In present day situation, when there's huge need of tankers, transport
and loitering ability and air defense of the low level opponents may
consist just of MANPADS sams, here's my super-perfect option for a
next generation combat plane:
A330 MRTT - ISR and attack variant
It should be modified in a way that there's a pressure wall in say,
after first 20% of the cargo area. There would be room for a spare
crew, a bar (grin), and sensor consoles and sensor crew. The area behind
would house the suitable munitions for counter-insurgency effort (GPS
guided rocks, SDB's, FAE's whatever.).
The wings of the aircraft, or the hull, would have hardpoints for a
very comprehensive EO/SLAR sensor suite. With carrying capabity of A330, the suite might be fairly large and power-intensive, reducing costs.
The same aircraft would be also be capable of being used as a tanker,
transport or a stand-off weapons launcher.
The aircraft would have a tremendous range and loiter ability with a
low operating costs. A fully loaded MRTT range might be around 20
000km's. In addition, interior of aircraft would permit operating
replacement crews.
In addition, there would be capability of inflight refuelling. It
might be well feasible to operate this kind of aircraft from very
secure bases without need of forward basing. The speed of A330 is much
higher than most of the drones, which is important for rapid
responses.
Commercial aircraft have also very high reliability ratings compared
to drones, as well as keeping man-in-the loop at all times.
For other viable alternative one might also take a look at USN's new
P-8.
Mvh,
Jon K
and loitering ability and air defense of the low level opponents may
consist just of MANPADS sams, here's my super-perfect option for a
next generation combat plane:
A330 MRTT - ISR and attack variant
It should be modified in a way that there's a pressure wall in say,
after first 20% of the cargo area. There would be room for a spare
crew, a bar (grin), and sensor consoles and sensor crew. The area behind
would house the suitable munitions for counter-insurgency effort (GPS
guided rocks, SDB's, FAE's whatever.).
The wings of the aircraft, or the hull, would have hardpoints for a
very comprehensive EO/SLAR sensor suite. With carrying capabity of A330, the suite might be fairly large and power-intensive, reducing costs.
The same aircraft would be also be capable of being used as a tanker,
transport or a stand-off weapons launcher.
The aircraft would have a tremendous range and loiter ability with a
low operating costs. A fully loaded MRTT range might be around 20
000km's. In addition, interior of aircraft would permit operating
replacement crews.
In addition, there would be capability of inflight refuelling. It
might be well feasible to operate this kind of aircraft from very
secure bases without need of forward basing. The speed of A330 is much
higher than most of the drones, which is important for rapid
responses.
Commercial aircraft have also very high reliability ratings compared
to drones, as well as keeping man-in-the loop at all times.
For other viable alternative one might also take a look at USN's new
P-8.
Mvh,
Jon K