[sukhoi-30mki]

The Beechcraft AT-6B

[Londo Molari]

Good idea, but when the AF gets down adding all the crap to this aircraft, each one will end up costing $20M.

[roaddog727]

Well Gee, if they’re looking at the AT-6, why not bring back the tried and true P-51 Mustang?

THAT was a kick-ass aircraft.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Sure, let’s get rid of the fighter for the 21st century, and buy some fighters for the 20th.

[chuck_the_tv_out]

once BHO’s finished gutting the military, all you’ll have left is a lucky strike.

[jimtorr]

USAF would be much better off buying another couple hundred A-10s.

[SandWMan]

Revive the F-20.

[fso301]

In Vietnam, the USAF operated the Douglas A-1 Skyraider to attack irregular forces known as the Viet Cong, but has since abandoned the use of such manned, propeller-driven aircraft in combat.

A1 was an incredible platform. I've long believed a role still existed for an A1 type aircraft especially for counter-insurgency.

The radial engine and it's thermal profile visible front and rear by MANPAD's has been my understanding as to why the A1 was phased out of service in Vietnam. To what extent this is accurate, I don't know.

[PapaBear3625]

We already have such a fighter. It's turbo-prop driven, has a long loiter time, and can carry a respectable amount of ordinance. It's currently in use against insurgents, and has been quite successful. It also protects human pilots from being vulnerable to hand-held Stinger-type anti-aircraft missiles.

It's the Predator-B "Reaper" UAV.

[pallis]

Any serious talk about new weapons systems needs to take into account tactical efficiency against radicalized, rightwing extremists, like Christians, gun owners, anti tax agitators and returning veterans. After all, that is the current definition of terrorists, as used by our government. Lightweight aircraft that can sweep down for precision strikes against churches are needed. Detection devises that can distinguish NRA stickers from MADD stickers would be a big plus. They also need the capability of detecting Ron Paul and other rightwing, third party stickers. And let’s not forget the need for carbon gas detectors that can be used to identify homes and automobiles to be targeted by missiles.

[grjr21]

Q: What is the ideal cockpit crew?

A: A pilot and a dog...the pilot is there to feed the dog, and the dog is there to bite the pilot in case he tries to touch anything.

[CodeToad]

Every time I see one fly in to our field I think how much cheaper it would be to arm one and use it for close air support than an A-10 or F-16. Give it a mini-gun and some anti-armor missiles and it could easily do what the majority of air missions have been about with troop support.