Modern anti-guerrilla aircraft. Part 1

During the fighting in Vietnam, the US military leadership concluded that the supersonic jet fighters created for the “big war” with the Soviet Union were ineffective against the partisans operating in the jungle. Part of the problem was solved with the help of the A-1 Skyrader piston attack aircraft A-26 and the Invader B-XNUMX bombers, as well as converted training machines and helicopters.

A-1 Skyrader Attack Aircraft

However, the losses and depletion of the service life of combat aircraft created during World War II made their inevitable “departure from the scene” only a matter of time, and armed training aircraft and attack helicopters turned out to be very vulnerable to Viet Cong anti-aircraft fire.

Taking all these factors into account, several programs for the creation of light "counterinsurgency" attack aircraft adapted for operations in Southeast Asia were launched in the United States. The result of this work was the creation and adoption of the very successful turboprop OV-10 "Bronco" and turbojet A-37 "Dragonfly".

OV-10 "Bronco"

Adopted shortly before the end of hostilities in Vietnam, for many years these planes became a kind of “benchmark” for lightweight strike machines designed to act against irregular formations. They optimally combined good security, high maneuverability, a wide range of weapons, the ability to base on unprepared ground airfields and not high operating costs. In a number of countries that have problems with “illegal armed formations,” these attack aircraft are still in use.

A-37 "Dragonfly"

Another “counter-guerrilla” aircraft that has become widely used is the Swiss turboprop trainer aircraft (UTS) - the Рilatus PC-7, which was launched into mass production in 1978.

Рilatus PC-7

Adopted by the air forces of more than 20 countries, this low-wing monoplane with retractable tricycle landing gear was popular with flight and technical personnel. In total, more than 450 machines of this type were built.

The aircraft is equipped with a very successful Pratt Whitney Canada PT6A-25A turboprop engine with a power of 650 hp. The RS-7 could carry up to 1040 kg of combat load on 6 external suspension units. Including: unguided rockets, machine gun containers, bombs and incendiary tanks.

Despite the initially peaceful training status of the RS-7 aircraft, they were very actively used in combat. Often, unarmed aircraft delivered from Switzerland had their suspension units and sights mounted in the operating countries, which made it possible to circumvent Swiss legislation restricting arms supplies.

The largest armed conflict involving Pilatus was the Iran-Iraq War. The PC-7s were used by the Iraqi Air Force to provide direct aviation support, as reconnaissance and spotters, and even military toxic substances were sprayed from them.
The Chadian Air Force used Pilatus to bomb rebel positions both on its own territory and in neighboring Sudan.
In Guatemala, PC-7s struck rebel camps from 1982 until the conflict ended in 1996.
In 1994, the Mexican Air Force used PC-7s to attack positions of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation in Chiapas. This action was considered illegal by the Swiss government, since the aircraft were supplied only for training purposes and were not armed. As a result, Switzerland imposed a ban on the supply of PC-7s to Mexico.
The armed RS-7s played a very significant role in the liquidation of the Angolan opposition movement UNITA. They were flown by European and South African pilots hired by the Angolan government through the South African firm Executive Outcoms, which specializes in providing security services. The aircraft carried out assault strikes on militant positions and camps, and were also used as forward air controllers, “marking” targets for the MiG-23s with phosphorus munitions.

The Pilatus PC-7 and Pilatus PC-9 aircraft became the further development of Pilatus PC-21.

Pilatus PC-9

The RS-9 differs from the RS-7 in its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 engine with a shaft power of 1150 hp, a reinforced airframe, an improved aerodynamic surface of the fuselage and wings, and ejection seats. Serial production began in 1986. The aircraft carries the same combat load as the RS-7. It was mainly ordered by countries that already had experience operating the RS-7. A total of about 250 RS-9s were produced. Unlike the earlier model, this aircraft did not see much combat use. The RS-9s in the Air Forces of Chad and Myanmar were used to carry out reconnaissance flights and counter-insurgency operations.

PC-9 Air Force Chad

Currently, the Israeli company Elbit Systems is working to increase the strike potential of the RS-7 and RS-9. It is assumed that after the corresponding modifications, the pilots' information awareness will increase and the possibility of using high-precision aviation weapons will appear.

Based on the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 in the USA, the TC-T-6A Texan II was built.
The most significant external difference between the American aircraft and its Swiss "progenitor" is the modified shape of the front part of the cockpit canopy.

T-6A Texan II

The avionics of the Texan II aircraft allows using the machine not only for the initial training of pilots, but also for training pilots to perform various combat missions. Armament is placed on six nodes of the suspension.

A specialized strike version of this aircraft, designated AT-6B, has also been created. The aircraft is designed to perform a variety of tasks: surveillance and reconnaissance with the ability to accurately record coordinates, transmit streaming video and data, provide close air support, provide forward air guidance, participate in counter-narcotics operations, and conduct reconnaissance in disaster areas.

AT-6B

Compared to the UTs, the aircraft is equipped with a more powerful turboprop engine, an improved sighting and navigation system, and a container with day and night vision equipment. Armor protection for the cockpit and engine is installed. The protection system against IR and laser homing heads of surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles may include a radiation warning system and an automatic IR decoy ejector. The aircraft is equipped with: a system for controlling the means of EW ALQ-213, ARC-210 secure radio communication system, data transmission line equipment.

The equipment available on the AT-6V allows the use of various precision-guided munitions, including missiles Hellfire and Maverick, Paveway II/III/IV guided bombs and JDAM, the payload weight remains the same as on the Pilatus. The built-in armament consists of two 12,7 mm machine guns.

Pilatus PC-21 made the first flight in the 2002 year, and from 2008, the aircraft is delivered to customers. When designing the PC-21, Pilatus specialists used all the experience gained in the PC family. At the moment, machines of this type have not been manufactured much (near 80).

PC 21

The wing used on the PC-21 provided the aircraft with a higher roll speed and maximum flight speed than in the case of the PC-9. When creating this aircraft, it was assumed that it would be possible to train pilots of any profile on it. The PC-21 is equipped with sophisticated programmable flight control systems that allow you to simulate the piloting features of airplanes of various classes and the performance of various combat missions. Much attention is paid to reducing operating costs and ease of ground handling of the aircraft.

The aircraft has five suspension points for weapons type "air-to-ground". In addition to training and educational purposes, the PC-21 can be used in "anti-terrorist operations". Potential customers are offered a specialized "counter-insurgency" version of this machine with enhanced weapons and armor protection, which, however, exists only in the project.


The trademark of Embraer EMB-312 Tucano became the visiting card of the Brazilian aviation industry. It is one of the most successful modern combat training aircraft, which have received deserved recognition, both in the Brazilian Air Force and abroad.

Embraer EMB-312

Even during the design process, it was assumed that the aircraft would be used not only for training Air Force pilots, but also as a light attack aircraft capable of being used effectively and at relatively low cost in counterinsurgency operations when there is no threat from fighters and modern systems. Defense.

On the four underwing pylons housed weapons generally weighing up to 1000 kg. EMB-312 aircraft in the attack version can use machine-gun containers, unguided rockets and bombs.
The success of the aircraft was largely predetermined by its rational layout, the aircraft turned out to be quite light - its dry weight does not exceed 1870 kg and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C turboprop engine (1 x 750 hp). To save the crew, the EMB-312 aircraft is equipped with two ejection seats.

Under the designation T-27 "Tucano", the aircraft began to enter service with the combat units of the Brazilian Air Force and almost 1983 other countries in September 20. More than 600 aircraft of this type were built. Countries of South and Latin America actively used the "Tucano" as patrol aircraft, counter-guerrilla aircraft, and for combating drug trafficking.

In addition to the training version with the possibility of combat use, a specialized light attack aircraft AT-27 "Tucano" was developed. The aircraft carried the same combat load, but had improved sighting equipment and light armor protection.

AT-27

Light attack aircraft were used by the Air Force of Peru in an armed conflict with Ecuador on the Senepa River in 1995.
The Venezuelan Air Force lost several AT-27s to anti-aircraft fire and F-16A interceptors during the anti-government rebellion of November 1992.
Participation in full-scale combat operations was not very frequent for this aircraft; patrol and reconnaissance flights and actions to stop drug trafficking became its usual application. The Tucano has successfully intercepted and shot down more than one aircraft with a cargo of drugs.
In most cases, small piston airplanes are used to transport drugs, in comparison with which this turboprop looks like a real fighter.

The further development of the EMB-312 Tucano was the EMB-314 Super Tucano, the production of which began in 2003. The modernized aircraft received a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine with a capacity of 1600 hp. The airframe structure was strengthened, the pilot's cabin received Kevlar protection and new electronic equipment.
The upgraded aircraft became almost one and a half meters longer and significantly heavier (the empty weight of the aircraft is 3200 kilograms).

EMB-314 Super Tucano

The armament was enhanced, the Super Tucano received two built-in 12,7 mm machine guns in the wing root, and five hardpoints can accommodate a combat load with a total weight of up to 1550 kg. The armament range includes machine gun and cannon containers with weapons of calibers from 7,62 to 20 mm, guided and unguided bomb and missile weapons.

The single version of the light attack aircraft received the designation A-29А, instead of the seat of the second pilot on the plane was installed a protected fuel tank with a capacity of 400 liters.

Single attack aircraft A-29A Super Tucano

Modification A-29B has two workplaces of pilots, and in addition is equipped with various electronic equipment necessary to control the battlefield.

Like the previous model, the Super Tucano is popular in countries fighting drug cartels and various types of insurgents. Currently, more than 150 Super Tucano attack aircraft in service with the air forces of several countries around the world have flown 130 hours, including 000 hours in combat sorties.

The A-29Bs of the Colombian Air Force have been used most intensively in combat. The Super Tucano's first combat mission occurred in January 2007, when the aircraft carried out a missile and bomb strike on a camp of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. In 2011-2012, they carried out precision strikes with Griffin laser-guided munitions on guerrilla strongholds. In 2013, Colombian light attack aircraft also carried out combat sorties to combat insurgents and drug trafficking.

Interest in acquiring the Super Tucano was expressed by the US Special Operations Command. After lengthy negotiations, in February 2013 the US and Brazilian Embraer signed a contract under which the A-29 aircraft will be built under license in the US. The contract implies the construction of at least 20 attack aircraft in a slightly modified configuration, which in the future will provide air support for special forces.
Unlike the Brazilian "Super Tucano" of American assembly should be equipped with electronic equipment similar to that installed on the light attack aircraft AT-6B. The possibility of night use and the use of light high-precision ammunition is specifically stipulated, which will significantly increase the strike potential of the attack aircraft.
Negotiations for the purchase or leasing of the “Super Tucano” are also being conducted with Afghanistan and Iraq.

The success of Brazil's Embraer was predetermined by the fact that its light attack aircraft appeared, as they say, "at the right time and in the right place."
Their flight, operational, combat characteristics and cost largely met the requirements of the air forces of countries in need of such an aircraft. Despite the fact that the Tucano appeared later than the Pilatus, the absence of restrictions in Brazilian legislation on the supply of weapons to combat zones played a significant role.

Sources:
http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/
http://www.cofe.ru/avia

Comments

[Dima190579]

Progress double in a circle.

[Ghjynjyjoiiyr]

Now the speeds of the main fighters revolve around 1,2 m-1,5 M, this is the pilot's physical endurance limit, so modernized 3-generation aircraft can successfully withstand 4-generation aircraft.

[Bongo]

Quote: Dima190579

Progress double

Rather, it repeats itself in a new quality, in addition to screw light attack aircraft, a striking example is the Gatling multi-barrel.

[tchoni]

Interesting fact. After meeting with the partisan formations of the Republic of Ichkeria, even the not very defensively protected Su-25s returned, as they say, on parole and on one wing. (This is subject to the absence of arrows, needles and other stingers in the air). Question: what will happen to the same Toucan in a similar setting? and whom can he support with only a ton of weapons on board? And where is the low cost of use - 4 flights instead of one?

[Bongo]

Quote: tchoni

After meeting with the partisan formations of the Republic of Ichkeria, even the not very defensively protected Su-25 returned, as they say, on parole and on one wing. (This is subject to the absence of arrows, needles and other stingers in the air).

Do you have a delivery statistics of combat damage, with reference to the number of sorties, circumstances and air defense systems that caused these damage?

[tchoni]

During the service, relevant documents fell into the hands. Under the bar, naturally. Now I don’t remember the numbers, but they were enough to initiate research on the development of aircraft coloring schemes in order to reduce its visibility specifically for the MZA operator.
And the familiar flyers from the former Avgans greatly emphasized the role of the MZA. (although they flew on MIG 23, but nevertheless the same assault tasks were)

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

After meeting with the partisan formations of the Republic of Ichkeria, even the not very defensively protected Su-25 returned, as they say, on parole and on one wing. (This is subject to the absence of arrows, needles and other stingers in the air).

This is because the pilot on the Su-25 is forced to "work" from low altitudes because he does not have any equipment for detecting small-sized targets. Yes, and for targeted dropping of bombs or launching NURSs, you also need to descend to low altitudes.

Quote: tchoni

Question: what will happen to the same Toucan in a similar setting?

Nothing. Super Tukano is equipped with modern optoelectronic equipment, and it can launch Hellfire, JDAM and Paveway from heights inaccessible for defeating MANPADS and MZA.

[Argon]

Well, Nayhas's "expression" doesn't surprise me, but I didn't expect such "frivolity" from Bongo. I categorically support tchoni (by the way, there are statistics on the first Chechen war, and they are quite reliable). All the "lamentations" about such equipment were started by the Americans in Vietnam due to the lack of a full-fledged attack helicopter, and the lack of a real prospect of obtaining it soon. In the future, this is just a product for "banana" states and has a very conditional relation to the concept of COMBAT CAPABILITY, it is worth mentioning the significant weather restrictions for propeller-driven aircraft of the "light" class. The passages about the Ju-87 made me smile (it is not clear why this "fainting", and not the Il-10, for example - a more thoughtful "apparatus") - with the current saturation of MZA (ZGU, Utesy) in military formations of any level (we don't even remember MANPADS). Regarding the "real" attack aircraft - allow me find out how many advancing tanks (or other actively maneuvering targets) can the Su-25 destroy at night? By the way, a missile defense system capable of recognizing and providing the use of SP (without external target designation) from an altitude of 5000 m and a range of at least 10000 m fits on a platform such as the Su-24, Su-34. I share the opinion of the respected Daos - the future belongs to UAVs (namely robots, not remotely controlled aircraft) and the main thing here is the price of the issue (the main criterion of the class) - there is no need to spend money on flight personnel, maintaining their flight and combat skills. At the same time, the cost of an individual model will certainly increase, but the cost of maintaining such "air force" will be reduced by several orders of magnitude.

[Bongo]

Dear Argon, I sincerely regret that I disappointed you with my "frivolity", especially since I am also the author of this article.
But in my opinion you think in too global categories, no one suggests re-equipping the Air Force with these machines. They firmly occupy their niche, albeit very specific and limited. One way or another, there is a steady demand for them and in recent years it has only increased. As for drones and other things, I propose to wait for the second part and not to judge too harshly.

[tchoni]

I'm afraid that at the moment this niche is occupied by drones.

[cosmos111]

Quote: Argon

In the future, this is just a product for the "banana" states and has a very conditional relation to the concept of UNCAPABILITY, it is worth mentioning the significant meteorological restrictions for screws

a turboprop attack aircraft is cheaper to operate...
consumes less fuel, significantly longer engine life...
a turboprop attack aircraft is not an aircraft for a big war (with columns of armored vehicles and developed air defense)))) Namely, for counter-insurgency, for a local war,...
can be used, inter alia, for operations where patrolling is required, which goes into the assault phase .....
yes, the future belongs to UAVs, but with the development of the REB, this future is not so clearly rosy(((interception and landing of the Yankee UAV... in Crimea)))

[voyaka uh]

MANPADS does not leave such a helicopter attack aircraft
not a single chance to survive. This is a dead end branch.
Only in the unmanned version can more about
to say something.

[Nayhas]

Quote: Argon

In the future, this is just a product for the "banana" states and has a very conditional relation to the concept of UNCAPABILITY

Quite a loud statement. Well, then the problem of fighting "guerillos" is undoubtedly inherent in the "banana" republics. Their budget will not cope with the purchase of what you Sergei Vladimirovich consider to be a real military aircraft. Unmanned strike systems are certainly more interesting, but in the world of countries producing them there are very few USA, Israel and Europe. They are also not cheap and no one sells them especially, and it is simply unrealistic to create them for the "banana" republics on their own. Therefore, strike vehicles based on light aircraft are the most profitable option.

Quote: Argon

The passages about the Ju-87 smiled (it is not clear why this "swoon", and not the Il-10, for example, a more thoughtful "apparatus") - with the modern saturation of the MZA (PGU, "Cliffs") in military formations of any level (about MANPADS, not even remember).

Duc, the mention of these devices was in terms of their re-equipment for work outside the zone of the "partisan" air defense. Modern sighting systems allow you to work from a height of 5 km. On account of the fact that the Il-10 is "more thoughtful" I disagree, the Il-8, yes, but not the Il-10 ...

[Vasek]

Quote: Argon

The passages about the Ju-87 smiled (it's not clear why this "swoon", and not the Il-10, for example, a more thoughtful "apparatus")

Is it really correct to compare them?
For all my patriotism, to deny the fact that the Yu-87 (which is actually a bomber) came into service earlier than even the IL-2 is simply not serious.
And the Il-10 absorbed all the experience of using both our and enemy attack aircraft.

[svyach74]

What kind of "vrvzh"? Only the USSR had attack aircraft, as such in World War II!

[tchoni]

Quote: Nayhas

This is because the pilot on the Su-25 is forced to "work" from low altitudes because he does not have any equipment for detecting small-sized targets. Yes, and for targeted dropping of bombs or launching NURSs, you also need to descend to low altitudes.

And a toucan, then, from the heights of a bombombo? Super duper sniper, damn it.

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

And a toucan, then, from the heights of a bombombo? Super duper sniper, damn it

I do not understand your irony. You doubt that EMB 314 Super Tucano using AN / AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE II

can't accurately bomb Paveway 2 from a height of 5km.?
Or is there any doubt that the Paveway 2 can bomb for sure?

[tchoni]

Quote: Nayhas

Nothing. Super Tukano is equipped with modern optoelectronic equipment, and it can launch Hellfire, JDAM and Paveway from heights inaccessible for defeating MANPADS and MZA.

The Su25 has an ASP-17BTs rifle-bomber sight (aiming when firing a cannon, bombing, launching missiles), as well as a Klen-PS laser rangefinder-target designator (measuring the slant range to the target, aiming an UR with a laser guidance system.
The Su-25T is equipped with the SUV-25T Voskhod weapons control system, designed for automatic recognition and tracking of small moving targets (tanks, boats, vehicles, etc.), target designation and automatic guidance of missiles, as well as for ensuring the firing of unguided rockets and the gun. The complex includes the Shkval round-the-clock automatic sighting system (located in the forward fuselage and includes television equipment coupled with an automatic target tracking unit, as well as a laser rangefinder-target designator), an information display system (IDS), a central digital computer, an information complex for vertical and course, a Doppler ground speed and drift meter, a low-altitude radio altimeter, and a short-range and long-range navigation radio system.
I will not discuss later modifications.

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

The Su25 has an ASP-17BTS rifle bomber sight (aiming when firing a cannon, bombing, missile launch)

Well, yes, they forgot to add from what height with the help of this sight attack aircraft work.

Quote: tchoni

The Su-25T is equipped with the SUV-25T "Voskhod" weapons control system

There is no such aircraft in service, what's the point of mentioning it?

[tchoni]

Quote: Nayhas

There is no such aircraft in service, what's the point of mentioning it?

As far as I know, in 99 they were used in Chichen. don’t know how much, in my link worked. and a total of a dozen of them were released. The question is not about this, but about what the toucan does everything the Su25 does in modifications. And what makes drying a toucan does not do under any sauce. Namely, it does not sag over the target by maintaining a subdivision on the ground with high-precision fire for 20 minutes under the intense influence of MZA fire.

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

The question is not about this, but that everything that the toucan does, and the Su25 in modifications

Of course, the truth is, there is still no such modification. There is a Super Toucan which can and a Su-25 which can potentially. All the same, the Su-25 was intended for a "big war" and converting it into an aircraft to fight partisans is not entirely correct idea. If it is modernized, then it is capable of hitting a strong enemy and nightmare partisans into a strike aircraft. Nobody demands from Toucan to fight, for example, against the army of Iran ... his banner is different.

Quote: tchoni

And what makes drying a toucan does not do under any sauce. Namely, it does not sag over the target by maintaining a subunit on the ground with high-precision fire for 20 minutes under the intense influence of MZA fire

Well, actually, the Su-25 does not. 20 minutes under fire MZA?

[tchoni]

Quote: Nayhas

Well, actually, the Su-25 does not. 20 minutes under fire MZA?

I meant being in a potentially dangerous area. Where the aircraft is periodically bombarded with small arms and small-caliber guns. The situation is typical for Afghanistan and Chechnya.
10-20 minutes is the normal time for thoughtful work on a goal. Yesterday I specifically consulted with a former pilot on this topic.

[tchoni]

ASP-17BTS up to 6000 m. Navigation bombing. moreover, KVO is about 50 m. for a couple of fabs - rulez.
"Klen-PS" - provides the use of weapons up to 8 km.

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

ASP-17BTS up to 6000 m. Navigation bombing. moreover, KVO is about 50 m. for a couple of fabs - rulez.
"Klen-PS" - provides the use of weapons up to 8 km.

"Klen-PS" is a rangefinder, and navigational bombing even in ideal polygon conditions of the KVO will not give 50 m from 6 km. It would be so there would be no need for UAB.

[tchoni]

Quote: Nayhas

"Klen-PS" is a rangefinder, and navigational bombing even in ideal polygon conditions of the KVO will not give 50 m from 6 km. It would be so there would be no need for UAB.

Oh oh This is when the company is hollowed into the ground buried in fabs - then no. And if a separately taken tank on the tower itself is buried in the ground, then yes.

[cosmos111]

Quote: tchoni

The Su25 has an ASP-17BTS rifle bomber sight (

Here's another, on this topic ..
at the end of the eighties .. in the USSR, a project was launched: an LVS-easily-reproducible attack aircraft ....
In the Sukhoi Design Bureau, it was decided to design the LVSh using the maximum number of elements from the Su-25 aircraft, with the index T-8V... the development was carried out under the leadership of Arnold I.A.

fuselage and cockpit of the Su-25, two turboprop engines ....
клик

Single engine option ....

taken from here: http: //pkk-avia.livejournal.com/52236.html

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

and whom can he support with only a ton of weapons on board?

The number of targets in a counter-guerrilla war cannot be many. A pair of cars, two or three bonfires in the forest, or a dugout whose coordinates were transmitted by intelligence. Here tons of load is quite enough.

[tchoni]

I advise you to chat with those who were ambushed. You will be told that there is not much support.
Here is an option. In carrying out the task of searching for the partisans' byzas, the reconnaissance group was ambushed and is fighting, gaining strength at altitude. It is required to suppress the bandiuk points with fire and ensure the group's exit.

Quote: Nayhas

The number of targets in a counter-guerrilla war cannot be many. A pair of cars, two or three bonfires in the forest, or a dugout whose coordinates were transmitted by intelligence. Here tons of load is quite enough.

that’s why the Chechens were cut off for children for almost 10 years. could not bring a ton of cargo to the fires ....

[cosmos111]

Quote: tchoni

that’s why the Chechens were cut off for children for almost 10 years. could not bring a ton of cargo to the fires ....

Could and more ... but politicians did not give !!!
Here are a few more projects of the KB of the SU on the topic of LCW (((in Chechnya, especially in the 1 Chechen, they would be very useful ...
T-710 "Anaconda" with 2 theaters ...

T-720 ....

T-502 ...

it's a pity that the project was closed in the early 90s...
but the achievements remained, SU with a theater of war, would be very quoted on the global arms market ...

[svyach74]

T-710 does not resemble anything, from the very beginning of the article?

[svyach74]

Almost a copy of the OV-10, at least externally!

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

You will be told that there is not much support.

Personally, I did not fall into an ambush, but under the friendly fire of the Su-25 I had to. Smeared godlessly! Moreover, helicopter pilots smear too, a friend got into trouble, mistakenly clashed with the GRU, called turntables, those of ours worked out NURSAMs, but didn’t hit anyone. At the same time, there was no opposition from the ground. When someone is ambushed, turntables are usually called because aviation (in the sense of bomber and assault) can also bury you, because combat distance 300-400m. just falls into the error of using unmanaged TSA. Only if the group has a PAN (advanced aircraft operator), then it can give target designation to attack aircraft, without it it is dangerous ...

[Nayhas]

Currently, the effectiveness of the so-called "anti-guerrilla" strike aircraft depends only on avionics and the range of weapons. Flight characteristics, in addition to the combat load and the combat radius, recede into the background. Only MANPADS and MZA are dangerous for him, therefore, if there is equipment capable of a height of 5 km. to identify targets and there are high-precision ammunition in the range of weapons, then practically any aircraft can perform "anti-guerrilla" functions ...
Such a composition of weapons and equipment already exists in many countries, but only for carriers they choose the cheapest option capable of carrying all this, because Super Tucano is widespread. The funny thing is that the famous Ju 87D would be a more suitable "anti-guerrilla" machine (with the appropriate conversion, of course, in a single version). Such a topic to warm up the imagination ...

[Bongo]

The funny thing is that the famous Ju 87D would be a more suitable "anti-guerrilla" machine (with the appropriate conversion, of course, and in a single version).

Doesn’t resemble anything? About it will be in the second part ...

[Nayhas]

Quote: Bongo

Sound familiar?

AH-RE-NO! Painfully familiar image! Pylons on landing gear racks!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO very much waiting for tomorrow! You intrigued me a lot!
Thank you so much!

[Ishtan]

Stuck ... are you this?

[Bongo]

Quote: Ishtan

Stuck ... are you this?

This is an Archangel BPA strike aircraft of the American company IOMAX, created on the basis of the "agricultural" Thrush 710. This aircraft is currently participating in a competition announced by the Philippine Air Force to replace the OV-10 Bronco.

[Mister X]

Great stuff!
Did unmanned versions exist?
Boyish fantasy, of course ...

[cosmos111]

Quote: Bongo

This is an Archangel BPA strike aircraft of the American company IOMAX, based on the "agricultural" Thrush 710.

here, another amerovsky "maize" ...
AT-602 PER - American company Air Tractor ....
клик

Air Tractor AT-802i -in the version of the attack aircraft ....

[Bongo]

Аrchangel BPA

[Walking]

Reincarnation however. Maybe the IL-2 is back in production?

[Maksim...]

IL-2 is inferior to these machines in many ways.

[cosmos111]

AT-802U light attack aircraft are in service with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs' Office of Aviation in the United States and Colombia...
The use of additional fuel tanks will provide the ability to patrol for 10 hours....
total weight, armaments can reach xnumx tons ....
The AT-802i is armed with two three-barreled 19 mm GAU-12,7/A machine guns, M260 pods for firing 70 mm unguided rockets, and Mk 82 226 kg bombs....

[Denimax]

It is advisable to install hanging containers with machine guns or guns with the direction to the side. The plane will then be able to fly over the target with a funnel, conducting continuous shelling.

[11 black]

Quote: 11 black

IL-2 is inferior to these machines in many ways.

Well, first of all, as I understand it, we are talking about the IL 2 in the modern version, where instead of the NARs the anti-tank complex has the entire set of anti-aircraft defense systems, and in terms of combat survivability and security, the IL 2 is without a doubt the standard piston attack aircraft (this, by the way, was tested by the Germans in their time , even they recognized it as a very successful and powerful machine, in disrupting the offensive of the first half of the war, the German command most often blamed precisely Il 2, it was on the account of Il 2 and Il 10 with PTAs that thousands of burnt Wehrmacht tanks were burnt) therefore, when equipping Il with modern anti-aircraft defense means , with high-precision weapons and means of target designation for it, I’ll venture to assert - all of the above (not reactive, but piston) would go to smoke bamboo at best

[cosmos111]

attack aircraft -: Mustang G "with a gas turbine engine ...

In 1968, a gas turbine Rolls-Royce RB.53 Dart was installed - 1800 hp...

[kirpich]

The article is interesting, but I don’t understand why they are needed if attack aircraft and helicopters can completely replace them. I have such a suspicion that they were intended as generalists to replace attack aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. But you know that the universal means NOT the best.

ABOUT! There is another use of this TCB. Pilot training on the use of weapons on ground targets.

[Bongo]

Quote: kirpich

I don’t understand why they are needed if attack aircraft and helicopters can completely replace them.

There are two types of "real" attack aircraft left in the world - the A-10, which should soon be written off, and the Su-25, whose production has long since ceased. Light attack aircraft are much cheaper than "full-fledged" and fire support helicopters. In addition, it is much more difficult to hit the Tucano and it is less vulnerable than a helicopter. As for attack UAVs, who has them except the Americans? And the problems in the world with various kinds of "illegal armed formations" are in different countries, usually not the richest ones.

[Alf]

Quote: kirpich

The article is interesting, but I don’t understand why they are needed if attack aircraft and helicopters can completely replace them.

They will not replace. The fact is that all modern attack aircraft were designed for a big war and are not very suitable for anti-partisan actions.
A modern anti-partisan aircraft (APS) should possess the following data:
1. The maximum speed of up to 700, and the working 300-400 km / h, otherwise the pilot will experience a lack of time for aiming and the use of IL-10 in the Second World War it showed.
2. APS must have a good reservation against small arms (than modern APS do not have) and a powerful electronic warfare system.
3. APS as the main weapon should have cannon-machine-gun containers and NURs, as well as a large number of bombs of 50-100 kg caliber with a total weight of 4-5 tons.
3. The use of SD with APS should be minimized according to the "cost-effectiveness" criterion, since stupid to chase a gang of 20-30 uro.dov with missiles worth several million. It is much cheaper to pour a couple of tons of 50-current on them.
Modern attack aircraft have a maximum speed within 1000 and a working speed of 500-600, which is a lot for visual detection of the target and the pilot’s reaction.
Helicopters have a more suitable speed, but do not have the appropriate carrying capacity.

[voyaka uh]

You described a huge multi-ton car.
Armored helicopter attack bomber.
Do not mind losing him (along with the crew) from some
guerrilla needles?

[Alf]

Why is it huge?
The combat load of Rook is 4500 kg, Cheburashka is 7250 kg. Are they huge?
Armored is not from 23-30 mm, but from 7,62-12,7.
According to the "cost-effectiveness" criterion, one such APS will be able to replace 2-3 Pilates, and about the same for the crew.

[kirpich]

Quote: Bongo

and fire support helicopters. In addition, it is much more difficult to get into the Tucano and it is less vulnerable than a helicopter.

Those. You want to say that MI-8 (17) is less protected than the Toucan? Are the SU-25s already ending?

[Bongo]

Quote: kirpich

You want to say that MI-8 (17) is less protected than the Toucan? Are SU-25 already ending?

The Super Tucono has a number of measures to increase survivability, is much smaller in size, with comparable strike potential, and is significantly cheaper, including in operation. The aircraft by definition lacks an extremely vulnerable tail rotor beam.
Our Su-25 has not yet ended, but they are not particularly producing new ones. In any case, their number decreases year by year.

[Takashi]

I, too, became interested. And what is the percentage of losses?
Such machines can only be used against small partisan units, bandit groups, caravans - provided that they do not have MANPADS, or DShK

[Nayhas]

Quote: Takashi

I, too, became interested. And what is the percentage of losses?
Such machines can only be used against small partisan units, bandit groups, caravans - provided that they do not have MANPADS, or DShK

Size doesn't matter. Question with discovery. Even a hundred people can secretly dissolve in the forest, while no modern optical means can detect them there. But the same single pickup truck with a heavy machine gun on the road from a height of 5 km. detect real, even make out the number of people and the presence of small arms. Even if everyone in the pickup will have MANPADS, and as a machine gun there is a PGI, nothing will fly an airplane flying at an altitude of 5km. they can’t do it, and only one UR Hellfire launched from an airplane will send them to the other world.
Why previously attack aircraft were reduced to the height available to destroy them with both small arms and small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery. Unguided ammunition had very low accuracy, no perfect bomber sights did not allow from a height of 5 km. hit with one bomb even in a group target. Therefore, either a lot of bombs (maybe one will hit), or a dive to a height of 100m. The same Piece could with high accuracy hit a tank with one bomb, but for this it was necessary to dive almost at right angles, experiencing terrible overloads at the exit from the dive. Accordingly, there was a great risk of damage from anti-aircraft artillery and small arms.
Now, when one aerial bomb equipped with a set of attachments makes it "smart" from a distance of 10 km. and a height of 5 km. you can get into a moving car, there is no point in going down to a height of 300-1000m. substituting itself under MANPADS or MZA, respectively, there is no need for booking on the type of Su-25 or A-10. And MANPADS and MZA are the maximum that "partisan" detachments can afford, for stealth and mobility are their trump cards.

[tchoni]

Quote: Nayhas

But the same single pickup truck with a heavy machine gun on the road from a height of 5 km. detect real, even make out the number of people and the presence of small arms. Even if everyone in the pickup will have MANPADS, and as a machine gun there is a PGI, nothing will fly an airplane flying at an altitude of 5km. they can’t do it, and only one UR Hellfire launched from an airplane will send them to the other world.

And then it turns out that this is the family of the local dekhanin from the picnic was returning. And off we go - killers are sadists - stranglers of freedom. If everything had been so simple, the partisans would have transferred. And no toucans need to be built. Ordinary transporters would handle it.

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

And then it turns out that this is a family of local dekhanin from a picnic returned. And off we go - killers are sadists - stranglers of freedom.

Well, Duc is better when a series of aerial bombs didn’t hit the target, and a couple of houses were demolished with really civilians and a flock of sheep was relieved of the role of barbecue ... What difference did they mix up or not? If they mixed up with the use of high-resolution optics, then even more so ...

If everything had been so simple, the partisans would have transferred. And no toucans need to be built. Ordinary transporters would handle it.

Well, of course ... How much does a transport trip cost? Yes, and the transporter himself, too? From 30 and above millions overboard! And Tukanchik being one of the most expensive no more than 10-13 million.

[SIT]

Quote: Nayhas

Size doesn't matter. Question with discovery. Even a hundred people can secretly dissolve in the forest, while no modern optical means can detect them there. But the same single pickup truck with a heavy machine gun on the road from a height of 5 km. detect real, even make out the number of people and the presence of small arms. Even if everyone in the pickup will have MANPADS, and as a machine gun it’s PGI, nothing will happen to an airplane flying at an altitude of 5 km. they can’t do it, but only one UR Hellfire launched from an airplane will send them to the other world

Shoot Hellfire at every turukhtaika? Then we need to remove the cheapness of use from the theses. But the question of detection is really interesting. If this is Kovpak's brigade with rear services and horse-drawn convoys, then of course this is not a question. But now, with the help of instructors in special, engineering, fire, etc. training from the locals, who know the area like the back of their hand, it is possible to quickly prepare groups of 5 to 9 people who will be able to solve tasks that are quite tangible for the enemy. If there is at least some greenery, they will dissolve in it with the help of modern camouflage means so that even an IR scanner will be useless. It is completely unrealistic to detect them from the air even at an operating speed of 16 km / h from an altitude of 400 km. The question arises - who will give target designation to the pilots? Ground TSO? Ok! But the group does not include shepherds, but a trained public who know where to go so as not to stumble upon these means. There remains our own reconnaissance. But it is unknown who will detect whom first, and naturally the worst option is - they collided head-on and it is too late to retreat. What good will these planes do when the distance between the opponents is a maximum of 5-1 m, or even less? German Stukas and American Dauntless managed to lay bombs right in the enemy's machine gun nests 100 m from their trenches. What will these anti-partisan planes be able to do? Again fire Hellfire at every PKM?

[Nayhas]

Quote: SIT

Then it is necessary to remove the cheapness of use from the theses.

The issue of cost must always be linked to application efficiency. The situation described by you in the case of using an attack aircraft that is not equipped with modern detection tools and high-precision ammunition will certainly not lead to anything good, you can cover your own and substitute yourself for MANPADS, as a result, the machine is lost and the group is beaten. Guidance from the ground is important in both cases. BUT! in the case of air support by a conventional attack aircraft or the same Stukas, it is necessary to have an advanced aircraft pilot as part of the group. This is a rather complicated profession that requires special training and you can’t put it in each group, it’s just not enough for all of them. Only he can professionally aim the aircraft at the target, it is not available to the ordinary officer and even more so to the sergeant. In the case of the same Toucan, it is enough to illuminate the target with a laser target designator and an air bomb with an accuracy of 1-3m. it will lie exactly where it is needed, and any sergeant will cope with it, a lot of intelligence is not needed there, communication equipment and a target indicator.

[Takashi]

from a height of 5000 m, I remember in Afghanistan, the Su-17 \ Su24 worked. Below they were forbidden to go down. Below worked Su-25. And after that they returned as a sieve.

And what percentage of return will the piston machine have?

[Denimax]

Still small, adjustable bombs are being developed, the size of the same PTAB during WWII. Such an aircraft can take up to hundreds in containers. The guidance system only needs to be adjusted to simultaneously reset the series for different nearby targets.

[parusnik]

The era of piston combat aircraft did not end ...

[Bongo]

Quote: parusnik

The era of piston combat aircraft did not end ...

Exactly, the turboprop started ...

[Bongo]

Quote: Takashi

Such machines can only be used against small partisan units, bandit groups, caravans - provided that they do not have MANPADS, or DShK

The funny thing is that according to Embraer, not one Super Tucano was lost in the fighting. Yes, and from personal experience I can say that MANPADS and DShK are not very easy-to-use weapons, especially for low-flying, high-speed targets.
In addition, the tactics of using such machines do not imply repeated repeated approaches to the target. And they knock down, as you know, most often on the 3-m approach.

[kirpich]

Well, they can say anything.

And, here is from your words (Besides, the tactics of using such machines do not imply repeated repeated approaches to the target)? What is it like?
It turns out (logically) that attack aircraft and GPs are supposed to repeatedly hit the target, and these under-planes accidentally discovered something, fired all the ammunition at a time and wound it up? Well, why the hell are they needed?

[Bongo]

I agree, they really can ... it's difficult for us to verify this, but there is probably no sense in deceiving potential buyers.
The tactics of using these, as you put it, "underplanes", the interest in which today in the world is great as never before, depending on the situation and the nature of the target, implies, in addition to the use of NAR and small arms and cannon weapons, high-precision weapons in combination with sighting and navigation equipment, outside zones of action of MANPADS and ZPU.
Most of the Su-25 shot down in conflicts were struck by repeated calls when using their NAR and free-falling bombs.

[kirpich]

At first you said about the third approach, but it doesn’t matter. Download it, but can’t attack aircraft and GPs carry precision weapons with a PNA complex? Or maybe they have no defense systems? Maybe they do not have small arms on their pylons?

The same Apache, MI-8 (17), A-10A, SU-25 will cope with the counter-guerrilla task many times better.

Z.Y. And one more nuance. In your opinion, which jump airport is easier to build in the jungle, for a fire support helicopter and UAV, or for an under-airplane?

[Bongo]

Quote: kirpich

Can’t attack aircraft and GPs carry precision weapons with a PNA complex?

Are you saying that the Su-25 is superior to the Super Tucano in the PNA complex?
Compare the cost of operating the Apache Mi-17 and A-10 with these "underplanes", apparently the Americans and all those who order these machines are really "stupid". And which countries besides the United States have shock UAVs?

[marshes]

Quote: Bongo

And which countries except the United States have shock UAVs?

I will support you in this dispute.
Not all countries will be able to use a satellite navigation system to determine their location in the event of a military conflict. And if you also consider that you need to transmit information and commands. Not every country has telecommunications satellites. Closed communication channels, etc., etc.
So turboprop attack reconnaissance aircraft are the cheapest option. A kind of barrage attack aircraft.
At the recent military exhibition in Astana, the USA demonstrated the AT-6B.

[tchoni]

Quote: Bongo

depending on the situation and the nature of the target, it implies, in addition to the use of NAR and small arms and cannon weapons, high-precision weapons in combination with sighting and navigation equipment, outside the coverage area of ​​MANPADS and ZPU.

And where is the savings then?
Use the same weapons from a normal attack aircraft - and a devil of problems.

[Denimax]

For MANPADS, such an aircraft is probably not a very easy target due to its weaker IR radiation.
Little wars, little planes!

[tchoni]

And for 10 sorties on the IL-2 they gave the order.

[Taoist]

I strongly suspect that this class will be supplanted by attack drones. Their visual stealth, low noise and the possibility of long-term patrolling makes them a more economical and versatile combat platform than the creation of a separate class of "anti-guerrilla attack aircraft".

[Bongo]

Burkina Fasso's Reaper-class drones, how do you imagine that?

[Alf]

Quote: Bongo

Burkina Fasso's Reaper-class drones, how do you imagine that?

Not "class", but "type". The class is a fighter, bomber, scout, etc.
Type is a tomcat, rook, tornado.
It's time to stop using the terminology of discovery.

[kirpich]

Will we fight in Africa?

[voyaka uh]

I think so too.
Quadrocopters with rotary rotors. maybe
with a jet accelerator to get away quickly.
Something like that.

[vomag]

As the main fighter with the "Shaitans" once said, if you saw a plane, it’s too late to run ... this figure, I’ll say about the pilot, on the "Super Tucano" loads on the target, for example (bandit formation) everything that is and dumps quickly while there everyone wakes up from the bombing, he will drink coffee at the base ... and you still need to get into such a mobile target with the DShK ...

[voyaka uh]

The optimal air car for such tasks is still no one
not created.
But it is clear that she should be able to:
1) Fly at sub-sonic speed,
2) Hang in place.
Jet engine + helicopter rotor (rotors).

[IS-80]

Quote: voyaka uh

But it is clear that she should be able to:
1) Fly at sub-sonic speed,
2) Hang in place.

Airship?

[kirpich]

A DIMENSIONS! ???

[voyaka uh]

More like some kind of drone, similar to
F-35B is a cheap "ultralight" :)

[AlNikolaich]

I guess we also need a new sample like
IL-2, IL-10... With modern weapons, avionics,
Reinforced updated armor protection. And pistons
by motor. And maybe an impact drone on his
base ...

[terrible]

Lope is such a bird? Let's throw off for the fighting Donbass!

[Bongo]

Quote: formidable

Lope is such a bird? Let's throw off for the fighting Donbass!

A-29 "Super Tucano" only 12 million "Baku".

[tchoni]

Quote: Bongo

A-29 "Super Tucano" only 12 million "Baku".

And according to the article "Rebirth of the Rook", modernization of the Su-25 attack aircraft "from 2011, published on the same website, the cost of the Su25 SM is 400 moulion wood. (comparable). Upgrading to the same level costs 120 lemons.

[voyaka uh]

It is much sadder if you guess to buy them
Ukrainian army.

[tchoni]

1) they don’t have enough dough.
2) They still have something to fly on. More questions to whom.
3) if the riflemen manage to shoot down Su25 and Su24 then I think they will digest the toucan.

[terrible]

And our YAK is a sports lope? On the Maidan leaflets "Bandera kaput" throw off. And rolls of toilet paper))) resonas will be more powerful from such a bombing))))

[Alf]

Quote: formidable

And our YAK is a sports lope? On the Maidan leaflets "Bandera kaput" throw off. And rolls of toilet paper))) resonas will be more powerful from such a bombing))))

Resonance, I don’t know, there’ll be a smell ...

[marshes]

And its time KB.Mikoyana designed the attack aircraft, product 101.

The project provided for:

- high survival due to low infrared visibility and the specific shape of the indicatrix, the presence of an effective counteraction complex, as well as the possibility of anticipating the use of weapons;

- high efficiency of the use of weapons;

- the possibility of autonomous actions and the use of standardized ammunition and (partially) fuel;

- the ability to take off from short unpaved runways with low soil density and landing on them, low requirements for means of airfield support;

- high maintainability, even after landing on the ground with an unreleased chassis, as well as ease of maintenance;

- the possibility of mass production in a special period, even at non-specialized enterprises, including through the use of standardized engines used for mass aircraft and helicopters.

http://alternathistory.org.ua/shturmovik-osobogo-perioda-kb-mikoyana-izdelie-101

[xomaNN]

In general, propeller-driven airplanes look funny in the age of jet aircraft. But demand creates supply. Is there something "non-reactive" with similar functions in the RF Air Force?

[terrible]

Not. it is necessary type u2 from plywood the best night bomber of the 2nd world. And there are mere pennies. In the cockpit for the pilot ATGM set-cheap and cheerful.))))

[gregor6549]

Call these aircraft modern can be pretty arbitrary. Yes, and partisans partisan strife. If they were used against Donetsk partisans with their MANPADS, then each of these airplanes would immediately become a memory of the distant past. But with airplanes like A10 or SU25, partisans would have found it harder.

[terrible]

Such planes can also plan with the engine off. Bombing from the cabri quite often used by our aces pilots in WWII. Here pzrk does not channel. Only zu. But at night not a damn thing is visible. Sometimes you stand at a helicopter post you hear, but you don’t see. Even on a night lamp.

[arthur_hammer]

Our back in the USSR tested the Yak-52

[arthur_hammer]

Here is another photo, but it didn’t go beyond the tests

[arthur_hammer]

I saw another photo with two machine guns, but I can’t find

[Stasi]

Light attack aircraft, drones - all this is very effective in counterinsurgency war. KA-52 or Alligator helicopters can also work effectively. Helicopters equipped with modern avionics allowing them to operate at night and in bad weather can operate no worse than an aircraft. But the most effective way to fight guerrillas is to use agents-gunners. They proved to be very effective in Chechnya, directing their aviation to the bandit groups. It is the accuracy of the work of such agents that makes it possible to effectively operate counter-guerrilla aviation.

[ICT]

Quote: gregor6549

Yes, and partisans partisan strife

in our realities, such aircraft could work closely with reconnaissance groups working in the mountains (well, in general, on a mission)
somewhere where there are many wild monkeys

[terrible]

NURSY on YAK52 is a perversion. In the afternoon to bring it down, as 2 fingers obosfalt. Although fishlessness and cancer are fish. Eh would know how to fly, he would hijack such a yak from our airdrome and help the Donbass. He would make a rustle there. Now such a maize is needed.

[Oprychnik]

An interesting review. Thanks to the authors and commentators. If airplanes of this type are in demand all over the world, including The United States, and there are examples of their effective use - it means the topic deserves discussion.

[tchoni]

pay attention to bulletproof glass. Judging by the pictures, on the ersatz attack aircraft there is no such thing.

[Oqtagooi]

How many opinions then. But to read why they are actually used by the Latin Americans themselves, as no one bothered. And this is described in detail in the article:

Participation in full-scale hostilities for this aircraft was not too frequent, patrol-reconnaissance flights and actions to curb drug trafficking were common uses. On the account of "Tukano" not one successfully intercepted and shot down the plane with a cargo of drugs.
In most cases, small piston airplanes are used to transport drugs, in comparison with which this turboprop looks like a real fighter.

Well, if you still need to bomb a fairly large target, which can snap back, then:

The A-29B of the Colombian Air Force was used most intensively in hostilities. The first Super Tucano combat operation took place in January 2007, when planes launched a missile bomb attack on the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces camp. In 2011-2012, they delivered high-precision strikes with Griffin laser-guided munitions against partisan strongholds.

And they work, of course, on proven goals, in one go.

So all the discussions about how these aircraft will operate in the "classic" attack aircraft mode make no sense. Nobody will use them like that.

[smershxnumx]

Helicopter - and all things! Why reinvent the wheel!

[Bongo]

Quote: smerx24

Helicopter - and all things! Why reinvent the wheel!

Has it ever occurred to you to compare the cost of one flight hour between the Mi-24 and the Supertukano?