That's a width of over 7ft. What is the length of your stretcher?
The internal width of the 189 should not change a great deal if at all in some areas if you look at the 139 model. The floor points will be fitted in the floor and will not therefore reduce the width. The sea tray we will have to wait and see but again if it follows the 139 model there will be no reduction of width between the two sliding doors area. Granted you won't be able to have a party in there but it will work.
I agree with your opinion about the way military SAR has been seemingly dumped without thought but as I just said previously it's your bosses and other ministers that need consulting. If you want to vent your frustration on somebody start with them. Bristows are simply taking advantage of a contract won and will no doubt do their best in providing a good service. Until they are up and running none of us can really slate the service that has not even started yet.
There have been quotes to suggest that the service must be equal or better than the current system from the outset which I am sure is the plan but it's not often that a takeover of any kind is produces the said results from day 1.
I am sure the mil SAR had it's teething problems all those decades ago.
I agree with you completely that the mil will soon have a limited/no ability to select, train and release crews for the UK SAR. The mil model is second to none and one which must be preserved as much as poss in the new system.