TC
Now that NPAS is flowing its quite clear that they don't need lots of helicopters that can do everything - they need a small number of aircraft that could carry, for example, 24 counter terrorism armed to the teeth blokes on fast ropes (to keep the Met happy) and the rest off the fleet needs to be able to cost effectively carry a camera system, 2 TFOs, night sun, downlink and a collection of radios to a required location. Occasionally they need to carry two more and often this is once fuel has been burnt off. The 429 can manage this easy - I do not know however what the hourly rate is but I do have an idea of what comparable twins cost. So if the 429 is cheaper then it would be a no brainer.
I love the MD902 but MD have plain and simply let the product down by not supporting the product. Of course I judge all aircraft in comparison to the venerable Bell 47 - a tough one to beat!
Longbox - pm on the way!