The US Air National Guard has received special funds to stage a demonstration of the turboprop-powered Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 for the domestic security and counter-insurgency mission.
Kansas-based Senator Sam Brownback earmarked $3 million for the ANG to demonstrate the capabilities of the AT-6, which is assembled in Wichita, Kansas.
The AT-6 is among at least four contenders to fill an emerging role in US and foreign airborne inventories for a dedicated counter-insurgency aircraft. The US Air Force is conducting a competition for such an aircraft on behalf of the Iraqi air force, with contenders including the AT-6, Embraer's EMB-314 Super Tucano, Korea Aerospace Industries' KA-1 and the Pilatus PC-9. Ohio-based US Aircraft is also seeking to offer the developmental A-67, but is not expected to be ready in time for the Iraqi contract.
Meanwhile, the ANG's rising interest in the COIN mission comes as the USAF continues to debate the need to acquire a turboprop-powered combat fleet in a time of tightening acquisition budgets. The US Special Operations Command released a White Paper in mid-2007 calling for a new Irregular Warfare wing comprised of one squadron of turboprops with a light strike capability.
Meanwhile, the National Guard Association of the United States adopted a resolution in August that urges Congress to set aside funding for the turboprop-powered fleet dedicated to the COIN mission.
Source: Flight International
