MC130J Roll-out
Champagne anyone...?
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MC130J Roll-out
Marietta have just rolled out the first MC-130J for AFSOC. Looks good.
Here's a thought - how's about we lease a fleet of these aircraft as we did with the C17 as we draw down
our current J fleet? (admittedly we wouldn't need the AAR fit).
In my humble opinion, the A400M just isn't going to suit the SF support role and we will continue to need C130 sized, specialized TacAT. Leasing would do away with the hideous cash pit that is QQ and would swerve the massive of Office of No that is the IPT.
My only concern would be that we might struggle to get on board in our massive clown shoes....
PS. Don't seem to be any bending moment issues with this aircraft. Clown shoes and spinny bow tie?
Here's a thought - how's about we lease a fleet of these aircraft as we did with the C17 as we draw down
our current J fleet? (admittedly we wouldn't need the AAR fit). In my humble opinion, the A400M just isn't going to suit the SF support role and we will continue to need C130 sized, specialized TacAT. Leasing would do away with the hideous cash pit that is QQ and would swerve the massive of Office of No that is the IPT.
My only concern would be that we might struggle to get on board in our massive clown shoes....
PS. Don't seem to be any bending moment issues with this aircraft. Clown shoes and spinny bow tie?
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Like the little steps - handy for when it is a bit taily!
Obviously with all that extra kit we would need a few K navs on board!
Now stick a few guns and a howitzer out the port side and now we are talking.
Have fun all
TWZ
Obviously with all that extra kit we would need a few K navs on board!
Now stick a few guns and a howitzer out the port side and now we are talking.
Have fun all
TWZ
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Leasing would do away with the hideous cash pit that is QQ
I am clearly ignoring the fact that the MoD will never buy or lease this aircraft of course, but the point is valid for any other aircraft procurement or modification programme!
just isn't going to suit the SF support role and we will continue to need C130 sized, specialized TacAT.
Last edited by Trim Stab; 6th Apr 2011 at 22:03.
Champagne anyone...?
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It isn't mandated that QQ is used, just that independent assessment is made to verify main contractor safety claims and provide independent advice.
Except that unless you want to foolishly follow the septics you don't necessarily want something bristlingly obvious in that role
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We could just purchase the Harvest Hawk modules and extend the life and usefulness of our existing frames.
Champagne anyone...?
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I would rather have an AC-130J
HH was briefly looked at but it was too cheap, simple and obvious and thus failed to meet any of the criteria for UK military procurement.
The RAF had its own Herc gunship. It consisted of a GPMG firing out of the port para door. As may be imagined there was not a huge field of fire ! After the trials it was all written up and mainly forgotten. Just as well perhaps.
I would imagine that Harvest Hawk went into the same "rejected" tray as arming the Nimrod at Basra. Couldn't possibly do it as it would risk future funding for FJ if we could prove, albeit in a permissive air environment, that it would be cheaper and more effective to have large war-loaded ac loitering over contacts for several hours than keeping multiple flights of FJ on the go with associated tanker support...
Perhaps just a bit too cynical...?
Perhaps just a bit too cynical...?
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Except that unless you want to foolishly follow the septics you don't necessarily want something bristlingly obvious in that role, particularly in these internet savvy days. The Puma XW233 "why has it got really big wheel sponsons" has had its cover blown for a very long time.
...to confuse people who think they might be looking at XW223?
Photo Search Results | Airliners.net
About 5 down from the top, and in numerous other places, page 4, page 5 (twice), etc..... At least one of which was at RIAT, where it was bound to be highly photographed.
Photo Search Results | Airliners.net
About 5 down from the top, and in numerous other places, page 4, page 5 (twice), etc..... At least one of which was at RIAT, where it was bound to be highly photographed.
