Schwartz: No light attack aircraft in combat

Schwartz: No light attack aircraft in combat
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 7, 2010 12:38:44 EDT

The Air Force’s top uniformed leader is adamant the service will not fly light attack and light mobility planes in missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz made his position clear in a May 6 speech at the Center for National Policy in Washington, D.C., attended by congressional staff members and other military officials.

By the end of 2012, the Air Force plans to buy 30 light mobility and light attack aircraft to train foreign air forces. U.S. aviation experts and defense analysts have suggested the planes also relieve the service’s fighter jets and cargo planes in the war zones.

“What you’re suggesting here is we need a light strike, light attack platform to perform our organic requirements and I would argue that there is a limited need for that. Again, with the platforms that we already have in our force structure, in our capability, we can service any close-air support requirement. As simple as that,” Schwartz said in response to a question from the audience.

The Air Force’s sole purpose for buying the light aircraft, Schwartz said, is to help poorer nations such as Iraq and Afghanistan establish air forces.



unhappycamper comment: I remember Spads usta hang around for a very long time providing ground support. And those puppies were loaded.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y38IW_SOQIw/R_WI72L3eaI/AAAAAAAADMk/ai5XKFLkvJI/s400/AD-1+Skyraider.jpg


Even back then, the Air Force did not want slow movers & tried to get rid of the OV-10 Bronco. Fortunately that move was unsuccessful.





Here's a little story about the development of the OV-10. Some are still used by South American counties to provide reconnaissance.

And ground attack missions aren't sexy.