The most aswome thing you can not buy!

[Rated EC-10]

Yes, but rifles are rather essential to a soldier. This isn't. The easiest comparison I can think of to this (In terms of cost-> effectiveness) is the V-22. The MH-53 could do it's job just fine, but the V-22 could do it a bit faster and at longer ranges. Is that really a good enough reason to spend loads of money developing (modifying in this case) something new to implement?

If the payoff is worth it, yes. MOBILITY IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO A SOLDIER. If it allows frontline infantry groups to mass on targets in a matter of minutes instead of hours, that's a dynamic enough change to warrant it. Sticks, even control sticks, are simple and highly developed. They are not an argument against use and your attitude against a control stick is absurd. No matter what alternative you come up with for control, it will always come down to a stick or wheel.

There is a huge difference between this and the V-22: this has no significant comparable technology. THAT competes for a job already filled, this fills a need that remains unaddressed.

Two of my best buddies are former 82nd AB, this would be absolutely beautiful for AB divisions to improve mobility. Call it a "Mobility Implement" if you would, as a distinction from the idea that it's a fighting vehicle. (It couldn't be.) You could make a drop with this thing in your personal kit. Even motorcycles are too big for that.

[Paper]

If the payoff is worth it, yes. MOBILITY IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO A SOLDIER. If it allows frontline infantry groups to mass on targets in a matter of minutes instead of hours, that's a dynamic enough change to warrant it. Sticks, even control sticks, are simple and highly developed. They are not an argument against use and your attitude against a control stick is absurd. No matter what alternative you come up with for control, it will always come down to a stick or wheel.

I have nothing against sticks, I just think that if you use the same type of control on this thing that is used on a motorized scooter, it's not going to work out well. Which is my biggest problem with this thing, I just don't think it would work out well. Yes, I know mobility can give troops a huge advantage, yes I know that something that could give troops the advantages that you guys are listing would be great, I just don't think that this is the product that could give them that advantage. And to be totally honest, I can't think of anything that would give them that advantage that would satisfy all the complaints I have about this thing.