I've watched them on exercise and at airshows. I've seen all kinds of vids and now I see the Commandant trying to build the future of the Marine Corps around a heliborne force...mostly using MV-22's to get Marines to hotspots.
On the surface it sounds good but as I and many others (thanks for crystalizing this Paralus) have stated. The MV-22 looks like a dead duck in the approach to the landing zone.
As Paralus pointed out. The Vietcong made a living off shooting down the ultra maneuverable Huey when it was in the landing zone area.
I expect the same to happen to a SPMAGTF-CR (Crisis Response) one day soon.
But back to the issue at hand. I don't have the expertise to fully flesh out my observations. If you're a Aviation Expert, Pilot, Crew Chief, Grunt with serious time in the cabin or even an arm chair general that has alot of knowledge on the subject I want to hear from you. I don't care if you think I'm full of it or spot on. The comparison airplane should be the MH-60 flying with an equal payload. Thanks!
