Civilian Aircraft and Military Training Aircraft Converted to COIN Missions

[Thorvic]

Noticed on Defence Aerospace.com that they had a picture of the EMB-314 as well, however their article was about the USAF looking for a cheaper off the shelf lowtech COIN solution for areas like Iraq & Afghanistan.

Bet they wish they had continued with limited development of the Cavalier Mustang now !!!!.

Nice What-if potential however converting modern trainer types to the close air support role and applying USAF markings.

G

[elmayerle]

There's already a version of the Texan II with stores capability, as a fairly quick approach.

[Maverick]

Some time ago, I'd thought of the type (EMB) being developed for the USMC as an OV-10 repalcement.

Interesting tho that now the US has found themselves in wars reminiscent of Vietnam and yet have have busted their cohones in an effort to denude each of the services with any type of suitable 'low-intensity' platform, being more interested in the 'latest & greatest' which is all well and good for the look of the thing and being able to say 'it's the best (fill in the role) aircraft in the world', but quite useless when it comes to getting down in the weeds with rebels, terrorists or insurgents of any kind.  Reminds me of the situation prior to Vietnam.  Let's gear up for a conventional war that realistically we'll never even go close to fighting, ignore previous lessons of history, particularly from the Brits during the Malayan Emergency and Borneo campaigns, then get our collective asses handed to us by a bunch of 'rag-tag' soldiers that don't fight like the rule book says.  Wish I had a time machine, cause I can guarantee you that in 2065, they'll be fighting the same battle somewhere and whining about the lack of suitable platforms.

Mav

[nev]

Um......A-10 anyone?    

[Maverick]

Good choice Nev,

Altho it really needs a GIB for accurate weapons delivery if'n ya ask me.  Let the pilot do that 'flying stuff' and his backseater kill the bad guys.

The most interesting facet of the requirement will be who's got shares in Aeromacchi, Embraer or dare I say it, Yakovlev in the US government, 'cause u can guarantee there'll be some wheeling and dealing going on, most of which will be behind the scenes or under the table.

Mav

[Maverick]

Actually, without making this a political thing, I was under the impression that lil George Jr and crew had decided that they were bailing on Iraq anyway?

[elmayerle]

Actually, without making this a political thing, I was under the impression that lil George Jr and crew had decided that they were bailing on Iraq anyway?

Nope, only the Democrats anxious to make political points.  At least that's how it looks to this citizen of the USA.

[Radish]

OK, who makes available trainers in 1/72nd scale?
Or anything else suitable??
What's in Davis Monthan that can be used?? And what can we build in 1/72nd.

And how about a P-47D?  

[Radish]

STEALTH SE5A sesquiplane in low-viz greys, lots of bombs and Sidewinders too.
Just gorra be!!!  

[Jennings]

...their article was about the USAF looking for a cheaper off the shelf lowtech COIN solution for areas like Iraq & Afghanistan.

In the 1960s that was called the "Cessna A-37B."  In the 1970s it was called the "Fairchild A-10"  Now that the A-10 has gotten high-tech (becuase no general in the USAF worthy of his rank can *STAND* having a low-tech airplane in his service), we have to look for a low-tech replacement.

How about new-build OV-10s?  Probably the best FAC/COIN airplane ever made.  And you can haul two stretcher patients in the back end as well!

J

[ysi_maniac]

I vote for Skyraider, carrying 3 or 4 infantry men besides pilot. Thinking in a backdoor.  

[Archibald]

Upgraded Alphajets-A (ex-Luftwaffe) ? (seems that the RAE bought some of them recently   )
Hawk ?
ALX or armed T-6 sounds cool, too




 

[Spey_Phantom]

my awnser: the PC-9M, like the ones sold to ireland, there cheap, easy to maintain and can carry a wide range of weapons  B)

here's a little Demonstration

[Jennings]

Maybe the Russians would sell us some slightly used L-39s?

J

[kitnut617]

Hmm!  Isn't the RAF sitting on a few Pucara's at the moment,  they could be put to good use.