RAF to revert to Prop engine aircraft for ground attack role!

DeerHunter UK · 01-25-10, 05:54 AM

The Tucano's payload is poor at best, the RAF should be looking at A-10s as a cost effective weapon. I like the idea of using Skyraiders though, wonder if there's any left in a serviceable condition?

TarJak · 01-25-10, 06:42 AM

Only two airworthy exmaples left in the US. The UK decommissioned it's RNFAR Skyraiders in 1962. Unlikely they would look to a 60 odd year old design that's no longer in production anywhere in the world.

The 1.5 ton payload isn't insignificant given the advances in even iron bomb technology since the Skyraider left service.

Schroeder · 01-25-10, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeerHunter UK

The Tucano's payload is poor at best.

How much payload do you need to take out some insurgents? I think small cheap propeller planes might be an alternative for the jets in the close support role in Afghanistan and other countries like that. Sure they aren't that useful against a modern army (actually they are pretty much completely useless against them

) but for now they could give a hand in the deserts of this world at an unbeatable cost/efficiency ratio. Imagine, just cut down your Typhoon orders by one plane and buy ten close support prop planes.
Sure the Typhoons, Tornadoes etc. can't be replaced by those aircraft and have to be available in case that the big sh*t hits the fan. But for now those planes could help in easing the financial burdens of the military.

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01-25-10, 05:54 AM	#1
DeerHunter UK Machinist's Mate Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 124 Downloads: 56 Uploads: 0	The Tucano's payload is poor at best, the RAF should be looking at A-10s as a cost effective weapon. I like the idea of using Skyraiders though, wonder if there's any left in a serviceable condition?

01-25-10, 06:42 AM	#2
TarJak Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,052 Downloads: 150 Uploads: 8	Only two airworthy exmaples left in the US. The UK decommissioned it's RNFAR Skyraiders in 1962. Unlikely they would look to a 60 odd year old design that's no longer in production anywhere in the world. The 1.5 ton payload isn't insignificant given the advances in even iron bomb technology since the Skyraider left service.