DM,
This is an extract from Sikorsky's own site
It can fly programmed search patterns for one
hour at 190 nautical miles (352 km) with standard
fuel and 345 nautical miles (639
km) with aux fuel. With standard
fuel the S92 helicopter can
rescue 2 survivors at 205 nautical miles (380 km) and ten at 180
nm (334 km). With the optional
auxiliary tanks installed these
distances expand out to 320 nm
(593 km) and 290 nm (537 km).
I think TC is a lost cause, he obviously has a rabid dislike of the Merlin and its derivatives.
I trained on them in 1998 and am still involved in their maintenace and what I can tell you is that a good support contract and a skilled workforce such as at Culd ensure the aircraft can meet all its tasking. I don't see the Seaking SAR boys gloating about how much work the Merlin guys have to do down here in sunny Cornwall and they often share a hardstanding.
As an engineer I'm very clear on how man hours are compiled for servicing and you shouldn't believe everything you read about the big bad Merlin and it's terrible serviceability. I fear that many of the past stories from operators who were still learning and dealing with immature supply chains and poor purchase and maintenance contracts; will be held up as empirical evidence of a "white elephant" by those who are probably nowhere near an operational Merlin today.
Cheers now