U.K. looking for a Close Air Support aircraft

[NutLoose]

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/project-valkyrie-britain-is-looking-for-more-new-drones/

possibly manned too. Diamond Guardian?
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/da42-mpp-guardian-surveillance-aircraft/

It’s stated that the requirement is for “a manned air platform or platforms and aircrew capable of operating to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) by day or night whilst performing CAS/ISR tasks, to emulate existing and future military manned & unmanned capabilities, in support of exercising troops on CTG exercises, in the UK and overseas”


Though the site does need to check their images ( picture of a Tucano as the drone),
A contract tender notice has been posted for a £9m contract called ‘Project Valkyrie’, please note that the above image is a generic file photo of a drone and is not indicative of any specific plans.

[Willard Whyte]

Do the USAF still want to get rid of their A-10s?

[Bengo]

They are not looking for a real CAS capability.

The ad says " to emulate existing and future military manned & unmanned capabilities, in support of exercising troops on CTG exercises, in the UK and overseas"

N

[WB627]

Since the demise of the Harrier, exactly what close air suport capability do we have?

[Timelord]

Since the demise of the Harrier, exactly what close air suport capability do we have?

Typhoon + Paveway 4, Brimstone, Gun. Predator + whatever it carries.

[NutLoose]

I would have thought Apache is.

[Lima Juliet]

Reaper - and it doesn’t need to keep going to the Texaco either! Persistent armed ISTAR… CAS, SCAR, XCAS and other stuff.

[chevvron]

They'll end up using Slingsby sorry Grob Prefects.

[Timelord]

LJ, Sorry, I meant Reaper.

[WB627]

Thanks for the replies.

Predator - I didn't think you could do CAS from 40,000ft or more :uhoh:
Apache - ok if it's not to far from where you need it in a hurry.
Typhoon - I guess that's what the G is in FGR4

[Timelord]

CAS has changed out of all recognition in the last few years because of designator pods, precise positioning and stand off weapons. Remember that B52 and B1B were doing CAS in some theatres. All of which makes the need for a “close” training platform a bit perplexing.

[Cat Techie]

Anything from the OPs first link is from an amateur defence expert on FB. Not worth the time to consider.

[NutLoose]

Anything from the OPs first link is from an amateur defence expert on FB. Not worth the time to consider.

Ignore the above. he does not know what he is talking about.

contract details

703088454- Project Valkyrie- Opportunity - Contracts Finder (https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4d1fcb0f-ca6c-4c39-b4a8-5ddf725da43f)

703088454- Project Valkyrie- Opportunity (bcgrowthhub.com) (https://tender.bcgrowthhub.com/tenders/703088454-project-valkyrie-opportunity)

[Cat Techie]

Ignore the above. he does not know what he is talking about.

contract details

703088454- Project Valkyrie- Opportunity - Contracts Finder (https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4d1fcb0f-ca6c-4c39-b4a8-5ddf725da43f)

703088454- Project Valkyrie- Opportunity (bcgrowthhub.com) (https://tender.bcgrowthhub.com/tenders/703088454-project-valkyrie-opportunity)
Will come to nothing. Opportunity means nothing with this government.

[Lonewolf_50]

Do the USAF still want to get rid of their A-10s? You beat me to it.
They have Apaches, what more do they need for close air support?
Hat, coat, exit!

@WB627
guess you have not worked with Predator much.

[PEI_3721]

See; https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/646454-falklands-40-a-11.html#post11246725

Plus gun etc …

[DuckDodgers]

This is to replace the existing service provision delivered by 2Excel/Meta with their DA-42 platform to support Collective Training Group. Expect a similar capability to be delivered, QQ likely bidding with their recently acquired DA-62 platform. Outside chance somebody with appropriate approvals will team with Air Bear Tactical.

[PV1]

Don’t the Ministry of “Defense” know that the plural of Aircraft and Spacecraft don’t have an S

[Dan Winterland]

Picture of a Tucano as the drone.

It's a Texan 2.

[WB627]

@WB627
guess you have not worked with Predator much.

Nor anything else. Last thing I flew was a chipmunk, 47 years go :(