U.S.M.C new COIN aircraft, OA-14 Cougar.

[chrisonord]

Due to the need for a dedicated COIN/observation aircraft the USMC looked at a rebuild OV-10 Bronco, although this aircraft would fit the job profile, it never could carry much in the offensive ordnance department, and also lacked a decent dash/cruise speed. A new aircraft was needed, one which could do what the Bronco could only with more speed and offensive capability.After a very short gestation period, Northrop Grumman unveiled the OA-14 Cougar.The aircraft went through a short testing stage and the first preproduction aircraft was sent to the Marines, a second one was sent to the airforce for evaluation. The USMC got an initial batch of 20 aircraft 5 of which have gone to the honduras task force, and another 10 went to Afganistan. The 5 remaining aircraft were being used for carrier evaluation and, one of these was also evaluated by the DEA and the CIA.
The aircraft pictured is of one of the five sent to Honduras, and will be stationed at a land base close to the Nicaraguan border.




The aircraft is armed with 2 Hellfire missiles, 2 AIm-9's 4 rocket pods and 4 250 LB bombs. A 20 mm 6 barrel cannon is fitted on the front right fuselage, which can be easily swapped over to a single barrel 30 or 40 mm cannon. A FLIR pod occupies the nose giving it all weather night and day capability, as well as targetting lazer guided munitions.
Cheers,
Chris 

[AXU]

Eeeeee...that's really nice 

Alex

[Captain Canada]

....u ain't got no alibi ! You ugly ! ( clap clap ) You ugly !

Cool paint and a neat idea. But ugly. On the other hand, I would like to fly it arounf the basement and 'evaluate' it myself !

Neat suff Chris !

[kitnut617]

I like that   

[RussC]

Oooooh Rah!   
 
That could probably fly from the Landing Support Carrier ships like the Iwo Jima.

[Taiidantomcat]

That is terrifyingly good! Well done with the old Hokum Kit! 

[deathjester]

That is terrifyingly good! Well done with the old Hokum Kit! 

Ohh, that's what it is!  That's been bugging me all day - nice work mate, and I do like that camo scheme

[jcf]

Cool! 

... and somewhat reminiscent of the Lockheed CL760.

[Pablo1965]

nice and interesting, Chris

[LemonJello]

Very cool! And it's in USMC markings, so that makes me like it even more.

[Stargazer]

Splendid concept and build, very believable... makes you wish it was a real one. 

[Eddie M.]

Excellent idea and execution. Looks great!

[NARSES2]

Looks nice 

[philp]

Looks great Chris.

[James]

Good concept and a nice result.