Two Heads are Better Than One: The Need For a Two-Seat Aircraft for Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance Missions and Airborne Forward Air Control Missions
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to advocate development and procurement of a two-seat aircraft to fill the Airborne Forward Air Control (FAC(A)) and the strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) role for both the Air Force and Marine Corps. Historically, the Marine Corps has a firm grasp of the importance of the SCAR/FAC(A) missions: the concepts went-hand-in-hand with close air support. Because the Marines understood the importance of the operational tactical transition area, they developed and procured the two-seat F/A-18D which provides an excellent platform for the SCAR/FAC (A) role. Unfortunately, the Marine Corps currently has no plans to replace the F/A-18D with another two-seat aircraft. The Air Force placed more emphasis on the Strategic/Operational transition than on the operational/tactical transition. Based on their viewpoint, the Air Force typically learns the need for effective SCAR/FAC(A) capable aircraft only as major conflicts progress. As a result, the Air Force uses AD-HOC procedures and adapts airframes for the SCAR/FAC (A) mission that are actually better suited for other missions. The result is the lack of a viable Two-Seat aircraft to fulfill the SCAR/FICA (A) mission for the Air Force in the current inventory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA401152
Entities
People
- Michael J. Bergerud
Organizations
- Marine Corps University