A Decade Late, but We'll Take Them

Well before AFG we knew we needed these - I still remember people saying, "It would be nice to have a few OV-10s around ... "

From the start of the march from Camp Rhino, we doubly knew we needed this capability.

The same mentality that hates the A-10 hates this even more. They are the same people, BTW, who will tell you with a straight face that the F-35 can replace the A-10. Yep - "those" people.

Anyway, a decade late and a "good enough" - if we can keep them. This doesn't pack quite the punch it should - but it is good enough.

It’s official, the Air Force has selected Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano as the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft, better known as a counterinsurgency (COIN) plane. ... a couple of years ago the Air Force planned to buy dozens of cheap, turboprop-driven COIN aircraft that could be used to provide light air support and ISR for troops fighting insurgents in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. The planes were supposed to take the burden for such unglamorous missions off of jet fighters like the F-16, which cost far more to operate. However, the draw-down from Iraq combined with shrinking defense budgets forced the air service to dramatically reduce the program. Now, the service will use the small fleet of turboprop planes to help build up the nascent Afghan air force, and “other nations.” Those last two words leave the possibility open for more Super T sales beyond those to the U.S. Air Force and Afghan air force.

I know that the USAF will try to kill this as soon as they can - just like I know there are many in the Navy who want to kill Riverine again - but for now let us say, "Good."

... and yes - they will be built in the USA; can someone get me a ride?

The A-29 Super Tucano will be built in Jacksonville, FL by American employees with parts from American companies. Aircraft training will be provided in Clovis, NM. More than 70 U.S. suppliers in 21 states will supply parts or services for this contract. At least 1,200 U.S. jobs will be supported through this contract

It would be nice if the USN could get a squadron or three for NSW support. Put them in the Reserves if the active duty Hornet Mafia gets the vapors. Two squadrons in Norfolk, two squadrons in San Diego. Better yet - make is six total; 3 & 3. One active and two reserve squadrons per coast.

I know Captain Hendrix could tell us how they would fold in well with influence squadrons - if you could get the NSW folks to let a DET or two go for a few months.

You will have no problem getting pilots to sign up that's for sure; it has guns in the wings for goodness sakes!