USAF Forges Ahead with Light Combat Aircraft Programme

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The initial funding instalment, of an eventual $2 billion to purchase 100 Light Attack Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft, has been received by the US Air Force, for asymmetric operations like those being carried out in Iraq and Afghanistan. LAAR is required to become operational in 2013, one year after initial deliveries start. The chosen type may be a propeller-driven aircraft, but whichever type is selected will be fitted with hardpoints for light support weapons and will carry a targeting pod, making it capable of independently engaging targets.

Possible contenders include the AirTractor AT802U (a modified crop duster), Alenia Aermacchi M-346, Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, Hawker Beechcraft AT-6L and Pilatus PC-6 Porter. Boeing’s OV-10(X) Bronco proposal, based on the twin-engine, twin-boom forward air controller of the Vietnam era—for which no production facility has even been chosen—now appears an unlikely candidate. The aircraft will be required to have a rapid engagement capability, in order to reduce the sensor-to-shooter timeline. The LAAR aircraft will also operate as a forward air controller (FAC), with voice, video and data-links. LAAR is being procured under the OA-X programme and should have significantly reduced operating costs—required to be around $1,000 per flying hour. For comparison, an F-16C fighter costs $7,750 per flying hour while the F-15E costs $44,000.

Air-to-ground weapons will include one or two podded 7.62mm mini-guns, two 500lb (227kg) guided-munitions, 2x 3/4in rocket projectiles and the AGM-114N Hellfire air-to-ground missile. An as yet, informal requirements document, calls for operating from austere airfields on five-hour missions over distances of 900nm (1,667km) up to a ceiling of 30,000ft (9,144m). Air Combat Command (ACC), rather than Air Force Special Operations Command (SOC) has responsibility for the programme. ACC requires the first 24-aircraft squadron to be ready for combat within two years and will then decide whether to equip an entire wing. The 53rd Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the likely first operator of the aircraft. LAAR funding in the FY2010 budget is expected to be $90 million.

Contributor: Defence IQ

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Report Abuse   digysol 02/10/2010 7:13:42 PM EST USAF should have stored and upgraded all those surplus P-51's :-) Replies (0) Post a reply Sign in or Sign up to post a comment

Report Abuse   Patrawalla 12/25/2009 6:12:56 AM EST USAF could consider LCA Trainer version with EJ 200 engine. Cheap supersonic leadin trainer and user friendly. What says you? Replies (0) Post a reply Sign in or Sign up to post a comment