So it comes down to the ability to auto rotate versus lack of that
ability (Once you get hit...)?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

It is a confluence of things.

If you try and fly it without escorts you'll get hit. You'll need to
auto-rotate.

If you try and descend at a constant rate into a zone you'll get hit.
You'll need to auto-rotate.

If you don't have effective armament on the bird you'll get hit.
You'll need to auto-rotate.

So it is is ignoring these vulnerability factors and saying, "We'll
ignore even the modicum of survivabilty provided by auto-rotation."

The ability to auto-rotate was originally required, but it was
dropped.

I wonder how many retired Marines are making 2-3 times (or more) of
their retirement pay to work on this thing.

It is the poster child for problems with the Military-Industrial-
Complex of the type that Eisenhower warned about.

Walt