Well, as we're the guys flying the mighty grey Merlin Mk 1, and therefore in the know, we can confirm the following rumours are in fact true:
1. :mad:
2. :mad:
3. ...and out of those, :mad: are going to :mad: very soon.
bugger. got one of those new fangled "anti-rumour" MoD computer keyboards, so it won't let me tell you about :mad: or even :mad: .
bugger again!!
VFTC

Latest news from just behind the front. Six Danish Merlins have been diverted to the RAF. The first manufacturers course for crew starts in Jan 07, with further crews to be available in Mar 07. No real news as to sqn numbering or whether they will be an extra flight on 28. The aircraft have considerable differences from the HC3s (they are more like the Merlin we should have).

Now all we need is some top brass to sign the approval:}

and the crews to fly them......:ugh:

Don't worry CBL you are on the top of the list to come across and take part in the new adventure. Will be interesting to see if the new Merlin Sqn boss wants to set up the Sqn properly and include a Crewman Leader like proper SH Sqns have/had......................



Or B........................

If the new Sqn boss is reading this, please take advice from those in the know.

It would be nice to reverse the trend.......

RODF3, Nutmeg, Mr AEO, Chillwinston,

Please check your PMs.

Can anyone with any info on the 'new' Merlins or Sqn plans PM me?:)

100% RAF? You 100% sure? :hmm:

Bighead - having just got my other half back from his last escapade to a giant sandpit, I would be interested to know what you know as he is far too keen. Would be grateful to know what you know via PM.

Before you ask, my other half is in the dark at the moment as well.

MTHP

brandnew - bear in mind that not only is there an -aq and an -an that need RW assets, but there will soon be an -ur as well, although probably for a short and pre-defined period.

Think it's going to be joint RAF/RN sqn at benson. 78 sqn was menioned. Flying Mk3As from the Danes.

-ur????

Am I being VERY dense?



And why did Mr Harding in the DTel say:

"The MoD is also considering an offer from the Danish military to purchase six Merlin helicopters which its military are said not to want because of the high maintenance costs, defence sources revealed."

I know that some Merlin operators are peeved with the spares shortages, and that some are having problems with aircraft availability as a result, but I'd thought that the Danes liked their Merlins.

The Danes problem is I believe a bit like the AAC Apache.
Lots of aircraft but not enough people trained to fly them, so getting rid of a few for a while probably looks like a good deal to them for the moment until they sort out their pipeline.

That has more of a ring of truth. Thanks, T

http://forsvaret.dk/NR/rdonlyres/C20...afiktroppe.jpg

Wonder what the folk singing position is for?

(The Fol-de-rol er....)

16 Seats..... So what is the differnce between this and the Super Puma?

a. Cost

b. Cost

c. Cost........:ok:

It's still more new helicopters...how many Super Pumas do we operate now??:ugh:

Do you KNOW the cost of the Danish TTTs?
Do you KNOW the price offered in EADS' unsolicited bid?

I suspect the answer to your question is:

Cost
Commonality
Capability
Survivability
Noise signature
Performance

And I suspect that the interior can quickly be reconfigured to carry as many troops as the HC3s.

I suspect you are right, but only if you want to fly them a short distance! Just how far will the Mk3's go? Considering the Mk2 has approx 2.45hr flight time with a full load of troops and the Mk3's have double that amount of fuel with no off set of payload v fuel...
The Mk3's, such a shame, such a waste to just be sitting there at Boscombe...

I think he meant the Merlin HC 3!