The US Air Force's acquisition community apparently has gone all 'soup Nazi' on the Afghan National Army Air Corps.
A market survey released last week by the Aeronautical Systems Command on behalf of the ANAAC basically rules out vendors selling light attack jets.
That's despite a) the availability of two jet fighters for ANAAC's requirement, and b) the USAF's top combat adviser in Afghanistan publicly saying that only jets are suitable.
The ASC solicitation twice says it wants intdustry to submit data on only turboprops for Afghanistan's light attack fighter requirement.
I reported in late September that AleniaAermacchi wants to pitch surplus Italian Air Force AMX jets. A few days later, I met with ANAAC chief Maj Gen Mohammed Dawran and USAF Col Brad Grambo in Naples, Italy. In addition to confirming that the Aero Vodochody L-159 was another candidate, Grambo outspokenly endorsed jets as the only sensible option for Afghanistan's terrain.
"It's a country the size of Texas," Grambo told me. "How are you going to cover that with a [turboprop] aircraft that cruises around at 200-250kt [370-460km/h]?"
on November 2, 2009 9:59 PM | Reply
"I reported in late September that AleniaAermacchi wants to pitch surplus Italian Air Force AMX jets."
Jets may indeed be the best fit for the ANAAC, however Critical Requirement number three of the Market Survey says:
"3. Airframe, engine, and all systems and materials must be new."
No refurbished airframes for you!
on November 2, 2009 10:07 PM | Reply
Good catch. I suppose Alenia Aermacchi might try to sell them the M346, then. But that's definitely a jet.
on November 3, 2009 9:35 AM | Reply
There might be other considerations i.e. perhaps it might be better not to facilitate the Taliban and Al Queda getting their hands on a light attack jet... Oh right, we just gave Pakistan F-16C Block 52s... nevermind.