The 'Machete' that could replace the A-10 Warthog (tr)

UK Daily Mail ^ | 02/15/2017 | STACY LIBERATORE

[DFG]

Known as the 'flying gun', the A-10 Warthog plane was a hero during Operating Desert Storm – but has since been deemed vulnerable and costly to operate. Now, a Minnesota-based startup has unveiled designs for a new attack plane called the 'Machete' that consists of a new metal foam developed in conjunction with the US Department of Energy. The metal foam is lightweight and strong - and is capable of stopping bullets and other projectiles in much less space than traditional armor, while the plane boasts the same 30mm cannon as the Warthog it could replace.

[major_gaff]

Not after the Marines get our hands on her...lol

[Rebelbase]

Some folks think two props = two engines?

[az_gila]

Would not using a six bladed prop be lighter and less complex than two counter rotating 3 bladed props and thus be more efficient, even with the torque issues?

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Not sure, but this wiki article gives a brief explanation. It seems the gain is by the air exiting the prop swept area not having any rotational component.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra-rotating_propellers

[Little Ray]

There was also the Westland Wyvern. Served in the Suez Crisis - cool looking but a mechanical nightmare. Served in the Fleet Air Arm from 1954-1958.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westland_Wyvern

[Little Pig]

If I had to guess, the counter-rotating props might add some advantage in overcoming the various effects of the GAU-8.

[Little Ray]

There are actually quite a few decent designs for crop-duster air support aircraft.
If the design is intended for low-intensity combat under conditions of air supremacy, then we don’t need fighter wanna-be’s. We need low, slow, long loiter times, and LOTS of them. Every company should have its own air support on call.
Wonderful as it is, even the A-10 is overkill for that role. It was designed for high-intensity combat operations with air superiority still being contested.

[ontap]

LOL!! Evidently so!!!

[fireforeffect]

AT-802U

This looks like a solution in search of a problem. Plenty of prop jobs out there (AT, Toucano, Cessna) for the third world.

If you are going to replace the A-10 with a single engine propeller plane I would dust off the plans for the A-7.

[taildragger]

"Figures the USAF would go for an expensive aircraft with overly complicated transmission setup."

If it is a variant of Pratt and Whitney's "Geared Turbofan" technology with what looks like a floating assembly ( google the patents ) making a Counter Rotating Version would be even cooler. If the GTF is reliable, I can't see why this wouldn't be.

[taildragger]

Notice...

* Leading Edge Slots.
* The airfoil may be a low drag laminar type, unless it is me, I see reflex as it heads towards the trailing edge.
* Small Winglets and large lower droop tip variant to control wingtip Vortices.
* Notice the LEX on the main wing and a small on on the Canard.
* My guess is the Canard is more of a large Vortex Generator at High Alpha vs. Pitch Control given we have a conventional Stabilator.
* Tall Twin tails for maneuverability again in High Alpha.
* Notice the small engine air inlet just aft of the Canard.
* Notice the rectangular outlet under the Counter-Rotating Propeller Assembly for exhaust outlet. M concern is with a pusher and this location is Noise, you might here it coming from quite a ways away.
* While it has a twin boom for the Vertical Stabs, I do not see them deep enough to house a semi retracted gear like on the A-10 and many a Russian design to prevent damage during wheels up.

I didn't know their was a RFP for a COIN type A-10 replacement. I have a configuration in mind that would be way cool and work. I need to get cracking on the model...

[NorthMountain]

Bingo. CAS without redundancy is pretty much suicidal.

A1-D Skyraider was single engine ...

[unread]

"What are the insulating qualities of this new metal foam? It would be cool to have a bulletproof house.

Have you checked out autoclaved aerated concret..??

Very cool stuff....

[Oztrich Boy]

Less mechanically complex, but not more efficient.

Helical propwash runs over every part of the surface. With Contra props air is kicked one way, then back and emerges (relatively) straight along the axis

[Chode]

the A-7 Plus