This opens a new can of worms. . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mmx1
A principal aim of the proposed turboprop platform is that it serves as a vehicle for training partner nations that cannot afford more expensive turbofan or rotary-wing platforms similar to those that we purchase.
A fixed wing platform is inherently more efficient than a rotary winged one, translating into greater range and loiter time for a comparable payload. Fixed wing aircraft also tend to be easier to fly, particularly considering that the models being considered for the IAF are mostly converted trainers.
Ok, both the cost thing for developing-type allies and the payload, range, etc. make sense. Although, in response to Steve, I just looked it up (finally) and apparently the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, based on the Bell 407 design, is currently still being funded. The RAH-66 WAS canceled.
I won't say too much because it's going off topic, but if we're planning on using this turboprop primarily in conjunction with partner nations and indigenous force training, long the realm of Army Special Forces, it just doesn't make sense to me for the Air Force to operate the aircraft. The Army should be operating its close support aircraft just as the Marines do, and that includes the COIN aircraft, should it be procured.
Matt
An idea for a CAS airplane the Air Force would let the Army have
I just had this idea for a small wars CAS airplane today and I want to see what you guys think of it.
The idea revolves around a twin engine turboprop of moderate size and guided bombs. The airplane would be something like an ATR-42-500 and the weapon would be, say, 250 lb. small diameter bomb JDAM's. You would mount the weapons vertically in the fuselage, nose down distributed around the aircraft center of gravity. Each bomb would be in its separate chute, sort of like the arrangement ASW aircraft have for sono-buoys, and each could be released one at a time or in small groups. Figure 20 or so weapons.
The airplane would fly around at around 15,000 feet and wait to be called. 15,000 should be high enough to avoid most shoulder fired missiles or at least give the countermeasures systems a good chance to work. It is also hard to pick out medium sized airplane visually when it is that high especially if it has a good camouflage paint job.
An airplane like that can cruise at about 300 ktas so it should be able to get to any place within 150 nm in about 1/2 hour in no wind. In a Iraq, you could put one over Ramadi, Baghdad, Samarra, Kirkuk and Mosul and you should have fairly short response time in the hot sections of of the country.
The idea is it could do the same thing a B-1 JDAM carrier does at a fraction of the cost and it would have much greater endurance. You would need whatever systems you need to launch JDAM's and minimal additional sensors. Perhaps some kind of video/ir ball that the some of the uav's use, not something good enough to target with but something to give the crew some situational awareness. In addition to JDAM's you could use guided 120 mm mortar shells too.
The aircraft couldn't do a supersonic low level fly by to scare the bejabbers out of the bad guys and it could not put 20 mm cannon shells within feet of engaged troops but it should be able to do most everything else.
Since it wouldn't be a jet and couldn't zoom around doing exciting things, the Air Force might be less inclined to pitch a fit if the Army operated it. The Army already operates many many turboprops.
There, tell me what you think. How far off base am I?