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View Full Version : Locheed Martin showcases new Polish attack aircraft to support US special forces


NutLoose
27th Oct 2021, 11:41
Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec showcased its new manned light attack aircraft designed to support U.S. special operations forces in permissive environments.

The new MC-145B Special Operations Multi-Role Aircraft (SOMA) features multi-role strike capabilities. PZL Mielec is partnered with private contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) for the program.

According to a company news release, MC-145B Soma is the latest variant of a versatile aircraft with many new capabilities added specifically to meet the needs of Special Forces operations by the U.S. and its allies.
As noted by the company, the new plane is a significantly enhanced and modified version of the M28 short take-off and landing twin-engine turboprop, a utility aircraft currently operating in some of the harshest environments across the globe including the deserts of Jordan, the extreme cold of Estonia, and the subtropical forests of Kenya.The aircraft’s high wing, powerful engines and rugged, fixed tricycle gear are ideal for safe and reliable operations in the austere environments anticipated for the Armed Overwatch mission.


https://defence-blog.com/lockheed-martin-showcases-new-light-attack-aircraft-designed-to-support-u-s-special-operations-forces/

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1068x801/image_764c6da0fb3279b90ddf419c9698df51c07ffa27.png

Though this link says it is being pitched at the US military

https://africapearl.com/2021/10/27/pzl-mielec-and-sierra-nevada-showcase-initial-mc-145b-prototype-news.html


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/780x520/image_1f8c6faf5e27cec015a97bd79a7e604e433c6e16.png

campbeex
27th Oct 2021, 11:55
Might need to pump up the left-hand tyre a bit more.

Three Mile Final
27th Oct 2021, 12:00
Looks like a Skyvan that has had the edges filed off it. A potential opportunity lost for Shorts.

Tashengurt
28th Oct 2021, 11:26
Looks a bit low slung for austere landing strips?

Ninthace
28th Oct 2021, 11:44
The ladder to the rear is a surprise. No ramp?

NutLoose
28th Oct 2021, 15:45
It does appear not, and not a lot of room inside?
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1030x687/mid_21a26168_1030x687_3e16155dc91ab2786f52265e3028db083db4af 4b.jpg


Ahh a pair of internally opening doors, not a ramp as per what we would expect. though looking it might have a little one.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1183/mc_145b_versatility_308a49cc977308f8d08babe2deb6e57c63bd9889 .jpg

NutLoose
28th Oct 2021, 15:51
better info
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41347/meet-the-mc-145b-wily-coyote-armed-special-ops-transport-plane

NutLoose
28th Oct 2021, 15:53
It looks like the US have been operating them already

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/9638/these-unassuming-planes-have-been-key-players-in-americas-war-on-terror

ORAC
21st Nov 2021, 19:53
https://twitter.com/frankreardon1/status/1462125534524104712?s=21