Future Helicopters

[suffolkowner]

Quite possibly. As I said, the case for Seahawk is strong. But, you would also have to decide if it’s as effective a ship extension as a Cyclone or Merlin. If you cut Cyclone short, do the benefits of the commonality with Cormorant combined with the range, lift capacity and endurance of a Merlin outweigh the support and tidiness of a Romeo package? That’s a decision that would have to be made. As for hangar space, obviously you would need to account for HALIFAX, JSS and RCD. For sure, it’s not just a slam dunk rotate one out rotate the other in.

Presumably the JSS can handle two Cyclones or Merlins, obviously the RCD can handle a Merlin
I have no idea on the others

edit

Google AI says the JSS can not house two Merlins

edit 2

 

[armrdsoul77]

Oh so just completely retrofit the helicopter and have it do a new mission. That will certainly be efficient, cost effective, timely, and result in an effective product.

I don't think you need to "completely retrofit" the helicopter. Doesn't it currently have secondary duties for troop/cargo transport and SAR? Rear ramp would facilitate those uses(could mount a gun there too).

Anyways, your exasperation has been noted.

 

[Cloud Cover]

It seems apparent that the CAF will have to make do with what helicopters they have for the next 5-10 years. Even switching to European vendors will drag the process down to a crawl.