Broadening its interests in the irregular warfare mission, the US Air Force has asked industry to submit ideas for aircraft that can fulfill a requirement for up to 60 "light mobility airlifters" (LiMA).
While the US Air Force and US Army are jointly buying at least 38 L-3 Communications/Alenia Aeronautica C-27Js, the LiMA requirements calls for an aircraft in an even smaller class.
Possible candidates in the LiMA class may include the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350, Cessna 208 Grand Caravan and EADS CASA C-212.
The USAF's requirements call for taking off with at least six passengers, or a combination of passengers and cargo weighing 1,800lbs, from "unimproved, austere landing surfaces", the RFI says. The aircraft could be single- or multi-engine, but it must be certified for single-pilot operation.
The USAF plans to reach initial operational capability with the new LiMA fleet in Fiscal 2012.
While the US Air Force and US Army are jointly buying at least 38 L-3 Communications/Alenia Aeronautica C-27Js, the LiMA requirements calls for an aircraft in an even smaller class.
Possible candidates in the LiMA class may include the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350, Cessna 208 Grand Caravan and EADS CASA C-212.
The USAF's requirements call for taking off with at least six passengers, or a combination of passengers and cargo weighing 1,800lbs, from "unimproved, austere landing surfaces", the RFI says. The aircraft could be single- or multi-engine, but it must be certified for single-pilot operation.
The USAF plans to reach initial operational capability with the new LiMA fleet in Fiscal 2012.
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The LiMA requirement has emerged along several new types of aircraft expected to play different roles in the irregular warfare mission. The USAF is buying 37 MC-12 Libertys, modified King Air 350s, to serve as manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
Gen Norton Schwartz, USAF chief of staff, has said the USAF "probably" needs a turboprop-powered, light strike fighter that can also be used as a trainer.
In testimony to Congress in June, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said the demand for such irregular warfare aircraft is being driven by the needs of Iraqi and Afghan forces.
"We think having a capability like this in the United States makes us better teachers of -- for potential partners who are not going to be buying JSFs, C-17s and sort of the F-35s, the high-end capabilities that we will produce," Donley said.
In the upcoming quadrennial defense review, Seretary of Defense Robert Gates has revealed plans to dedicate 10% of the US military's resources to irregular warfare needs.
on July 31, 2009 12:56 AM | Reply
Stephen,
great post! Looks like the USAF plans for an irregular warfare wing are for real. 60 suggests multi locations, anywhere between 2 to 4, it will be interesting to see if it's an active/guard/reserve component mix or not. Lots of possibilities. Now, let's see when the "helo" shoe drops!
on July 31, 2009 4:12 AM | Reply
Sounds tailor-made for a PC-6 buy.
on July 31, 2009 3:24 PM | Reply
C-45!