"[AFSOC] is looking at a number of different options [in terms of weaponry and configurations] for a gunship. The marines are always interested in every new capability [for the V-22]," he said.Well, the MV-22 was suppose to have defensive weaponry added to it...robust defensive weapons as part of its package before it was to be allowed to enter service. Conway was pretty adamant about that...the current Commandant doesn't care as much.
While the concept is still in its early stages, Col Ropella hinted that the CV-22 may be fitted with forward-firing missiles, but beyond that he did not reveal any further details. However, when asked about the possibility of high-energy weapons, such as lasers, being fitted, he said: "All things are on the table. Some engineers at NAVAIR [Naval Air Systems Command] probably have dreams about [lasers] on the V-22."
Given the V-22's tiltrotor configuration and nearly 12 m diameter rotorblades, forward-firing munitions could not be carried on underwing hardpoints. Instead, the aircraft would either have to employ ramp-mounted or cargo bay-stored canister munitions, similar to those carried by the USMC's KC-130J Harvest HAWK Hercules gunship, or sponson-mounted stub-wings.
A side-firing cannon/machine gun could be fitted, but this would involve some structural re-modelling as the V-22 does not have a paratrooper door on the left-side aircraft fuselage, and the door on the right side is located forward of the rotors, which would present safety issues for the aircraft.
But how do you make a proper gunship out of an airplane that has huge props blocking the way in forward flight and very limited wing space?
The only way I can see it working is to take a blast from the past and copy the F-86D solution to killing heavy bombers.
The F-86D was the product of the USAF trying to develop an interceptor that was capable of knocking down a Soviet Bomber that was attempting to attack the US.
WW2 and Korean War experience showed that machinegun fire performed poorly against bombers and that a much bigger punch was needed. The answer was to haul 2.75in folding rockets into the air and ripple fire them at the bombers.
Fast forward to today and you have the same option with the V-22. Its already shown that it can carry belly weaponry but the beauty of this system is that the tech has improved and if this "concept" is fully realized then you could possible have two racks.
One rack with 48 2.75in rockets that could be raised and lowered and then further back a rack with say five 5in rockets.
Since all these rockets would be of the laser guided variety you're talking about quite a punch.
The next question is will this be a forward firing option or would they be mounted sideways so you can do NASCAR around the enemy position.
Personally I'm thinking forward so you don't have to even blink about engine damage from exhaust plumes.
Other than that maybe strengthen the ramp and toss some griffins on it or perhaps a trainable 20mm cannon if you're feeling frisky.
The crazy thing is this though. A blast from the past might be the answer to a AFSOC and USMC issue.
