I don't want to derail the F-35 thread. CSAF Welch has come out and said that a new CAS-specific design is warranted.
http://www.defensedaily.com/welsh-f-...q_v=d9454e2fe6
As a former 'customer' of CAS, I am curious what others feel a solution to what GEN Welch is proposign might look like. I think some of the roles include CAS, CSAR escort, FAC, ISR. Maybe if cost is low, then perhaps a transferable package to small/poor air forces, with a training capability?
So I am curious about what the collected wisdom here thing are the desirable capabilities that a new CAS platform must bring to the fight. Things I am thinking about:
Cost - procurement, operating, maintenance costs significantly below high-performance multi-purpose aircraft (F-16, F-35)
Endurance: Long time on station (achieved thru large fuel capacity, efficient engines, inflight refueling...)
Durability: Rough-field operation, Survivability, Robustness (simple? elegant?), Ease of maintenance
All-weather capable
Carry modular payloads (weapon systems, ISR, markers, ECM, relay, cargo/passengers? (OV-10...))
Cannon system - this is not a capability, but a means to an end. I don't think we should limit ourselves to a specific characteristic - what effect do we want?
I look forward to thoughts and critiques of my suggestions. Also, any examples of suitability of other
existing systems and their unique/emulable capabilities are appreciated.
Tankersteve
http://www.defensedaily.com/welsh-f-...q_v=d9454e2fe6
As a former 'customer' of CAS, I am curious what others feel a solution to what GEN Welch is proposign might look like. I think some of the roles include CAS, CSAR escort, FAC, ISR. Maybe if cost is low, then perhaps a transferable package to small/poor air forces, with a training capability?
So I am curious about what the collected wisdom here thing are the desirable capabilities that a new CAS platform must bring to the fight. Things I am thinking about:
Cost - procurement, operating, maintenance costs significantly below high-performance multi-purpose aircraft (F-16, F-35)
Endurance: Long time on station (achieved thru large fuel capacity, efficient engines, inflight refueling...)
Durability: Rough-field operation, Survivability, Robustness (simple? elegant?), Ease of maintenance
All-weather capable
Carry modular payloads (weapon systems, ISR, markers, ECM, relay, cargo/passengers? (OV-10...))
Cannon system - this is not a capability, but a means to an end. I don't think we should limit ourselves to a specific characteristic - what effect do we want?
I look forward to thoughts and critiques of my suggestions. Also, any examples of suitability of other
existing systems and their unique/emulable capabilities are appreciated.
Tankersteve
Comment