[Poohbah]

I liked the comanche. I thought it was great. But what we need instead are helicopters which are tougher than the Apaches. A few apaches have been taken down by medium and large caliber rounds.

I have news for you: ANY helicopter would be taken down by medium and large caliber rounds.

One guy complaining about the Comanche getting axed asked me, "What would've happened if we'd had a couple Comanches at Mogadishu?"

My answer: "We would've had 100 megabucks of burning wreckage on the ground."

[68skylark]

I'm not sure I catch your point about the use of armed helicopters in smaller-scale conflicts like Somalia.

The book I read said Special Forces "little bird" helicopters were present all night, and they offered superb fire-support for the Delta and Ranger soldiers. I'm sure the Comanche could have done as well or better, but the cost in dollars would surely be high.

[Ottofire]

What we really need is an updated version of the A-10 and then give it to a service that'll appreciate it. The USAF is STOOPID to think the F-35 will replace the 'Hog.

Now a VTOL Hog would be something to see...