what do you chopper folks feel about tilt rotors anyways?---from an engineering perspective--- I don't put much stock in them because everything seems too close and not very well protected in the case of single failure possible leading to a double failure--the regulator authoiries also have little experience in certificating these aircraft---known in FAA jargon as "powered lifts" ie that BAE -tiltrotor
I can't imagine and engine hit by a SAM
---for me you either do VTOL--
1.with a jet platform --harrier/ F-35
2. with a helicopter
or
3.find a runway
respectfully submitted to your forum--
PA