Originally Posted by
HeliHenri
Yes it matter.
The point of the program is a military transport aircraft.
The primary customers wanted all and everything but for what oprational purpose in reality ?
The French have only 4 operational helicopters that can be air refueled and in the last years, they've done only one paratroop drop in war zone.
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Doesn't that answer your own question? "Only one" para drop. You're talking about Op SERVAL? I'd call that a mass para drop. Seems like the ability to do that is pretty important. Where would they be if they had lacked that capability?
Don't forget the numerous, smaller, SF parachute insertions, too.