COIN Debate: another look at the PA-48
DoD Buzz ran this story last week about the COIN Air Wing looking increasingly likely in the near term. While the Air Force is likely to go for an existing OTS solution, a look back at the USAF PAVE COIN in the early 1980s produced this very interesting design from Piper Aircraft. Worth another look? Perhaps… The business case might be slightly complicated for such an untested design.
The fact that COIN aircraft are garnering more discussion speaks to the need for persistent (manned or unmanned) ISR and strike. In spite of ever-greater MQ-1 and MQ-9 availabilities demand still outstrips supply in the critical time-sensitive target area. G2’s work in persistent, unmanned ISR points to this trend, while the potential for manned COIN aircraft based upon existing designs is touted as a way to less expensively bring capabilities to theater in short order.
USAF Photo
From the Air Force Website:
“The Enforcer is a turboprop-powered light close-support/ground-attack aircraft built by Piper Aircraft Corp. Lakeland, Fla. It is based on the well-known North American P-51 of World War II fame. By direction of Congress, the USAF evaluated the aircraft, beginning in 1983. Testing was conducted in 1984 and the Air Force decided not to order the Enforcer.
Since the Enforcer was never in the Air Force inventory, it was not given an official military designation and did not receive an Air Force serial number. Instead, it carries the Piper designation PA-48 and Federal Aviation Administration registration number N481PE. Although the airframe resembles that of the P-51, the Enforcer is essentially a new aircraft.”
USAF Photo
Photo: John Heck
G2 Solutions @ July 27, 2009