A British proposal would have treated Merlin helicopters and their specialist equipment as separate pools. Containerized mission packages inserted through the rear ramp could have converted an airframe for airborne early warning, anti-submarine warfare, or troop transport. A carrier could then replace a failed mission package without grounding a sound helicopter, or move an available airframe into whichever role the operation demanded most. The unbuilt idea offered resilience and mission flexibility within the carrier's finite airframe capacity.
Notable Point · 2:14:51-2:18:38
Modular mission packages could make every Merlin more flexible
A proposed containerized Merlin system would have let a common pool of helicopters switch among AEW, ASW, and transport duties by exchanging mission equipment rather than entire airframes.