Operational Test Plan Concept for Evaluation of Close Air Support Alternative Aircraft
Abstract
The FY 1989 Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act, Public Law 100-526, required the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) to prepare an operational test plan to conduct a competitive fly-off of alternative aircraft for the close air support (CAS) mission and to complete the test plan. The Act also directed the Secretary of Defense to conduct an independent assessment of ongoing studies and analyses related to selection of an aircraft for the CAS mission and to examine the feasibility of transferring the CAS mission from the Air force to the Army. The army and Air Force have jointly developed a list of requirements for a CAS aircraft. In addition, a mission need statement (MNS) for a fixed wing aircraft has been developed and approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Office of the Chairman, Joints Chiefs of Staff. These requirements can be grouped into three principal categories: effectiveness in killing assigned targets, survivability and responsiveness. The USAF has proposed to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt, which is currently its primary CAS aircraft. Air Force assessments have concluded that the A-10, even with an engine modification, cannot survive on current and future battlefields while faster aircraft have significantly greater survivability. The Air Force has recommended that the A-10 be replaced by a modified version of the F-16, which has been designated the A-16.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA208185
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense