Attack Helicopters Losing Their Touch

http://www.defenceaviation.com/2011/09/attack-helicopters-losing-their-touch.html

1)  Yes, I'm that crazy author who thinks that fixed-wing CAS can replace attack helicopters.

2) No, I don't think that fixed-wing CAS can replace attack helicopters, I was over exaggerating to raise the point that we overuse attack helicopters in situations where fixed-wing CAS, or possibly attack helos with standoff weaponry, would function better.

Attack helicopters are great for applying and keeping pressure on a small force of foot soldiers to force them on the defensive, not for attacking large infantry regiments.  Unlike fixed-wing CAS, they can shoot at a target they're not flying in the general direction of (granted that fixed-wing CAS could use a guided munition to accomplish this, but fixed-wing CAS is incapable of sustaining such an attack), allowing them to give covering fire to an infantry division while maneuvering to get into a better position.  So, in short, they're useful for joint-operations in situations minimal anti-aircraft and for attacking small forces of infantry.  They're also good for attacking vehicular divisions, granted that a SEAD operation has already been conducted, but, then again, so is just about any other ground-attack aircraft.