You are right Roller Merlin,
the scale is different, but the concept isn't really.
The Tiger is the newest of the Air87 contenders (assuming that you don't count the Whiskey Cobra from Bell as new, but an extension of the line). The Apache is well established, even old. I don't see the speed of acquisition as being relevant.
As for troop delivery; it would be a terribly slow assault ferrying the guys on at a time in the tandem seat of an Armed Recce Helicopter.
The Air 87 programme is listed in the order of 1.2 billion and I believe was aimed at acquiring between 24 and 30 airframes (although my info may be out of date on the numbers)
It will be very interesting to see where we end up in terms of fighter (and bomber/recce) capability. I have to say though that IMHO the ADF does OK at acquisition; it is a very complex game and we (Aust) are pretty well equipped. It could always be better, but what couldn't?
Gibbo