I hate to agree with these folks when we really DO need more F-22s...
But, when was the last time an enemy shot a SAM at us?
It doesn’t make any sense to use a $350 million F-22 for “air to mud” in an environment where we have air dominance. It DOES make sense to use a slow, cheap aircraft with a good loiter time. We need NCO pilots and something equivalent to the A-1 Skyraider for COIN air support. Another aircraft that would be perfect would be a buffed-up OV-10 Bronco.
2003. Coincidentally, that was also the last time we fought an organised enemy.
Whatever they come-up with should probably be operated by the Army. It would be a nice complement to the AH-64. If the USAF gets a hold of it, they'll want to do deeper interdiction missions, put some radar in it, and before you know it you won't be able to afford it.
YEP! Pretty good...
Specifications (OV-10D):
Engines: Two 1,040-shp Garret T76-G-420/421 turboprops
Weight: Empty 6,893 lbs., Max Takeoff 14,444 lbs.
Wing Span: 40ft. 0in.
Length: 44ft. 0in.
Height: 15ft. 2in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed at Sea Level: 288 mph
Ceiling: 30,000 ft.
Range: 430 miles in full combat configuration.
Armament: Up to 3,600 pounds of assorted bombs, cannon, machine guns and missiles on five weapon attachment points; plus 1,200 pounds of bombs on two underwing pylons. Wing pylons can also carry missiles or external fuel tanks.
The goal of the CommuFascists (”Progressives”) running the government now is a homogenized “one-world”. They want everyone to have the same military capability as well as prosperity.
If they have 8 years in office, they will have the US piloting balloons. Is that good enough loiter time for you?
Actually, it is being worked on right now, the OV-10X Super Bronco
It's a safe bet that they've fired SAMs since they downed that Sea Knight on 7 February 2007 with a MANPAD.
Not an argument - question is: When is the next time an enemy will shoot a SAM at us.
You can't prepare for the next war by preparing for WWI.