If they arm it right, I think this could be modernized version of the A-37 Dragonfly and A-10. It could be the Manned Predator that the USAF/USMC has been looking for. All it needs is an internal gun, a couple of bombs, LGB's, Hellfire missiles and sidewinders for Self defense.
An Aircraft like this would have been perfect for COIN missions and supporting special operations in the field as well. It would make a perfect Manned Reaper and a perfect ISR platform as well. As I said, if they build it RIGHT and ARM it right, it could be a modern Replacement for the A-37 Dragonfly or the A-10. I hear this aircraft will be shown and flown at Farnborough this summer. Here's the link to the story http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2014/06/first-look-at-armed-textron-scorpion/
Thing is , they maket it at a price around 20 milion dollars. But once you start integrating target systems , comms and thoose expensive missile warning/countermesures systems the price will rise. Not to mention the weapons. Hellfires and SDBs for example, might be " cheap" in US terms but , who is going to buy thoose in poorer countries ? So compared to a new Hawk or an M-346 this jet doesn't bring that much capability.
You completely miss the point. The price point is between a turbo-prop like the Super Tucano and the more expensive Hawk/M-346/T50 which start at $25,000,000+. Because of the non fly-by-wire flight controls (no expensive computers) and the Honeywell TFE731 engines, they can offer a $3000 per flight hour cost to operate it since it doesn't require some expensive asshole contractors from Lockheed or BAe to fix it. Because they can afford to operate it, they can afford a Hellfire or SDB or, just a simple AA system like Sidewinder or IRIS-T. Hell, they can just drop dombs or cluster munitions. This is for the Colombias, Nigerias, who need a jet powered aircraft, but don't need an overpriced, overcomplicated plane.
Well ok agreed on the projected low cost flying hours. But if this jet is going to be effective at CAS it better has some EO/IR turret, and most important a robust MAW/ countermessures pack ( just thoose two things are going to get the price higher by 3-4 mil, and require contractor support ). Otherwise the future operators might only pray they're socrpoins don't encounter MANPADS.
I think the question of MANPADS countermeasures will need to be seen. It's definitely an issue, but we don't know how big it is yet. Considering the supposed thousands that were on the market in Libya, Syria, etc., we haven't seen them really effect nearby conflicts. Perhaps they never will due to the complexity, training.
In Syria, they aren't exactly turning the tide, they just force more indiscriminate bombing which the Syrian regime is more than willing to do....they just don't give a fuck.
That also means will be start to see more anti-aircraft training by insurgent groups? The VC became quite adept at shooting down aircraft with just small-arms and HMGs.
The A-10 was purpose built to slug it out with Soviet tanks in the European scenario. From the placement of the gun, to the twin engines and twin tail configuration with a titanium tub surrounding the pilot. It was built rugged with multiple redundancies. Agree that this is more along the lines of an A-37 and if deployed right could bring a unique element to specific situations.
This plane looks like the answer to all those south amercican governments who dont want to spend much on defence but still want a capable airforce. In Short, this aircraft has Columbia written all over it.
Not only that it has the Philippines, south America and central America written all over it. If they built it right and follow the same lineage as the A-37-Dragonfly, this could very well be a perfect CAS, LAS and ISR Aircraft as well. Even the US Special ops command can pick this aircraft to support special forces or CSAR missions.
If they arm it right, I think this could be modernized version of the A-37 Dragonfly and A-10. It could be the Manned Predator that the USAF/USMC has been looking for. All it needs is an internal gun, a couple of bombs, LGB's, Hellfire missiles and sidewinders for Self defense.
ReplyDeleteOh, is that all! Well it should be just fine then.
DeleteAn Aircraft like this would have been perfect for COIN missions and supporting special operations in the field as well. It would make a perfect Manned Reaper and a perfect ISR platform as well. As I said, if they build it RIGHT and ARM it right, it could be a modern Replacement for the A-37 Dragonfly or the A-10. I hear this aircraft will be shown and flown at Farnborough this summer. Here's the link to the story http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2014/06/first-look-at-armed-textron-scorpion/
DeleteMaybe a dragonfly but never an A-10 ,this plane has due to its low survivabilty engage at stand off distances.
ReplyDeleteThing is , they maket it at a price around 20 milion dollars.
ReplyDeleteBut once you start integrating target systems , comms and thoose expensive missile warning/countermesures systems the price will rise. Not to mention the weapons.
Hellfires and SDBs for example, might be " cheap" in US terms but , who is going to buy thoose in poorer countries ?
So compared to a new Hawk or an M-346 this jet doesn't bring that much capability.
You completely miss the point.
DeleteThe price point is between a turbo-prop like the Super Tucano and the more expensive Hawk/M-346/T50 which start at $25,000,000+.
Because of the non fly-by-wire flight controls (no expensive computers) and the Honeywell TFE731 engines, they can offer a $3000 per flight hour cost to operate it since it doesn't require some expensive asshole contractors from Lockheed or BAe to fix it.
Because they can afford to operate it, they can afford a Hellfire or SDB or, just a simple AA system like Sidewinder or IRIS-T. Hell, they can just drop dombs or cluster munitions.
This is for the Colombias, Nigerias, who need a jet powered aircraft, but don't need an overpriced, overcomplicated plane.
Well ok agreed on the projected low cost flying hours.
DeleteBut if this jet is going to be effective at CAS it better has some EO/IR turret, and most important a robust MAW/ countermessures pack ( just thoose two things are going to get the price higher by 3-4 mil, and require contractor support ).
Otherwise the future operators might only pray they're socrpoins don't encounter MANPADS.
take another look at the pic. look under the nose of the plane! there is your EO/FLIR turret!
DeleteYeah, but does it come standart ?
Deletenow that i don't know.
DeleteI think the question of MANPADS countermeasures will need to be seen. It's definitely an issue, but we don't know how big it is yet. Considering the supposed thousands that were on the market in Libya, Syria, etc., we haven't seen them really effect nearby conflicts. Perhaps they never will due to the complexity, training.
DeleteIn Syria, they aren't exactly turning the tide, they just force more indiscriminate bombing which the Syrian regime is more than willing to do....they just don't give a fuck.
That also means will be start to see more anti-aircraft training by insurgent groups? The VC became quite adept at shooting down aircraft with just small-arms and HMGs.
The A-10 was purpose built to slug it out with Soviet tanks in the European scenario. From the placement of the gun, to the twin engines and twin tail configuration with a titanium tub surrounding the pilot. It was built rugged with multiple redundancies. Agree that this is more along the lines of an A-37 and if deployed right could bring a unique element to specific situations.
ReplyDeleteThis plane looks like the answer to all those south amercican governments who dont want to spend much on defence but still want a capable airforce. In Short, this aircraft has Columbia written all over it.
ReplyDeleteNot only that it has the Philippines, south America and central America written all over it. If they built it right and follow the same lineage as the A-37-Dragonfly, this could very well be a perfect CAS, LAS and ISR Aircraft as well. Even the US Special ops command can pick this aircraft to support special forces or CSAR missions.
DeletePretty bird, where is the gun?
ReplyDelete