frixon28 Posted July 19, 2017 Posted July 19, 2017 (edited) http://www.defensenews.com/articles/textron-sierra-nevada-prep-for-oa-x-experiment-at-us-air-force-base http://www.defensenews.com/articles/a-29-for-america-mounts-charm-offensive-ahead-of-oa-x-experiment http://www.defensenews.com/articles/senate-panel-approves-12b-to-start-air-force-oa-x-aircraft-procurement http://www.defensenews.com/articles/textron-sets-its-sights-on-air-forces-light-aircraft-experiment It's finally happening, the OA-X completion is going to begin very soon. For those who don't know the OA-X concept is a Light Attack Aircraft for the USAF. It is desired due to the high cost of operating 4th & 5th generation aircraft designed for high threat environments, in low-medium threat area's where the US & allies have been operation for over a decade now. The US wants an aircraft with low operating cost and can be "bought off the shelf", meaning no real development needed. The aircraft competing are not designed to replace the A-10. The aircraft competing are the Textron Scorpion Jet, Textron AT-6 Wolverine Turboprop on one side. The USAF uses the T-6 Texan II, as their primary trainer, which is where the AT-6 is developed off from. The A-29 Super Tucano is used by the USAF temporarily as they train Afghan pilots on the aircraft (all of which were bought for use by Afghan AF). Sierra Nevada Corporation & Embraer are teaming up to show off their popular A-29 Super Tucano (which will all be made in the US if A-29 wins, also is under development by RAZBAM). Just thought it was time to make a thread for something so interesting. No matter what happens, models of one these aircraft will be sitting on the shelves of bedrooms for years to come! AT-6 Wolverine Scorpion Jet A-29 Super Tucano Edited October 3, 2017 by frixon28
Tirak Posted July 19, 2017 Posted July 19, 2017 I think Textron's going to have one hell of a hill to climb.
Heli Posted August 2, 2017 Posted August 2, 2017 The AT-802L will be joining the AT-6B, Scorpion and A-29 at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico for the U.S. Air Force’s OA-X light attack aircraft fly-off. http://alert5.com/2017/08/02/at-802l-longsword-to-participate-in-oa-x-fly-off/
frixon28 Posted September 28, 2017 Author Posted September 28, 2017 Thread Bump USAF is sending the Textron AT-6 Wolverine & The Embraer/Sierra Neveda A-29 Super Tucano to a yet to be determined combat zone, most likely to be involved with OIR, for combat testing. 2 aircraft of each type will be deployed. I guess the Scorpion didn't make the cut for the OA-X. Up to 300 aircraft of each type would/could be purchased by the USAF. http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a28413/the-air-force-is-sending-its-mini-attack-plane-competition-to-war/ A-29 Super Tucano AT-6 Wolverine Be interesting to see what happens, especially since the A-29 Super Tucano is in combat right now by the Afghan AF, and was selected over the AT-6 last time a similar competition like this was done a few years ago.
Hummingbird Posted September 30, 2017 Posted September 30, 2017 Would be fun to get a comparison in specifications, anyone? :)
frixon28 Posted October 3, 2017 Author Posted October 3, 2017 No Rutan Ares Mudfighter? Scorpion is a newer generation of the Ares in some ways. More fitting to current USAF requirements at least.
SkateZilla Posted October 3, 2017 Posted October 3, 2017 Scorpion... Windows 10 Pro, Ryzen 2700X @ 4.6Ghz, 32GB DDR4-3200 GSkill (F4-3200C16D-16GTZR x2), ASRock X470 Taichi Ultimate, XFX RX6800XT Merc 310 (RX-68XTALFD9) 3x ASUS VS248HP + Oculus HMD, Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS + MFDs
frixon28 Posted October 3, 2017 Author Posted October 3, 2017 Scorpion... You like it Skate???? Would have been an awesome choice, great capability's for its low-low operating costs. Though not nearly as low as the turbo props...
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