For the interior the word console (singular per aircraft) was used with the cabin required to be re-roled as stipulated, so read console required to be plug and play. No real reason why console can't be portable. Forget MPA term its airborne surveillance both maritime and overland. The cockpit is to be digital. Regarding numbers a certain financial number has been stipulated and the respondents will have to work within that, but that number excludes the sensors.RNZAF News a while back signalled AWO training moving 'home' in 2-3 years so that seems to fit with the tender details etc. Currently 4 airframes providing MEPT & light transport, so probably not overly busy - wonder if 4 frames is considered enough once AWO training & light MPA duties are added in... may see 42 sqn go back to 5 strong fleet.
What is intersting is the interior - whilst I imagine these days AWO training requires just a laptop on a table, I imagine console etc for MPA operator will be more substantial & possibly not so 'portable' - so might reduce ability to provide anything more than very light transport. We can't rule out another King Air type (ie: B350) being offered - that would help just a wee bit with providing that little extra space.
Wait & see I guess...