Merlin HM2 / Crowsnest

[163627]

I've just finished a pleasant BH lunchtime reading an interesting article on the Merlin HM2 / Crowsnest combination, which if it does as it says on the tin should be a significant enhancement over the current capability. However, I've just done a rough calculation on what I know of present and future tasks and to me the numbers don't add up once an additional 6 - 9 airframes are deployed on board one of the HMS Queen Elizabeth class. Is there a cunning plan to increase the numbers in the fleet above thirty or will some current "important" tasking get ditched? Finally, although I can see the logic of all the airframes being Crowsnest capable I just cannot invesage one having its role equipment changed once embarked and deployed?

[Mechta]

A while back LM were talking about having the option to operate Crowsnest unmanned. Has that been dropped, or is it still on the cards?

[Heathrow Harry]

I suspect a lot of capabilities will be downgraded/cancelled once we try and build a functioning UK Carrier Battle Group

It will stretch ships, aircraft personnel and cash beyond the limit

[alfred_the_great]

I've just finished a pleasant BH lunchtime reading an interesting article on the Merlin HM2 / Crowsnest combination, which if it does as it says on the tin should be a significant enhancement over the current capability. However, I've just done a rough calculation on what I know of present and future tasks and to me the numbers don't add up once an additional 6 - 9 airframes are deployed on board one of the HMS Queen Elizabeth class. Is there a cunning plan to increase the numbers in the fleet above thirty or will some current "important" tasking get ditched? Finally, although I can see the logic of all the airframes being Crowsnest capable I just cannot invesage one having its role equipment changed once embarked and deployed?

Tasks will have to be stopped.

[tucumseh]

if it does as it says on the tin should be a significant enhancement over the current capability

Over 27 years after many of the ASaC Mk7 equipment specs were written, I should hope so!

[ORAC]

http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/userdata/images/large/PRODPIC-694.jpg

[tucumseh]

Nice one ORAC. Eye-wateringly expensive, as was avionics of the day! Interestingly, the Critical Design Review for the new radar transmitter was held that month, on the 22nd, the day Maggie resigned.

[Martin the Martian]

I've heard a few mutterings (of the my friend's brother's best mate kind) recently about the Navy looking at a single Merlin MOB and combining both fleets. With MDMF at Culdrose and several empty hangars it would make some sense to put the CHF in there from a logistics point of view, but on the other hand could the pingers be accommodated at Yeovilton?

Any thoughts?

[polyglory]

Cats and traps on the Carriers would have sorted a hell of a lot out and not just being type bound one one aircraft/Helo

[HEDP]

Surely there will be too many Apaches accommodated at Yeovilton once the Merlins consolidate at Culdrose.....