Bronco II

[picklesuit]

So the AC-130 can’t fill this niche?

 

[joe dirt]

Attack helos are nice, but can't carry the right ordnance needed to really blast a small enemy position. Also, there is something to be said about hauling around a JTAC/FO in the air as the VMOs used to do. Their eyes and skills are always welcome.

Wat? A section of Cobras/Apaches (spit) can carry 32 HELLFIRE, probably enough to deal with your “small”enemy position or battalion of tanks. Additionally we’ve already got several FAC(A) capable platforms and buying a new aircraft on the basis of it being a good platform for JTACs or FOs is silly.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

Hellfires aren’t bombs, brah

 

[Griz882]

So the AC-130 can’t fill this niche?

Not enough and won't operate during the day.

 

[Griz882]

Hellfires aren’t bombs, brah

Exactly.

 

[Griz882]

Wat? A section of Cobras/Apaches (spit) can carry 32 HELLFIRE, probably enough to deal with your “small”enemy position or battalion of tanks. Additionally we’ve already got several FAC(A) capable platforms and buying a new aircraft on the basis of it being a good platform for JTACs or FOs is silly.

The systems you note are fantastic and their crews for the most part unquestionably brave, but the hellfire ain't the be-all-end-all of ground attack. I mean 32 hellfires doesn't even equal 700 lbs. of HE on traget. Moreover, both ships I am told are hard to handle in the mountains of Afghanistan where they have to climb to get to the fight.

Look, I am not asking the fleet to replace a every F/A-18 with a turboprop, I just think having a few around might be handy. Besides, we could use them at airshows when the F-35 guys are busy establishing air superiority over the Spratley's during the opening days of the Amer-Sino War.

 

[hscs]

So the AC-130 can’t fill this niche?

Yes - but costs more (bigger plane and bigger crew), and AC130s are SOCOM vice USAF. The bill for the airframe goes to USAF and the bill for the gucci stuff goes to SOCOM/AFSOC. I would wager that USAF doesn't want to buy more -130 airframes, and Tampa doesn't want to expand its gunship numbers.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Let’s be real. If we’re talking Bronco II, there’s only one choice.

 

[jmcquate]

Whatever replaces the A-10 (and this is about replacing the A-10), will have to be a USAF platform. My hunch is the USAF's distaste for the letter A will be the largest impediment to any proposal that is put forward.

 

[nittany03]

during the opening days of the Amer-Sino War.

Also, Dude, that is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.

 

[Griz882]

Also, Dude, that is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.

Sorry, I didn't think we'd want to fight ALL the Asians at once...just the "Sinos." I would be willing to accept the China-American War, the War of the Philippine Sea, the War of Trump's Hair, or WW (insert appropriate number here).

 

[nittany03]

Sorry, I didn't think we'd want to fight ALL the Asians at once...just the "Sinos." I would be willing to accept the China-American War, the War of the Philippine Sea, the War of Trump's Hair, or WW (insert appropriate number here).

“So you have no frame of reference here, Donny. You're like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie and wants to know . . .”

 

[Hair Warrior]

Speaking of the OV-10, looks like SACEUR flew it.

 

[xj220]

Including the F-15, F-22 and A-10. Lucky...

 

[BarryD]

Sorry, I didn't think we'd want to fight ALL the Asians at once...just the "Sinos." I would be willing to accept the China-American War, the War of the Philippine Sea, the War of Trump's Hair, or WW (insert appropriate number here).

"Walter, this isn't a guy who built the fucking railroads here, this is a guy . . . Walter, he peed on my rug!"