Why no CAS turboprops?

The OV-10 (twin turboprops) was used quite a lot for CAS (by the Navy
mainly, see "Black Ponies") during Vietnam. And since then by the
Philippines, and probably Venuzuela (sp?).

It was designed for Counter Insurgency (COIN) operations, which was
usually defined as low threat ops including CAS (but that was before
the SA-7 appeared!).

Great plane in a relatively low threat environment. Sucks when there
is radar guided AAA or manpads around - as Marines found out during
DS. Just too slow to get away from the threat!

Fun plane to fly, though, and a great FAC platform.

Kirk

"Kirk Stant" wrote in message
om...
The OV-10 (twin turboprops) was used quite a lot for CAS (by the Navy
mainly, see "Black Ponies") during Vietnam. And since then by the
Philippines, and probably Venuzuela (sp?).

It was designed for Counter Insurgency (COIN) operations, which was
usually defined as low threat ops including CAS (but that was before
the SA-7 appeared!).

Great plane in a relatively low threat environment. Sucks when there
is radar guided AAA or manpads around - as Marines found out during
DS. Just too slow to get away from the threat!

Fun plane to fly, though, and a great FAC platform.

I can remember my brother telling me that the USAF kept OV-10's rotating
overhead during the hours he and his crew were down near the Laotian border
after their dustoff UH-1 had been shot down. He had a particular affection
for it after that.

Brooks


Kirk

I presume one reason high-bypass turbofans (A10) are preferred vice
turboprops is that in the balance the fans are a more economical
choice. No props to get nicked, no gearbox to worry about, over-all
less maintenance and less cost. And quieter - the Beech 1900s flying
overhead here really howl when trying to make an ETA. Less noise is
good when prowling around. But what is really good is a supersonic
approach when dealing with a known show target- surprise!
Walt BJ