NinerSix said:
Interceptor: Something fast that can patrol/meet an unknown contact or threat, airborne or maritime, for further identification or termination. Thinking mostly of encroaching ships and (Russian?) aircraft "in the North".
Why buy a pure interceptor rather than a multi-role fighter that is not limited to just one job, ie F35?
Can you find an example of anybody building a pure interceptor these days? Why not?
Ships don't generally need anything particularly fast to deal with them. We have Aurorae for them.
NinerSix said:
Bomb truck: Something to carry air to ground ordinance since it is what we the Airforce seems to be involved in the most while on combat operations with NATO.
Why buy a "bomb truck" rather than a multi-role fighter that is not limited to just one job, ie F35?
NinerSix said:
It could be a larger 2 seater/2 engines which could be considered a large fighter/interceptor and be at the same time a bomb truck of small proportions (smaller than an F111?).
Why buy something big with two seats and two engines if something with one seat and one engine (that is more reliable than two and simpler to maintain) can carry an adequate load, ie F35?
Unless you have delusions of ACSO grandeur...
NinerSix said:
Drones/UAV: Not exactly sure of the terminology again, but I imagine something in between. A back seater would likely only be able to pilot one UAV at a time, right? So a back seater operating 2-5 "drones" would be task managing the drones, not directly piloting them.
I am not aware of any "drones" currently in production, or planned. Current UAVs are the Remotely Piloted Vehicle variety. Most, if not all, with any useful range and payload have crews of at least two.
Why not control them from ground stations via satellite link as is done now? What advantage do you see being gained by having an airborne control station?
Via what means do you propose to control them? Remote control and video links require directional antennae and a fair amount of power. Y'ain't going to fit that into any fighter-type aircraft.
quote author=NinerSix link=topic=107407/post-1201624#msg1201624 date=1358266309]
Yes, it is my idea "for the future" and they are WAG. However, I am willing to bet a fine bottle of your choice that we will see something like the above developed in the next 20 years (before I release.)[/quote]
I can be patient.
NinerSix said:
The light prop CAS is just something I would always like to be available when I am on the ground. As to why, I would refer you to the CAS thread, all 22 pages of it:
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/40352/post-342409.html#msg342409
I believe that I've posted in that thread. I believe that I've said, at least once, why this suggestion has no merit.
I want to see
your reasons, though.
And examples of any other military organizations of any real significance that also think that this is a good idea.