Glojo I really don't think that cats+traps meant Hawkeye, COD and AAR.
The plans always been F35 + rotary wing as far as I can see looking at any public domain information available.
Plus rather a lot of money is being spent on the Merlins so you'll have a tiny buy of Hawkeyes with an American equipment supply chain spares etc and no consideration of UK specific requirements. Then no money going to the UK defence industry (and hence cycling back as corporation tax, income taxes and VAT) when you've lot quite a lot more platforms available that fit with all the training of your FAA crews.
Cats+traps makes it possible but I think it would be a hopeful pipedream to be honest.
Last edited by eaglemmoomin; 11th Apr 2013 at 12:22.