Its been tested in combat, has the same or better weapons carriage, has better range and most of all it has better speed.
The modest proposal is to bite the bullet and fully embrace the capabilities of the MV-22 by curtailing buys of the AH-1Z and purchasing product improved OV-10's. The big Achilles heel of the AH-1Z when it comes to operating besides the MV-22 is not only its inability to keep up but also its short legs (in comparison). Putting a mixed wing of OV-10's, AH-1Z's and UH-1Y's would cover the bases a bit more effectively than relying on the F-35B and AV-8B to provide escort for the MV-22.
Our current concept of operations will have the AV-8/F-35's busy doing combat air support, fighter sweeps and fleet defense. Escorting MV-22's about the battlefield will be a necessary task that might get left behind among all that work.
But it gets worse. When the CH-53K comes on line it will also outpace the AH-1Z. That means even more work for the fast movers on the MEU.
In my mind the canary in the coal mine occurred during the Libyan War when the MEU was tasked to rescue downed F-15 pilots. AV-8B's were launched to escort the MV-22's. CH-53E's carried a backup force and were escorted by AH-1Z's. Carrying a reinforced squad of Marines isn't exactly a heavy lift for the CH-53 and from what I've been told even those elderly birds can push AH-1Z's to the firewall in order to keep up.
That was the wake up call. Its time. Get some OV-10's out of storage, refurbish them, put in new engines and avionics and lets get the boys at NAVAIR some good work.
Boeing is trying to push this concept for years now.It s called the OV-10 X ...it can carry 12 Hellfires in anti-armour mission or 4 Sidewinders in anti-helicopter role.The airframe can be newly build or an old OV-10 convertion.
ReplyDeleteDefend them against what?
ReplyDeleteAny sort of enemy air is going to go through Broncos, and I would have thought (from my position of total ignorance peering through beer goggles) that a helciopter would be far far quicker to react to any sort of ground fire?
Wasn't there an outline plan for a gunship variant of the V22?
I wonder, could you stick one of those 40mm CTA guns on it?
well the thing is that in the case of ground fire the MV-22 is flying so much faster than the AH-1Z that it wouldn't even be at the location before they could make the drop and be gone. that's why i want the OV-10. it can keep up with the MV-22 and provide support. the MV-22 will have to slow down so that the AH-1Z could be there. additionally i've seen some mockups with the OV-10 equipped for an anti-air mission and yet retaining several hellfires for anti-armor work.
ReplyDelete50 cals should be sufficient or even the old 20mm cannon that some carried.
The OV-10 Bronco has a great history in combat. The only issue was in the first Gulf war. Some of the OV-10s did not have any Chaff and flare dispensers and where shot down. The Marines where too cheap to upgrade them. They are fast, fairly maneuverable and provide a platform for many different weapons configurations. They even have clam shell doors in the back. That rear compartment can carry men or supplies. The OV-10 is also a STOL aircraft. An upgrade to their engines and avionics would not only provide the perfect aircraft to escort the MV-22 it is a fantastic COIN aircraft. It has the ability to carry a lot of fuel so it can also loiter over the battlefield and supplement the AC-130 with the right weapons package as well as provide observation. It is a do all the little dirty work aircraft the DOD seems to hate. You could easily fit the whole AH-64 Apache weapons package on it and not have to develop something new, take it right off the shelf. Or use a mix of any weapons, like gun pods, missiles, bombs and so on. It is a very flexible mission aircraft. Of course that's why the DOD won't use it, because it's perfect for the job.
ReplyDeleteBe careful, Sol, or some asshat will start trying to jam Super Tucanos down the USMC's throat.
ReplyDeleteBronco, Schmonco
You vant OV-10s? I've got Tucanos
You vant CAS? I've got Tucanos
You vant FAC? I've got Tucanos