Razor61
What's wrong with the Merlin HC3? And please don't say "What's right with it"
Nothing wrong with the machine, crews or system
per se, but we just don't need it. Big helo, small helo and nails helo are the requirement, so why get 2 big helos?
Mr-AEO
IMHO a Pred B is a bit wizzy and quick to be providing static ISTAR coverage of a Single Op in a set location in a built up area isn't it?
Nope. Target soak time, consistency of coverage (refuel anyone?) and operating costs are all in its favour. Also, I doubt it will be covering just one op - several consecutive ops in a (or several) large urban area(s) can be covered very well by it.
I suppose that that helo type asset cold be FireScout UAV or suchlike, but what happens when it all goes to ratsh!t on the ground and troops need immediate evac? A manned asset could potentially drop in and pull out any troops needing immediate medivac.
All those things are covered by other assets already - for example, CASEVAC is covered by whichever type inserted the troops in the first place or by short-readiness helos at other nearby locations. Do you think the troops want to lose their ISTAR cover for any period of time, even for CASEVAC? Answer is no, not unless absolutely necessary: it's what's watching their backs.