Here's my thought's on the MHP announcement,
I think that the H92 is a fine choice to replace the Seathings, they'll adequately fill all of the roles currently required. However, the problem is that we've missed an opportunity to develope a new capability. The EH-101 could have done more than just the job of the Sea Kings. With the added internal space they could have carried a fair number of troops. While the EH-101 (or CH-149' or whatever the Maritime version would have been designated) would most likely not have been able to carry as many pax as the Cormorant or the RAF's Merlins due to the equipment required for it's ASW role, it could certainly carry more than the H92. Now, in the here and now that really doesn't mean that much, but given the discussion surrounding the proposed Afloat Logistics Vessel, the ability to carry troops and equipment becomes very important. While many of the roles being envisioned for what ever ships replace the current AOR's are consistent with the ships we're using now, they're also talking about roles such as Comand and Control, more extensive flight deck and hangar space, and more space for troops and equipment. In truth, the project seems to be becoming a wish list that is fairly unreasonable. But, the foundation of the entire project is the need to develope at least an insipient maritme power projection capability. When this future possibility for the navy is considered, the EH-101 or a similar aircraft would be far more useful since it could do both the ASW and utility duties, as well as providing a medium lift helicopter capability to the same ships. The H92 can't do the later. So, if we intend at some point in the future to follow through with our current plans for multi-role ships capable of replacing the AOR's and acting as semi-LPH's, we're either going to have to buy a different helicopter or do without the capability. In the end, we'll probably have to do without the capability.
Like so many decisions regarding military purcahses, this seems to be another case of short sightedness. Or am I wrong?
p.