Never Retired

[Shasper]

O-1J Super Birddog: upgraded version of the O-1 birddog with turboprop engine, 3- or5-bladed prop and packed with new electronics and a FLIR camera

It would take some doing to fit all of that onto the old Cessna 170, while the turboprop has been done I'm not sure all the associated doo-dads that go with the FLIR would fit in the airframe. An O-2 or Turbo-Porter would be better suited, but thats just my opinion.

[BrittMac]

I dunno if this has been done before, but I want to build some alternate-history props.  Scenario is basically that jets weren't developed, but electronics stayed on a FAST track.  Missiles were in regular use in the early 1950's (AAM's, AGM's, maybe some SAM's for you guys that like to build muddy things).
Single engine props like Corsairs, Fury's, Mustangs, etc.... aren't really capable of the radar guided missile suites due to their size and needing a second person.  They could easily carry the IR missiles like the Sidewinder though, and everyone still has guns.
However, something like a P-38 two-seater could use the nose for a radar set.  This or the P-61 could be a missile designator with an advanced radar that would like up targets for itself and the single engine smaller fighters that can't carry the large radar sets.  The fighters could carry the radar guided missile and the larger plane can give it a target.

Basically, modern electronics (everything), old planes.  Of course, some mods can and should be done to the planes.  Re-propped/re-engined airframes, different seating/canopies, the list goes on and on.  
Maybe turboprops later in the scenario, but much later.
Kinda goes along with the "never retired" thing, so I figured I would post.
THIS is why I am looking for props and other bits from a distributor in the U.S. rather that ordering from across the pond.
Cheers.

[Sauragnmon]

Now that would be pretty damn sweet - a Glass Pit P-61 with a HUD and full modern fighter cockpit, carrying a few misiles... or a ME-410 with the radar nose and belly gun pack and the turrets rigged up like a CIWS...

[Spey_Phantom]

im thinking an upgraded version of the SU-15 Flagon with Glass Cockpit, extra hardpoints, conformal feul tanks, AESA Radar, stealth characteristics.....

Others could be F-105J Super Thunderchiefs in Desert Storm markings, 5th generation F-20's.

and turboprop COIN Spitfires..............oh wait, i already made that one 

or Bristol Blenheim Bombers with LGB's and targeting pods  , Jet powered DR.1's, Luft46 stuff stil flying in 2010,....


OMG, someone stop me,........to many........crazy.....ideas 

[BrittMac]

Now that would be pretty damn sweet - a Glass Pit P-61 with a HUD and full modern fighter cockpit, carrying a few misiles... or a ME-410 with the radar nose and belly gun pack and the turrets rigged up like a CIWS...

EXACTLY!!!  That is the spirit.   A B-17/29/50 with JDAMS (or any other guided bombs), integrated designators, and instead of two .50's in the back, throw in a 20mm like the B-52 originally had.  Yikes.  B-25/A-26 missile trucks with plenty of space for radar's and operators, plus defensive arms.  Yay.
The options go on and on and on.  Driving me bonkers!  This isn't exactly the Luft '46 stuff with its continued WWII stuff but with jets and secret stuff.  War is over, war is still going, who knows.
Maybe I should make a different thread.  Sorry again.

[Fulcrum]

Fly-by-wire Mig-21's(armed with AMRAAMs & AIM-9Xs) anyone?....

[Taiidantomcat]

Very close to reality here is the Mig-21 -93:





Mig-21 2000:




More on the 2000 here

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2008/09/mig-21-2000-fighter-ground-attack.html

Hope these help spawn further improvements  I love the new windscreen...

[upnorth]

After looking at an OV-10 Bronco build elsewhere on the site, it got me thinking of the plausibility of this:

Say the OV-10 got a rewinging program for very long span wings, lightweight and largely composite construction, and was employed in higher altitude long endurance surveilance work. Perhaps long enough endurance to make them remote drones in the vein of the Global Hawk.

With as much space as would be available in the cockpit area once all the flight controls and life support gear were stripped out, you could rig it up for just about any kind of surveilance mission profile you wanted, military or civilian.

Give her some new six blade props while you're at it and bob's your uncle!

Even if you still kept it as a manned aircraft, it would make a very effective, and quite economical, surveilance platform. I could see coast guards and customs departments around the world getting a lot of use out of that, particularly in countries with a lot of ocean access.

[lancer]

How about Lincon's and Shackletons carrying Blue Steel's ?

[Mossie]

Knowing the MoD's line of thought, you could probably bung on Storm Shadow too....

[GTX]

How about Lincon's and Shackletons carrying Blue Steel's ?

Knowing the MoD's line of thought, you could probably bung on Storm Shadow too....

Combine and improve upon - Lancasters with a belly of Storm Shadows...


Regards,

Greg

[Spey_Phantom]

i remember an episode of the new captain scarlett, where the misterons appear to have control over all things computer controled, including the angel interceptors. after locating there point of operation, they had to bomb it, and there was only 1 aircraft that could do that, and didnt have any electrical controls, the Avro Lancaster  .
and they used modern specialised bombs i think (only saw the take-off and action sequence in that episode).

so even in the year 2067, the Lancaster saw action, looks like Gerry Anderson beat us to the idea 

[Hman]

Here is the Captain Scarlett in the Lanc...enjoy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdl7IjFJqh0

[TsrJoe]

very cool, hadnt seen that one, loved the bombs too 

[Geoff]

"Please can we have our Lancaster bomber back old boy?" "Thats if you have finished with it , and havn't pranged it." LOL