Puma Mk2 Life Extension Programme

[Kate142]

With regards to the SDSR there seem to be many opinions on which of the helicopter platforms, if any, will suffer. Does anyone have any thoughts on the future viability of the Puma Life Extension Programme?

[TorqueOfTheDevil]

Thoughts? You'll be inundated.

Facts? Harder to come by, till October at least...

[pumaboy]

With the money to be spent on a life extension programme why did the MoD not buy AS532 UL Cougars off the production line which would have made more sence than spending money on 40 year old airframes which are now past their selll by date.

The Cougars have a larger cabin more power and are very reliable and money better spent and in service with many airforces around the world.

I'm glad the money had not been spent on the NH-90 after hearing major problems in the German airforce.

[Oldlae]

I guess that spending money on maintaining aircraft that are owned is a must to retain the operational requirement. Buying new aircraft is a different story even though it makes good sense economically or otherwise. Politicians :}.