Reply #105: Ugh....

[bdab1973]

Your assessment about the V-22 is off as well...

"unarmored"

It's just as armored as any other aircraft out there flying around in the combat zone.

"creates vortexes that kill"

Yes, it's called Vortex Ring State, or VRS. A common aerodynamic condition unique to all rotary-winged aircraft, including helicopters. Yes, even the CH-47 can encounter assymetric VRS, and helicopter pilots are trained from the outset to avoid the VRS envelope. The V-22 crew that crashed in Marana were two fixed-wing guys that never flew helicopters, and the training program hadn't adequately addressed the VRS issue. The V-22 is no more deadly than any other helicopter.

"I don't fly, never have....but my neighbor has, extensively".

So have I. I have nearly 3000 hours of military time, and approximately 500 hours in combat. I have about 200+ hours of NVG time as well. I've flown both military helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes. So please don't talk to me like I don't have a a clue.