SAS and JohnD
Facts are facts the 53 was the centerpiece of two miltary disasters.
Desert One without a shot being fired. How many crapped out just trying to make the first refueling stop eight or so years after entry into service. The operation failed solely because of the reliability of the 53's. No other reason. The collision occurred after the decision to abort due to too few helicopters being left to continue on.
Relative to the Mayaguez:
Knife 13 was brought down by a rotor failure before the assault without any enemy fire. I guess those 23 souls do not count in your minds. As to the "flying fortresses" you are admitting the 53 was as good as 40 years older technology. SAS hard to believe you would admit some sandle wearers could defeat one of your dream companies products.
As to the people that were there glad they got out. Too bad they departed so fast they left three marines behind alive to fight and die alone.
The Sultan
Last edited by The Sultan; 23rd Jun 2009 at 23:47.