More Merlins?
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[from a good source] At least one sar winchman has been sent to benson with less than 2 weeks notice and another sar pilot has also gone early. does anyone know any other specifics on who will be flying these new aircraft?
You aint seen me right
A 
source mentioned that the slightly 'diffrent coloured' Merlins are arriving at the oxfordian cabrank and that 'they' may become a 'tiger' sqn...
Talking of the 'other' Merlin Sqn, has anyone won the plasma screen T.V. yet?
source mentioned that the slightly 'diffrent coloured' Merlins are arriving at the oxfordian cabrank and that 'they' may become a 'tiger' sqn...Talking of the 'other' Merlin Sqn, has anyone won the plasma screen T.V. yet?
Of course, but how do you pay for it?
2/3 of the Future Rotorcraft Capability Requirement funding has gone on 70 or so Future Lynx (roughly 40 Army, 30 Navy) to replace existing Lynxes and on the Merlin CSP.
You might say that when the main shortfall (so starkly outlined by the NAO) is battlefield lift, spending 2/3 of the available budget on attack, strike and ISTAR is a puzzling prioritisation, and I'd have to agree.
70 folding tailed Merlins replacing the SK4, Puma, and SK6(CR) would solve the lift (and amphibious lift) shortfalls at a stroke, but would cost £1.5 - £2 Bn.
2/3 of the Future Rotorcraft Capability Requirement funding has gone on 70 or so Future Lynx (roughly 40 Army, 30 Navy) to replace existing Lynxes and on the Merlin CSP.
You might say that when the main shortfall (so starkly outlined by the NAO) is battlefield lift, spending 2/3 of the available budget on attack, strike and ISTAR is a puzzling prioritisation, and I'd have to agree.
70 folding tailed Merlins replacing the SK4, Puma, and SK6(CR) would solve the lift (and amphibious lift) shortfalls at a stroke, but would cost £1.5 - £2 Bn.
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No. The Merlin is too big and can't physically get into places where SK/Pu can. It's also got a much larger downwash problem - an issue for urban ops. We need a mixture of large and medium lift platforms like, for example, a CH-47/EC725 mix...
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Of course, but how do you pay for it?
No. The Merlin is too big and can't physically get into places where SK/Pu can. It's also got a much larger downwash problem - an issue for urban ops.
Thread Starter
This is very true, physical size/weight/downwash is a big issue - though transportation speed (transport touchdown to helo takeoff) is where the Puma really wins over other frames.[/QUOTE]
I think you will find the Merlin is as quick, if not quicker, than the puma, and it can slow down faster. Also with greater fuel capacity it does not need to waste 15 mins refuelling every 1.30.
I think you will find the Merlin is as quick, if not quicker, than the puma, and it can slow down faster. Also with greater fuel capacity it does not need to waste 15 mins refuelling every 1.30.
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Tourist - you're right about the dimensions of SK v Merlin, but the downwash is a problem. I guess that leaves us with the Puma....
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I hate to say this but my 'cynic gland' tells me that the only reason people are pushing for Puma is because it's flown by the RAF.
I would hate to think that empire building & fence making would ever get in the way of an objective COEIA
I would hate to think that empire building & fence making would ever get in the way of an objective COEIA
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And just about every non-American Air Force/Army around the world. Must be a resaon for it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr-AEO
I hate to say this but my 'cynic gland' tells me that the only reason people are pushing for Puma is because it's flown by the RAF.
And just about every non-American Air Force/Army around the world. Must be a resaon for it.
Originally Posted by Mr-AEO
I hate to say this but my 'cynic gland' tells me that the only reason people are pushing for Puma is because it's flown by the RAF.
And just about every non-American Air Force/Army around the world. Must be a resaon for it.
Also, I think that the Mi-8/Mi-17 might be used by quite a few operators as well. Is this thread becoming a "The Puma's still quite good..." thread? I thought it was about buying additional Merlins??
