Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wow. USAF Para-Rescue strikes back. HARD!
I am becoming a 'fan boy' of the Lexington Institute blog. And the latest just sends a tingle up my leg! Not because its from one of the authors but because the rebuttal from the Para-Rescue community is vicious, well stated and apparently heartfelt. But the Lexington Institute still had the balls to post it. GOOD FOR YOU LexInst.
MUST READ GUYS!
Get it here.
Oh and two simple questions...
1. Why was the Air Force in such a hurry to deactivate the most advanced helicopter in the western world---the MH-53J?
2. Why isn't the Air Force simply hanging tough with their current aircraft and climbing onboard the CH-53K program?
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The MH-53J was amongst the hardest working birds in the inventory during the Cold War, and had been upgraded many times. It simply got old.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, by this time CSAR-X and SOF CV-22s were to have been in service.
(As it happens, been re-reading an old Tom Clancy novel again, "Clear and Present Danger". The movie totally sucked, the book is great especially about the MH-53J part.)
I don't think the MH-53J's have enough frame life left in them (without an extensive and expensive refurbishment) to hold the current usage rates until the Kilo's start coming into service. They wanted to buy the Chinooks because it was the biggest cabin they could find at the time (they really do need the space) and they desperately needed a replacement. They seem to be settling on the Romeo's for now because there isn't really any alternative, they are cheap (ish), available off the bat and do the job adequately.
ReplyDeleteI also totally agree with your assessment on the Lexington Institute's decision to put up the rebuttal, its well written, precise and authoritative. I particularly like the blatant finger pointing at the V-22 mafia for sabotaging the issue.
Kudos to the writer and Lexington
Damn forget the J's were retired ALREADY....BIG GOOF sorry
ReplyDeleteMUST READ GUYS!
ReplyDeleteOk for women to read? :P
I'll check it out later on. I do read nearly everything you post, but sometimes I just get awestruck by the pics.
As I said, I'll have a look see later on and see what all the hub bub is about and learn.
Take care, Sol. :)