Shadow/MTOW
Of course we need more choppers. A Huey with an M60 is not going to achieve anything. A number of the choppers in theatre have M134 and even the prospect of a one KM chainsaw doesn't put the TB off. Many of the missions are supported by AH/CAS and the sight of an Apache or Tiger cuts nothing with the enemy.
You say the unpredictability of 360 degree approach is impossible to cover. Well if you are approaching Sangin just how different can the last 60 seconds of flight be when you are flying an aircraft at 50,000Ibs at the edge of power limitations - a gentle straight in approach is required, particularly with a slung load. RPGs and HMG can very easily be brought to bear.......as has bee proven.
The TB have spotters everywhere and pass direction, heights etc by radio...so they know where and when an aircraft is going to arrive overhead. These guys dig IN under tarps and are not visible.
It really isn't as easy as you might think!
HPT