9A endurance was around the 2hr mark in the UK depending on what you did. The next hot and dusty place the WC may prove to have better endurance like the 9A did which it became more akin to the Lynx 7.

But I don’t know the technical detail, i’m not a WC guy. It looks like a Lynx disc with Lynx 9A engines attached, pulling more mass about, in a current mission that is mainly in the hover. Greater power required therefore more fuel burned is a reasonable expectation.

Defence has bigger problems than the costly AAC right now.

Those far enough up the chain to have a vote probably remember the convenient flying club that was teeny weeny air. AH dragged the Air Corps into the 21st century, doctrinally and maybe literally. But maybe those high enough up the chain haven’t seen this close enough to realise the change, therefore, I fear for the future, It is only an article but maybe reflects the reality of the pressure MOD are under.

They are certainly Lynx rotor heads - courtesy of the 'donor' program that was required to build the Wildlynxcat and I believe they are the same engines as the 9A.

You can get away with limited endurance overland (the Puma managed for years with even less) but over water when your only option is to return to mother..........

You return to mum, RRRF (and wee if needed) and re-launch.

Meanwhile, presuming you are the lone Lynx, sorry Wildcat, on the Frigate, who is out doing your job?

The RN website talks about the aircraft going out, presumably BVR, and being on station for 1 hour - that would mean less than 30 mins out and back to allow for MLA and therefore (allowing minimum time for refuel and pee) that there will be periods in excess of 1 hour where there is no helo patrolling - ie a one to one basis.