[PreciousLiberty]

"Usually that little bit of capability isn't used."

It sounds like the Blackhawks need conformal fuel tanks to extend their mission time. Those would only be configured if needed, of course.

[Oztrich Boy]

"Usually that little bit of capability isn't used."

One of the requirements is to deploy a full platoon off the LPAs in one lift.

There are only two Heko operating spots on the aft deck. There is another spot on the foredeck, but tha is usually used to tote a couple of LCM(8)s

That rules out the 11 troop Blackhawk which needs 3 helos to meet the requirement.

The other contenders Aerospatiale Puma, Augusta/Westland Merlin, Sikorsky 92 and NH-90 could do it with two (the Merlin, one).

However the Puma, and the NH-90 (amd blackhawk) can also cross deck onto frigate helo pads. Puma and Blackhawk are old designs, while S-92 is so new Australia would virtullly be the launch customer.

ergo Eurocopter NH-90.