Xmit: Yes the SAR S92 will incorporate the internal tank (port side) and allow for a stretcher on top. But as you intimated - this will INCREASE the range the SeaKing could go to, so it is an "enhancement" of the Service.
Merlin/101: Point to ponder (irrespective of its capability as a SAR cab/heavy lift / police a/c (Japan) et al):
The damn thing cost >70hrs maintenance for every hour it flies in the military. So in civvy speak it still equates to atleast >40hrs maintenance for every 1hr flying. The maintenance costs are astronomical.
Who in their right mind would ever entertain such a financially suicidal option???
Why buy a Bentley when a Mondeo fits perfectly?