counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft comeback?
There has been allot of talk amongst USAF officials of a requirement for a counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft.
They have been talking about aircraft like AT-6B, AT-37, OV-10, EMB-314, PC-9 and A-67, and of course extending the use of the A-10.
And of course there is the debate about "why not keep using UCAV's, well the USAF still needs a pilot to "get down and amongst" the action in co-ordination with ground troops, much the same as in the FAC's did in previous wars.
What are some of your views on what would be a good Aircraft?
Also there is talk about outsourcing this need to a private security force.
If all the equipment not having U.S. State Department restrictions on use.
Makes life easier for the USAF and on a short term basis much like the PMCs (Private Military Companies) operating in the theaters of conflicts today.
Any takers?