The proposed purchase of 23 new medium helicopters is tested against an assumed two-thirds availability rate. Twenty-four aircraft would yield about 16 available, while 36 would provide about 24 and usually permit two squadrons to be available. The 23-aircraft figure is criticised as carrying forward losses from the Puma fleet through a one-for-one replacement count. The programme supports helicopter production at Yeovil and meets a real capability need, but those benefits do not establish that the quantity is sufficient.
Notable Point · 3:40:24-3:41:20
Twenty-three medium helicopters leave a small available force
A two-thirds availability assumption exposes the operational difference between ordering 23, 24, or 36 medium helicopters.