Trainers With Teeth and COIN Group Build

[Joe C-P]

Well then, if the Goshawk isn't entirely GB-worthy (I'm still building it!), how about the T-6 Texan as a COIN aircraft? Same story - F-35 not ready, F/A-18s, USN needs all the aircraft it has it fill carrier decks, T-6 is updated to have a few underwing hardpoints and operates in low-air-threat environments.

[GTX]

Well then, if the Goshawk isn't entirely GB-worthy (I'm still building it!), how about the T-6 Texan as a COIN aircraft? Same story - F-35 not ready, F/A-18s, USN needs all the aircraft it has it fill carrier decks, T-6 is updated to have a few underwing hardpoints and operates in low-air-threat environments.

How about a slight twist and the USMC uses instead from their LHDs/LHAs?

BTW, the T-6 is already being put forward as the AT-6B light attack/COIN version:



Regards,

Greg

[Weaver]

Well then, if the Goshawk isn't entirely GB-worthy (I'm still building it!), how about the T-6 Texan as a COIN aircraft? Same story - F-35 not ready, F/A-18s, USN needs all the aircraft it has it fill carrier decks, T-6 is updated to have a few underwing hardpoints and operates in low-air-threat environments.

I didn't mean your Goshawk idea wasn't compliant to the GB, I meant that my musing about a navalised Hawk-200 wasn't! Your Goshawk idea is fine.....

[Martin H]

Renault Clio with L-plates and a pintle GPMG out the sunroof?

In some parts of the Uk thats almost a standard fit LOL

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Thanks to Modeling Madness, I have finally found an on-line reference image and the description for that little trainer kit that has been sitting here in protective custody.  It is the SIAT 223 Flamingo in 1/48th scale from PM of Turkey. 



Here is the kit review from Modeling Madness for the 1/48th scale PM SIAT 223 Flamingo.  I remember the first thing that came to mind when I saw that kit in the hobby shop, an armed Flamingo for a FAC mission.  It is going to need at the very least some rocket pods for marking targets and if there is enough room under the wings for a pair gun pods, that could happen as well.  The cockpit is in dire need of an upgrade to something that resembles a military aircraft.  As it is out of the box it is pretty basic and it really does need a lot of work.  On the to do list but got no clue when it will be done.

[Weaver]

Who - Hoo!

Just won an Airfix Magister on evilbay, so that's now earmarked for this GB. I'm thinking a single-seater in the same vein as the MB-326K. 

Possible backstory is that Israel picked up the Super Magister project (stepped seats & bigger engines, basically) when no-one else did, and then converted the surplus first generation Tzukits to light-attack aircraft. One possible customer would be Honduras, given that they bought refurbished Super Mysteres from Israel in real life.

[Mossie]

The MiG-8 Utka was intended as a trainer & light utility type.  Hang a couple of rocket pods off the wings of Unicraft's kit, hmmmm......

[philp]

Weaver,
The Israelis did use the Magister as an attack plane during the 6 day war.  Have seen pics of them armed with 2 .30 cal machine guns in the nose and 4 rocket packs (7 shot?) under the wings.

Putting one in Honduran markings would be cool.

[Weaver]

Weaver,
The Israelis did use the Magister as an attack plane during the 6 day war.  Have seen pics of them armed with 2 .30 cal machine guns in the nose and 4 rocket packs (7 shot?) under the wings.

Putting one in Honduran markings would be cool.

Exactly why they'd be the most likely to appreciate the value of a properly converted one. The payload of the basic aircraft was a bit limited, so losing the backseater in favour of a couple of cannon-ammo tanks, MB-326K style, seems like a good idea.

Here's a thought: the original engines (J-67s?) in the T-37 were licence-built Turbomeca Marbores, the same as the Magister. That implies that you could power-up the Magister RADICALLY by fitting J-85s in place of the Marbores, in just the same way Cessna did when creating the A-37B. The A-37B's engine bays are not significantly different (externally) to the T-37's..... A magister with 2 x J-85s would have about the same thrust as an MB-326K with one Viper.   

[Weaver]

Okay, some rough profiles.

1. Is a standard Magister.

2. Has the rear cockpit replaced with two 30mm DEFAs in the lower fuselage, with their barrels under the front cockpit and an access panel and gas vent on the side. I didn't like the idea of MB-326K-style side blisters, since the Magister's air intakes are further back and I could see gun gas going into them.

3. Has the front cockpit replaced by two 30mm DEFAs in an enlarged gun bay in place of the original 7.62mm weapons. The only problem I can see with this one is that the ammo is a long way ahead of the CofG, so it might cause a trim problem as it was expended.

Opinions?

[kitnut617]

An obvious candidate for this GB that seems to be overlooked here is the Meteor T.7.  Stick some nightfighter wings on one, a couple of rocket pods on the wing pylons, and bobs yer uncle.  Now how can I work that into a RCAF one ---- hmm!

[philp]

Ok guys,
We have the 1 week GB starting tomorrow (my time) and the Profile GB going on.

Anyone up for an Unofficial Trainers with Teeth GB starting after the 1 week build?

[kitnut617]

So would you believe it,  Bill Burns of CanMilAir has just uploaded a bunch of new decal sheets on his website including a couple for a RCAF Meteor Mk.III and a T.7     What a bit of luck.

[Brian da Basher]

Ok guys,
We have the 1 week GB starting tomorrow (my time) and the Profile GB going on.

Anyone up for an Unofficial Trainers with Teeth GB starting after the 1 week build?

Count me in, Phil!

Brian da Basher

[Weaver]

Wouldn't you know it, the Airfix Magister rolled up last night, and it's got two really nice little cockpits in it, much better than the usual Airfix fare..... just trying to make me feel guilty....