Small Weapons for Light Fighters

Defense Update ^ | 10/12/2011

[SnuffaBolshevik]

All that is old is new again.

Douglas A-1 Skyraider

[BuffaloJack]

“War Fighters”?
What yuppie, never been in combat before idiot, made up that term?
What was wrong with servicemen or just GIs?

[sit-rep]

lol...

[USNBandit]

Sorry, why don’t we call them end users. The guys that need the plane for combat operations right now have to wait so Beech can get its collective feces in one sock.

[lowflyn]

depends on the manufacturer, I work on Pilatus and our mini takes 2 shifts, a phase 5 about 3 days. 6 minis and 6 phases are spread over 1200hrs of flight or 1 year. The military can adjust things if they need to since they are not limited to following the FAA rules

[JRandomFreeper]

That's still a pretty light touch for an aircraft with those capabilities.

Compared to say, an F-4 Phantom. That dog took over an hour of maintenance per flight hour.

And they are much cheaper, as well. And meet the needs of the task at hand.

/johnny

[JRandomFreeper]

All that is old is new again.

The Douglas did yoeman's work during VN. But it was a radial. And you had a whole lot less engine automation with it, than you do a turboprop that can sip the JP-4.

Reduced workload on the new ACs is a big plus, in my book.

/johnny

[lowflyn]

Give the warfighters what they need and get the politicians out of the way.

[JRandomFreeper]

I'd love to, and our guys deserve it. I worry more about the grunts on the ground, being supported, than the zoomies doing the supporting. I know AF Pilots, they'll be ok, their ego protects them. ;)

But we do have to put up with the politicos (политрук) because they are part of our world.

And in the US, civilian politicians control the military.

Personally, I think they would be better used decorating lamp posts in city streets, but we're not there yet.

/johnny

[lowflyn]

I find it amazing that the military can say “this is exactly what we need and now” and the politicians can force feet dragging because the item is not made in his district. Save lives first, help your constituants second in this case.
This aircraft is some thing the air force would love to have to support the troops, and if this is to sell to other countries ie Afganistan, then who cares were it is built.