I tentatively agree that in theory there should be no difference in fuel efficiency at the task of remaining in the air, i.e., providing lift.
The reason the US military is switching from helicopters to VTOLs for transporting soldiers is that VTOLs are more fuel-efficient at making trips of more than 100 miles or so. Of course, the way they do that is by covering ground faster than a helicopter.
I tentatively agree that in theory there should be no difference in fuel efficiency at the task of remaining in the air, i.e., providing lift.
The reason the US military is switching from helicopters to VTOLs for transporting soldiers is that VTOLs are more fuel-efficient at making trips of more than 100 miles or so. Of course, the way they do that is by covering ground faster than a helicopter.