MAD Boom, comparing the WAH-64 with SH does you a disservice.
Is their role not more closely akin to that of an FJ CAS asset (or a flying tank) as opposed to that of a support heli. For that Ivan had it fairly well nailed with their Mil 24s.
Completely agree, Sir.
My point was made in extremis; merely trying to explain that an asset is designed in a certain role to fulfil certain tasks such as the AH in the CAS role as you suggest. No asset can do everything, so I stand by my point that the Puma 2 needs a SHOL capability as much as the AH is required to carry USLs.
The Puma 2 is as flexible as it needs to be. Outside of it's traditional SH role, there will be another asset available for the task.