"In other words, ships can achieve an effect ashore, via their helicopter (amongst other means)"
WEBF absolutely right, as long as that effect is disaster relief or Med/Cas Evac..Other than that, unless you've got a good DAS (and the knowledge, experience & tactics to complement it) you are not going to have an effect on shore. Playing around on Dartmoor does not qualify you for Littoral ops, and nor is an M3M a shield against all ne'er do wells. Good stuff on the Grey Lynx community for joining the party, but unless you're absolutely sure of the threat send an 847 Lynx, please. And as we saw tragically last year, even then you can't be safe all of the time.
So, until the Pony drivers are ready with all the above, a Frigate's effect on shore remains 12Km from the 4.5 gun (and how far the hostages are driven inland...)
