Posted on 08/02/2017 3:37:08 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Light-attack aircraft come in many forms: purpose-built turboprops such as the Embraer A-29, converted turboprop trainers like the Beechcraft AT-6 and Korea Aerospace Industries KT-1, and even jet-powered trainers modified to carry weapons and surveillance equipment.
Then there is the most unlikely story of them all: the AirTractor AT-802 and Thrush 710. These almost identical, tail-sitting cropdusters are now operating as light combat aircraft in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. They are American-built aircraft sold exclusively to foreign countries without – so far – a US military customer or sponsor.
And they have even spawned a fierce global rivalry, with the competing options – the Iomax Archangel and L3 Technologies Longsword – put on display at events such as June's Paris air show, where they are lined up alongside the Dassault Rafale and Lockheed Martin F-35A.
Despite the unlikely route into the global arms trade, demand for the armed cropdusters is growing quickly.
As the established leader in the market, Mooresville, North Carolina-based Iomax is ramping up production. After reaching a steady pace of two Thrush 710-derived Archangel deliveries per month, Iomax chief executive KC Howard expects to increase that to four deliveries per month by mid-2018 to meet forecast demand.
For the United Arab Emirates, the aircraft is useful for border patrol, and also equipping allied air forces
lomax
It is a stunning growth rate for a 17-year-old company that entered the aircraft modification business only eight years ago, with a proposed light-attack modification kit for the AT-802U.
As suggested by the company's title – the acronym for "input/output" forms the first two letters – Iomax began as a small defence electronics company. Specifically, it started out supplying signals intelligence and cyber applicat
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
Armoured cockpit, plus an ample arsenal
lomax
Is there a gun? Needs a gun
Tail dragger, razorback fighters went out with the earlier p-51s. This plane is cool looking though.
Best set up for operating from dirt roads,fields and the like.
It’s a fire-breathing crop duster, with missiles and bombs.
Looks Fun!
It’s got rocket pods. I think a gun would have required it to get closer to the ground, which you really don’t want to do in the age of Stinger missiles.
Agree. A pair of Stingers wouldn’t hurt either.
It looks super fun!
Finally, technology I can wrap my brain around.
Is there a VTOL version?
I don’t think they plan to encounter enemy aircraft.
And Hellfires
Makes sense but I was thinking of, “Hey, what if they came across a helicopter or two? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a smidgen of capability in that area?”
I think they plan to use them on raggedy terrorist cells and unfriendly villages
Perhaps their defense is speed and agility
Sigh...
IF the time ever comes to "beat swords into plowshares", this is the plane to have now... :)
"Actually, in this airplane, it is."
I want to put some “ Hard Points”
On my buddies Luscombe.
You need the competitors AT-802L Longsword to get a gun option apparently..:^)
http://www2.l3t.com/pid/pdf/datasheets/Longsword%20Brochure.pdf
Last move by zer0 ...... send fighters to protect his homeland from capitalist pigs.
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