And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
The physics behind the prop shape is likely fascinating
I've thought for long time that a seriously uprated OV-10 Bronco with more powerful engines and the props to harness that power would be an ideal light attack aircraft. Replace the machine guns with a pair of 25mm cannon, add some modern armor for the crew, etc. I suppose it would be enough structural changes that it would become the OV-20 Super Bronco. I know I wouldn't want to be operating against jihadis in a single-engine Super Tucano, for sure.
You want... the OV-10X. Same basic frame design, but with lots of composites to strengthen and lighten the aircraft, with composite armor in the cockpit. Upgraded with super turboprops, and armed with either a 20mm tribarrel or a 25mm gun like on the Apache.
But the powers-that-be fell in love with the lobbying money from the Super Tocano people, so the OV-10X project died.
Along with the OV-10X was a transport version based on the wings, engines and tail. Cabin widened to change the seating to side-by-side. And that could have been a contender for the CODS replacement program that went to the Osprey.
It is amazing that the old proven air-frames which are state of the art as practical and reliable as can be and the generals and TPTB want unproven, fragile computer driven planes when just upgrading and re-powering existing planes are far cheaper and probably more battle ready. It boogles my mind and my wallet.
I've thought for long time that a seriously uprated OV-10 Bronco with more powerful engines and the props to harness that power would be an ideal light attack aircraft. Replace the machine guns with a pair of 25mm cannon, add some modern armor for the crew, etc. I suppose it would be enough structural changes that it would become the OV-20 Super Bronco. I know I wouldn't want to be operating against jihadis in a single-engine Super Tucano, for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou want... the OV-10X. Same basic frame design, but with lots of composites to strengthen and lighten the aircraft, with composite armor in the cockpit. Upgraded with super turboprops, and armed with either a 20mm tribarrel or a 25mm gun like on the Apache.
DeleteBut the powers-that-be fell in love with the lobbying money from the Super Tocano people, so the OV-10X project died.
Along with the OV-10X was a transport version based on the wings, engines and tail. Cabin widened to change the seating to side-by-side. And that could have been a contender for the CODS replacement program that went to the Osprey.
Dangit.
Osprey for CODs. typical squid dumbassery...
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that the old proven air-frames which are state of the art as practical and reliable as can be and the generals and TPTB want unproven, fragile computer driven planes when just upgrading and re-powering existing planes are far cheaper and probably more battle ready. It boogles my mind and my wallet.
ReplyDelete25mm mounted in a turret, like a NOGS, Beans?
ReplyDelete