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Let’s see, the Marine Corps would need to double it’s KC-130 fleet just to support it. It’s maximum rate of descent into a LZ is only about a quarter of what other helos have (Seahawk will have to verify this). It has unique issues with aerial re-fueling that require some mods to the KC-130 which in turn negatively impact on the KC-130’s ability to re-fuel other aircraft. It cannot aerial re-fuel with an engine out like either -53s or -60s, thus severely impacting overwater and long distance mission profiles. To get it’s greater range it needs to fly high, where o2 is needed but there is o2 only for the crew and it’s not pressurized. These are the polite things.
Gotta disagree with Seahawk on Bell’s ability to produce. The Z series of skids are a large improvement.
S/F, FOG
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