Andrew Swallow wrote:
Vince wrote:
[snip]

The net result is that all of the "advantages" of the osprey only
occur at relatively long range. At short range it is inferior to a
modern helicopter in every possible way.

But the Cobra is not a long range aircraft It has a maximum payload
of about 3500 pounds of crew fuel and weapons. The more fuel loaded ,
the less armament

So how do you mix the two?

Vince

Some ideas.

1.Launch from different ships/airfields in different locations. Say
one north of the target and the other south of the target.

which one is the close one ?



2. Launch at different times. The Cobras in the first wave and the
Ospreys in the second wave. This also permits the ship to have a
smaller flight deck.


no surprise and you have to be short range


3. Replace the Cobras with a long range aircraft for the close in
escort role.

Which one? the F007 Magic Fairy Dust ?

4. Modify some of the Ospreys to carry guns rather than people. The
Ospreys can then escort the Ospreys. Appropriate guns and missiles
will have to be determined.

120 million plus a pop

Vince