Posted on 03/09/2016 5:15:11 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Because ISIS has no Air Force to fight back and their Ground to Air Defense is quite limited.
I was assigned to the last Bronco unit in the AF in 1991. They were great little planes and would be valuable in the current conflict in the desert. Long loiter time, great maneuverability and a decent weapon’s system against ground forces. Great for recon, close air and FAC. They would complement the A-10 and faster surface attack jets like the Falcons and Strike Eagles.
EVERYTHING with a combustion has a 'really large heat signature'!
Back in 1977 we ran a test to see if artillery parachute illumination flares would provide screening from MANPADs, for helicopters.
We directed a CH-53 to fly behind a string of illum rounds while being tracked by a Stinger crew. While waiting for the CH-53 to arrive, the Stinger crew was playing around (training version - tracker only, no live rocket) and tracking a piston engine Cessna. Then they tracked a truck going down the road.
IOW, they can track anything with a combustion engine. (well, maybe not a lawnmower)
You recall the airplane that the A-10 was designed to replace?
A-10s are good too!
NOOOOOOOOO! The piston radial engine was a maintenance nightmare. Now, bring back an updated version with a turboprop...
Just two, 120 missions, apparently no serious problems. Thanks sukhoi-30mki.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3407574/posts
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.