Actually the whole thing is based on two points, one which is covered already: Could the Hawkeye handle the stress of a rocket launch- answer= not really.
It’s not so much the stress on the airframe you have to consider but rather the stress on the supports holding the radar on to the frame. These attachment points are actually kinda weak compared to the rest of the aircraft. The question of weather the electronics could handle the stress is another point stemming from this question.
The other point I wish to make here is cost. Having these rockets is ok but they do cost a fair bit, here is a break down of their standard operation and then I’ll let you work out the costs involved:
[INDENT]
- R&D of Rockets with Airframe.
- Aqusition of rockets (some aircraft need up to 8 per airframe).
- Training of personel for use of rockets and aircrew use with rockets.
- Fleet deployment of rockets (including underway replenishment of used rockets).
- Recovery of used rockets (requiring specialist personel especially if rockets misfired or did not fire, also requires specialist support vessels).
- Refueling of spent rockets (including transport to and from factory).
- Storage facility of undeployed rockets.
[/INDENT]
As you can imagine, Rockets do become cost prohibative after a few uses.
It’s a nice idea but feesably unrealistic.
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