Also note how the gunner's seat turns with the gun to engage off-axis targets...unnecessary now, but a nice adaptation of the idea of a WWII bomber gunner's station! It probably also helped the issue experienced in the V-22s with the underslung gun disorienting the operator at high speeds...
With some modern tech, it would be a nice stand in for both COIN planes and our aging Apaches and Cobras. Plus, fast enough to keep up with the V-22.
Your ideas on it being a perfect escort for the V-22 is beyond valid, but what i find interesting is that the tech can be applied to the AH-1Z. Apache and even our Blackhawks...adding a pusher propeller to those helicopters can't be that big an engineering challenge and the attack helicopters could use bigger wings for heavier payload and increased risk.
we don't need to reinvent the wheel, just stand on the shoulders of those that came before.
Would be a great V-22 escort nowadays. Could even be a kick-ass COIN plane - albeit a really expensive one!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, Sikorsky's X-2 program might eventually field a similar capability.
Great find.
Also note how the gunner's seat turns with the gun to engage off-axis targets...unnecessary now, but a nice adaptation of the idea of a WWII bomber gunner's station! It probably also helped the issue experienced in the V-22s with the underslung gun disorienting the operator at high speeds...
ReplyDeleteWith some modern tech, it would be a nice stand in for both COIN planes and our aging Apaches and Cobras. Plus, fast enough to keep up with the V-22.
hey Marcase and CBD.
ReplyDeleteYour ideas on it being a perfect escort for the V-22 is beyond valid, but what i find interesting is that the tech can be applied to the AH-1Z. Apache and even our Blackhawks...adding a pusher propeller to those helicopters can't be that big an engineering challenge and the attack helicopters could use bigger wings for heavier payload and increased risk.
we don't need to reinvent the wheel, just stand on the shoulders of those that came before.