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bobdina
08-03-2009, 05:23 PM
Air Force requests 100 light-attack planes

By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 3, 2009 16:49:24 EDT

Air Force pilots could be flying light-attack airplanes in less than three years.

On July 27, the Air Force took an early step toward buying small airplanes able to fly attack and reconnaissance missions. The “request for information” came from Air Force Materiel Command’s Aeronautical Systems Center.

According to the center, the Air Force seeks to buy 100 fixed-wing aircraft starting in 2012 and declare initial operational capability in 2013. Air Combat Command would operate and maintain the planes.

Specifications call for the plane to have two seats, four positions for weapons or external fuel tanks and an onboard laser designator. The plane must also have the ability to carry a minimum of two 500-pound bombs, launch 2.75-inch rockets and fire a gun.

Other standard gear requirements include an armored cockpit, night-vision compatible cockpit displays and defensive measures such as chaff and flares.

The warplane should also be able to land on runways 6,000 feet or shorter, cruise at about 200 mph and have an unrefueled range of almost 1,000 miles.


http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/08/airforce_light_airplane_080309w/

Cruelbreed
08-03-2009, 06:03 PM
What does a plane like this look like, is it another turbo prob? light-attack planes seem to be the new thing replacing more expensive aircraft for more cost-effective ones that can exist in high quantity after the High-tech fight has been fought. The only way to cover a lot of distance simultaneously is to have a lot of smaller aircraft flying about.

bobdina
08-03-2009, 06:24 PM
Nothing but the requirement has been put out yet , but I would be willing to bet it's going to look like the Super Tucano that the SEAL's want.

Cruelbreed
08-03-2009, 06:25 PM
And the marines want more super cobras, growing trend for low to ground aircraft. Wouldn't be surprised to see single pilot light attack aircraft, almost like having soldiers in the air if you get what i'm saying. Numerous fighters in the air load em up with shit loads of bullets and they'd still chase some taliban to hell.