Hypothetical AC-130 replacement

"Peter Kemp" wrote in message
news
On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 18:29:37 GMT, "Matt Wiser"
wrote:


If you had been given the task of choosing the plaform for a
next-generation
gunship, would the C-130J be the platform base, or would an as yet
unbuilt
A400M be chosen? I'd take an AC-130 based on the J, but use the stretched
J, with two instead of one 25mms, one 40mm, and the 105. Add single rail
launchers underwing for Hellfire.

These days, I'd still start with a herc (why go with the A-400 - it's
not in the US arsenal, and the extra carrying capacity isn't an issue
for a gunship)

For armanent, I'd drop the 40mm (which they are apprently doing
anyway), think about switching to a 30mm for greater standoff than the
25mm (does the US have any 30mm in use apart from the GAU-8, which may
be a little big, and the 30mm from the AAAV?),

The AH-64 carries a 30mm chain gun.

single rail hellfire
(or the new common missile, depending on timescales) under both wings
(for killing small SAMs and AAA before you roll into geometry), and of
course, the 105. Add in a few racks in the back full of BATs to hurl
off the ramp for any armoured columns you may come across.

Hmm, maybe one of the smaller UAVs ramp mounted, so that you cna if
necessary do a recce for heavy defences?

I believe the current approach is to develop data sharing with UAV's, and
allow airborne control of UAV's from platforms like the AC-130. Anything you
drop off the tailgate is on a one-way trip, and wile UAV's are more
affordable than manned aircraft, we have not yet gotten to the point of
fielding truly disposable ones.

Brooks


Peter Kemp