DC,
At least they're finally using helicopters after years of resistance! The application is new and previously unproven, but I'm sure that it will be a major asset to WA. Bear in mind the limitations of belly tanks as already mentioned
Gibbo,
Are you still in Europe? AAS can be a terrific asset, usually able to direct the medium to best advantage, often hitting a key area not noticed by the bomber pilot. However, communication is often difficult, and it can be a real PITA to waste hours of effort because the AAS was just to overloaded trying to task too many assets.
Some of the most effective work is often done by a combination of a canny AAS, who will use a couple of mediums with a broad direction only, relying on the experience of the pilots to corral the head and limit the fire front. And the experienced pilot is the one who knows when to call in the AAS to take the blame
