Oh, here we go! There are several schools of thought on this... but the best one goes along the line of... blackhawks! I can hear derisory laughter out there already, but read on. The recent thinking has all been on the line of two types, a Medium and Light helicopter. The best medium would probably have been the S92 IMHO. The best light is the EC 145, BUT, the total cost of 5 MLH plus 6 LUH works out at c107 mil. The cost of 6 S70 Blackhawks and 3 Jayhawks is c105 mil. You end up with a credible trooplift capability (approx 18 equipped per heli, i.e. 108 troops in one lift) and an equally capable SAR capacity. In fact, jayhawks can reach 250 nm + offshore with their external tanks. The disadvantage with the SAR role is they aren't designed to lift 15 survivors, but how often does that happen? A SAR jayhawk has in the past lifted 24 survivors in one go! Also, if you are aware that there will be more than 15 survivors, scramble a second aircraft. You get better commonality of parts, reduced training costs because you only have to train on one type, one spare parts pool, the list goes on. Sikorsky could have interim machines on the ramp in Baldonnel in less than 3 months after signing the contract (the less said about this the better) and the production run is currently churning out 12 airframes a month. They are in service with 27 airforces worldwide, so you get a proven type, not a prototype, as with the S92, or even the new Cougar. You don't even need to tender, because under EU law, you can purchase the troop carriers as an immediate security requirement for the EU presidency. Your SAR birds then become a logical extension of the fleet. Now, pick holes in that lot!
