With the increase in payload-range the MRH90 will bring to the table compared to the S-70 its possible a lot of CH-47D missions (especially in SOF deployment) can be taken on by the new platform. In which case it wouldn’t hurt to look at the CH-53K as a better maritime logistics platform than the CH-47F.
I agree with your analysis and really was just chucking the idea into the air & see what came down. The CH53K would be ideal for the RAN. Actually maybe a composite RAAF / RAN unit similar to how to the poms were flying the harriers on their last carriers. There would be no supply train issues because it is used by the USMC.
I noticed previous comments in this forum regarding EADS A400M as a possibility for the RAAF. It is something we looked at on the NZDF forum and IIRC 2 aircraft would be ideal for the RNZAF, reality is it won't happen. But the RAN & RNZN have formed an ANZAC logistics force built around HMNZS Canterbury and will presume then HMAS "Largs Bay" for use in disaster relief etc in the Pacific region. Now the CH53K would work in with that too. If the ANZAC Disaster Response and Relief concept was expanded to include airlift capability then it could be argued that a joint A400M buy between the two partners would be of benefit to ANZAC Disaster Response and Relief. Say three possibly four airframes. All the assets in the ANZAC Disaster Response and Relief Group would have to be ring fenced. The reason why I like the A400M is that it can carry more than the C130H/J, has a greater range and has an ability to get into places that a C17 couldn't.
Of course NZ has a huge large budget deficit due to two seismic events in my home town and I presume the current economic climate precludes any extra investment in items suggested here. However I do have the faintest hope that the public attitude towards defence and defence spending is changing, favouring a stronger defence. I was at a university lecture, last week, where the at least 90% students were aged between 18 - 25. The number present was about 80. The question posed to them was list three reasons for NZ becoming Australia's seventh State, and three against. In the reasons for everyone said defence and security. When asked why the most common answer given was because NZDF was to small and we don't have an army, navy or air force. When I explained how this sorry state of affairs occurred the common sentiment was how could people be so stupid. I am a student on the course. So that is my reason for hoping that we might be seeing the start of a sea change in the publics concerns about NZ defence and lacks thereof.