Crowsnest: Sea King 7 surveillance replacement, F35 carrier

[RichC]

They haven't got a clue in my opinion. By the time they pee about using Merlin airframes, they will be, by then, over 20 years old. So again, not long after that we will be wanting to look for another replacement because the airframes are getting too old.
Again, my opinion only, there is apparently no better radar than that currently fitted in the ASAC7 for the job, so forget Lockheed and go with the upgraded Thales variant.

This country is forever lagging behind and always will be. Yes i know we have funding issues but these are primary programmes. By the time Typhoon came out, it was out of date, it still is out of date. By the time the ASAC Merlin comes out, it will be on its last breath airframe wise. Seaking HC4 being replaced by, again, Merlins which are already in service and seen heavy usage. So with atleast two programmes, we will be robbing Peter to Pay Paul (scenario).

[RichC]

I'd have to change jobs or atleast never put myself forward for such work. Joining up to be a helicopter pilot/copilot and end up orbiting for hours between 5000-10000ft is hardly exciting. The Seaking ASAC7 chaps can never get back to base and say "Well that was good flight" or "That was a good day".