enterprise.
With large bomb doors, MAD boom, accommodation for a relief crew, extra fuel tanks, side cargo door(rear ramp and doors removed),powerful radar system,all the knobs and bells to hunt submarines and ships, Elint suit, Link 16/11/22, cruise missile launch,long time on station patrol, zoom camera system for observation. Something to deal with pirates. Finally a large price tag, which will not come from the aircraft, but all the kit inside it.
Such is the reliability of twin engined aircraft. Like Keesje, I suspect that eventually, Europe will go for Airbus A319 or A320.