Salute!
Upfront, the current scenario in the Gulf, especially the Strait, is different than what I and maybe others here encountered in 'nam and even in the Storm. Lottsa difference between the target set and especially the terrain - uncluttered open water. GASP! ...No trees, no serious SAM sites, long way at 60 or 70 knots to shelter and now I have laser-guided 70mm rockets and over a thousand rounds of 30 mm. Gotta love it.
For sure, we should see MANPADS very soon, even now I postulate. But remember with the RX, but I can launch from several clicks away and maybe even have tgt designated by the Reaper on station 20,000 ft above ( note drone mission over Kharg earlier). Over the Trail the myriad of roads and "rest areas" in the trees allowed them to get away if I missed on first pass. The AAA was lots worse in the Storm, but the Warthog used Maverics at night for more kills than with the gun.
Before I quit first post, the Viper is also an excellent choice for the BAI mission. Same loadout weapons as the Hawg, just less, but excellent systems and lots speed to react from alert pads.
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Maybe Mogs and other vets of old can comment. A2A guys can help, but we mudbeaters/CSAR types should have respect from all.
Gums sends...