CAS

Alright Wachenroder, since were debating a subject that is beyond what is being discussed on the L-159 thread, I think it should be continued on a thread of its own.

“Okay, if we’re really going to try to settle this debate over the ALCA’s capabilities in the role of CAS, then perhaps we need to clearly define what you guys think CAS is, and in my opinion CAS roles involve the threat of manpads and sam’s, which is why a heavily armored jet like the A-10 or a light combat aircraft to a truer sense which could generally carry more counter measures and has the speed to enter and exit the combat area is more sensible.”

CAS stands for CLOSE air support. Having some F-4s in vietnam dash by and unload ordinance on enemy location on the battlefield is called air support, not CLOSE air support.

“The ALCA, despite it’s improved performances, is still based on the L-39 type air frame. That and the turboprops I’ve been pushing for would probably be easier meat for missles due to the lack of armor and the speed needed to quickly exit the combat area, but if a country resorted to considering the ALCA, they might as well consider a heavily armed turbo prop like the ALX which would be cheaper (operating costs and probably unit cost as well). If you’re thinking of CAS in a South American environment where the threat of manpads presumably lower, then why not the ALX which has a better loiter time, just as good a weaponry and again cheaper to operate?”

I do not think that the ALX is armored or able to withstand greater battle damage than the L-159. It does not have greater loiter time. It is cheaper, thats its only advantage.

“I do not doubt the ALCA’s capabilities as it is somewhat impressive with it’s Grifo radar, BAe RWR, etc. It’s just that they put these features on the L159 airframe that bothers me. the Czech republic has retired it’s MiG-29s and it’s MiG-21’s leaving the ALCA as it’s primary combat aircraft. Can one seriously think the ALCA is more capable than say an upgraded F-5 at least?”

This is getting rediculas, the F-5 vs the L-159? Howabout an F-16 vs the A-10? The F-5 is a very capable figher even by todays standards and has impressive strike capabilitys, but can not do CAS. Think of all the different types of strike platforms used in vietnam: The F-4, A-4, F-5, skyraider, dragonfly, F-105, A-6, Bronco etc. All these planes met a certain type of strike role need. The skyraiders and Broncos for example were simply a notch above what helicopter gunships did the COIN role. The A-4, A-6 and dragonfly were able to handle more pinpoint type of bombing, whereas fighters like the F-4, F-5 and F-105 just zoom by very fast and drop a stick of bombs.

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