I kind of get the whole, I want the shiny new toy syndrome. But I don’t get the, I want the new shiny toy, even though the old works better. I have always and still believe there is a use for prop airplanes in ground support. For whatever reason, being useful doesn’t matter to the military. Look at the phasing out of A-10 Warthog. One of the toughest and best airplanes in the air force today. Hell, how many trillions of dollars have been spent for a major bomber replacement? Any yet it is the 60-year-old B-52s that still work. Yet NO ONE would ever consider proposing ordering 25 new B-52s. At one – one hundredth the cost of a new plane. No, instead we’ll waste another few trillion dollars on shiny new toys.
I was in USAF pilot training in 1970-71. One of my Instructors flew these on the Hanoi Hilton raid. I remember his call sign was Sandy and the stories these combat vets told at the stag bar or on a "weather day" were absolutely captivating. Often the briefings were enhanced by actual gun camera footage. We had F100 and F4 drivers and even an F105 Wild Weasel pilot. Who just happened to be my T38 IP. I was one lucky dude! I always enjoy your stories about Vietnam and the courageous dedicated men that fought there.
I think the Skyraider is one fine looking airplane and I agree with the above commentator, we need to get back to basic equipment that is rugged, cheaper and easy to fix. The USAF is going be sorry phasing out the A-10.
Just remembered and all links work except the second but I found the picture later on. The Vietnamese models are excellent and the old pilots relive yesterday through them.
South Vietnamese Air Force A-1E (AD-5) Skyraider http://www.namsouth.com/viewtopic.php?t=2316&highlight=skyraider
I kind of get the whole, I want the shiny new toy syndrome. But I don’t get the, I want the new shiny toy, even though the old works better. I have always and still believe there is a use for prop airplanes in ground support. For whatever reason, being useful doesn’t matter to the military. Look at the phasing out of A-10 Warthog. One of the toughest and best airplanes in the air force today. Hell, how many trillions of dollars have been spent for a major bomber replacement? Any yet it is the 60-year-old B-52s that still work. Yet NO ONE would ever consider proposing ordering 25 new B-52s. At one – one hundredth the cost of a new plane. No, instead we’ll waste another few trillion dollars on shiny new toys.
ReplyDeleteBadger
I believe the Skyraider could still be useful in several areas.
DeleteNew life for the B-52. This upgrade will take them to a 100 year lifespan. Incredible aircraft!
Deletehttp://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2018/9/10/engine-upgrades-digitization-to-keep-b-52s-flying-into-2050s
Good deal! Thanks.https://freenorthcarolina.blogspot.com/2018/09/engine-upgrades-digitization-to-keep-b.html
DeleteI was in USAF pilot training in 1970-71. One of my Instructors flew these on the Hanoi Hilton raid. I remember his call sign was Sandy and the stories these combat vets told at the stag bar or on a "weather day" were absolutely captivating. Often the briefings were enhanced by actual gun camera footage. We had F100 and F4 drivers and even an F105 Wild Weasel pilot. Who just happened to be my T38 IP. I was one lucky dude! I always enjoy your stories about Vietnam and the courageous dedicated men that fought there.
ReplyDeleteAll Skyraider pilots were designated “Sandy” when covering rescues.
DeleteI didn't know that as I thought it was a nickname of the Skyraider. They did have some though: "Spad" and "Super Spad"
Thank you and check out my NamSouth site if you're interested in Vietnam stories: Mine aren't exactly heroic though. :)
Memories Of The Republic Of South Vietnam
http://www.namsouth.com/viewforum.php?f=3
I think the Skyraider is one fine looking airplane and I agree with the above commentator, we need to get back to basic equipment that is rugged, cheaper and easy to fix. The USAF is going be sorry phasing out the A-10.
ReplyDeleteThe USAF is going be sorry phasing out the A-10.
DeleteNeedless to say, a mistake.
Just remembered and all links work except the second but I found the picture later on. The Vietnamese models are excellent and the old pilots relive yesterday through them.
DeleteSouth Vietnamese Air Force A-1E (AD-5) Skyraider
http://www.namsouth.com/viewtopic.php?t=2316&highlight=skyraider