Personally, I don’t know enough about helicopters to have a real opinion on this. I’m just glad to see we seem to have a choice between a few decent options. Personally I’d rather our money to an American firm than a European one all things being equal - but I’ve no problem going European if what they’ve produced is better or better suited to our needs.
In this case, it looks like an American company can provide us with what we need, there’s no clearly better option. That’s enough for me.
Good reply. I will be the first to admit, that I am willing to surrender some margin of some capability in a weapons system in order to retain domestic production capability, but I also admit to having realistic limits to that willingness.
There have been times in history where there is technology that makes the balance of capability so lopsided that to fail to acquire it by any means is very destructive to the warriors who may have to use it.
I do not think this is the case in this situation, though. I understand the concept of commonality of platforms, but the drawbacks of not making that a priority are far outweighed by the concept of getting excellent, robust and battle-tested hardware from a trusted ally.
Our countries go back a ways as dedicated partners in warfare. Better that we never had to fight any wars, but even better yet is being able to depend on someone if you do.
You can tell I am a fan of your country...:)
As a former brownshoe, let me help.
Helicopters don't fly. They beat the air into submission.
The rotor is held onto the rotor shaft by a big threaded nut. It's called the Jesus nut because if it ever comes loose, Oh Jesus!
Helicopter: A collection of junk vibrating together in close formation.
Autorotataion: The Mom Manuever. As in, "Don't worry Mom! See, if the engine conks out we can just autorotate into the freezing water!"