The issue that has to be resolved with the Osprey is "what can escort it" -
your Cobra's and Apache's cannot keep up and that means fixed wing - but
they have a good chance and propensity to blow your cover - perhaps AC-130's
from a perch, but they are too few and over committed although that is not a
bad idea for a re-role of the Marine KC-130, and A-10's have the edge but
still in COIN their ordnance may be too big and they also have to turn
around to come back at the LZ, so precious seconds are lost. A "Dirt
Fighter" would be perhaps the best answer but the services are resisting
that with everything they have ----



"Dan" wrote in message ...
Walt wrote:
Even if the Osprey worked perfectly, it is still a boondoggle because
it can't make opposed (or even potentially opposed) landings without
helicoptor gunship escorts.


Walt, lay off the cooking sherry. Most, if not all, helicopter assault
landings are accompanied by armed escorts. Cobras and Apaches are used to
suppress fire. Armed helicopters like H-60 and H-53 can land without
escort if needed and the LZ isn't too hot, but once on or near the ground
their guns are only good for close defense where air escort can extend
perimeter defense.

Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired