Having been rotors turning on a CVS deck in a Chinook and had a heavy Mk 1 Merlin lift from the spot in front I can assure you it has a mean downwash!
163627,
The PFI money is "turn key" for a service provision to include the helicopters, flight time and personnel. The theory is that it enabled the bidders to go to the market for both the finance and the aircraft, thereby securing the best deal for the taxpayer. Buying 20+ Merlins might seem a good idea now that AW/Leonardo are looking at a rapidly drying up order book but we would've have paid top dollar for them and be responsible for paying for aircrew and through life support from AW. Would have been, I guess, a lot more money than the PFI. However, some things are more important than the price tag.......