Beast Mode Aircraft: Which one would you want supporting your combat ops?

2015-03-27T13:16:08-04:00

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-03-27T13:24:47-04:00

Puff the Magic Dragon and I am not talking about the one that lived by the sea

Response by SGT Patrick Soule made Mar 27 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-03-27T13:25:25-04:00

I never served in a threat theater. However, based on loiter time, available ordinance, targeting capability and accuracy, my uneducated opinion would be to have an AC-130 support my combat op. 20mm Gatling, 40mm Bofors, 105mm Canon, FLIR to help you know where the threat is at all times, that is a whole lot of "thank God" to support me.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-03-27T13:27:00-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC2tlNmz4ao

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-03-27T13:27:19-04:00

I would like a Little Bird filled with SOF operators....personally

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Mar 27 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-03-27T13:28:59-04:00

Out of these choices the AC-130, but you fogot to invite someone to the party.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-03-27T13:45:12-04:00

C'mon, this isn't even a fair fight. AC-130 of course - sustained engagement, multiple munitions types, long loiter. The biggest problem is that there isn't more of them!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 27 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-03-27T13:53:18-04:00

I don't have a lot of familiarity with the other options, so I would select the UH-60. I love those things. They were great to have around for various uses during OIF, and I suspect the same might be said by folks who have been to Afghanistan (I have not been there). As with most any aircraft, it heavily depends on METT-TC...but oh baby do I love me some UH-60.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 27 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-03-27T14:05:24-04:00

All of them have pros and cons.... I want the one that can be at my location fastest after I get in the crap!!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 27 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-03-27T14:07:42-04:00

Also, hat tip to RallyPoint Team for the nod to Marshawn Lynch. Though Capt Brandon Charters won't like it.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Mar 27 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-03-27T14:45:00-04:00

All good platforms just depends on what you need really. But yes add the A-10. I heard of an SF Team once that called for some Air support only to hear a B-52 was on it's way. I don't remember their reply but it wasn't exactly what they needed. Sometimes you'd call for a little help and it seemed the whole sky was full of stuff. Other times you were wishing for a little more.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 27 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-03-27T14:53:51-04:00

Ok... I'm Just a POG... but, if my butt was on any kind of a front area or line... I would want all three and then some...even the ones that are not listed... cause If I'm calling for air Support... I WANT IT ALL!!!! :)

HoooAh!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 3:00 PM

2015-03-27T15:00:41-04:00

There is a proper mission set for each of these options that none of the others can fill, so . . . all three equally? Though there will always be a special place in my heart for the blackhawk.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Mar 27 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-03-27T15:02:29-04:00

I suppose it'd depend on the size of the operation. But for a platoon level operation I'd want the rotary wing. They can get a lot closer to my guys on the ground and identify friend or foe. Less fratricide.

Response by SrA Marianne Santangelo made Mar 27 at 2015 3:56 PM

2015-03-27T15:56:05-04:00

Love it!!!

Response by SrA Marianne Santangelo made Mar 27 at 2015 3:56 PM

2015-03-27T15:56:50-04:00

All of them

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-03-27T16:06:15-04:00

AC-130, no doubt about it. Saved our asses in Afghanistan more than once.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-03-27T18:26:28-04:00

I am surprised that they F-35 and the A-10 didn't make the list? I think I would take the AC-130.

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Mar 27 at 2015 6:31 PM

2015-03-27T18:31:12-04:00

I flew C-130s for 5 years and know their capabilities, but never the AC-130. Some of our crewmembers crossed over and said it was very unique. One of my old friends gave me a shirt that said "AC-130...providing the enemy the opportunity to die for their country"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-03-27T18:52:40-04:00

HANDS DOWN WINNER!!!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-03-27T20:18:00-04:00

AC-130

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Mar 27 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-03-27T20:21:10-04:00

If you ain't CAV you ain't... and yes the are scheduled for phase out new fiscal year.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-03-27T20:47:22-04:00

Did anybody else notice the F-22 doesn't even mention armaments? It's hard to argue with the AC-130's capabilities. The AC-130 would be my choice in almost any situation, if nothing else for the psychological value it has against the enemy.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Mar 27 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-03-27T20:51:11-04:00

LGM-30G Minuteman III
1-3 warheads

Response by MCPO John Gross made Mar 27 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-03-27T20:58:00-04:00

Of the three pictured, CAS being the mission: Most definitely the AC-130 Gunship. Helo's only; as represented with the UH60. Again, inside a mission of CAS, I'd take the Raptor if that all you had give, but if I were given the choice of fast movers I'd go with the F/A-18F.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:36 PM

2015-03-27T22:36:44-04:00

Easy choice, the AC-130... but this would be ideal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDc5NoQAD_A

USAF OA-10 Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC-A) Demo

Response by MSgt Bob Lighthiser made Mar 27 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-03-27T22:39:03-04:00

A-10

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-03-27T22:53:25-04:00

Supporting combat operations depending on the tactical scenario, time of day and threats I would have to go with the AC/130 due to the loiter time and munitions... But that's only if we're talking about a tactical scenario where we're killing Taliban at night no threat. If there is any kind of threat then the Raptor, but only for the threat because that's about all it can hang around for and carry munitions for.... It's not really a ground pounding aircraft. As for the black hawk that set up is rare and not seen very much. It's a utility helicopter that's what the U stands for so real life it most likely would be some sort of attack Helo and would be more so for convoy security (defensive ops) than offensive. Something that would be good for the set up it has would be a insertion type deal and hang around to do some armed over watch but nothing else. The black hawk is low and slow so any Jo shmo with a gun has a chance of hitting it so I would have to say it's last on my list as far as combat arms.

Response by SPC Edward Tapper made Mar 27 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-03-27T23:33:14-04:00

Why were the Apache helicopter and A-10 Warthog omitted from the poll? I personally would choose the Apaches first and the A-10s second.

Response by SPC Edward Tapper made Mar 27 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-03-27T23:48:47-04:00

1) AH-64 Apache
2) A-10 Warthog
3) AIRWOLF

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-03-28T00:22:23-04:00

UH-60

Response by MSG Nate Davey made Mar 28 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-03-28T00:50:22-04:00

DAP

Response by BG David Fleming III made Mar 28 at 2015 12:57 AM

2015-03-28T00:57:14-04:00

The sound of freedom, with a side of whip a##!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 1:30 AM

2015-03-28T01:30:18-04:00

This should do it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 1:38 AM

2015-03-28T01:38:47-04:00

I don't think a one size fits all solution to all military operations, now, with that as a context, my preferences are A10's, AC130, Helos, and fighter jets, in that order

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-03-28T10:00:22-04:00

The one that could get there the fastest!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-03-28T13:41:58-04:00

There is only one correct answer to a question and it's another question: "What is the situation in the combat op?"
These three aircraft (plus at least two others that could apply) have vastly different capabilities for vastly different missions.
Is there an enemy fighter-bomber or helicopter about? If so, you'll want the F-22.
Is the op in a confined area, say a building or couple of buildings in an urban setting? The Blackhawk would probably work better.
Is there enemy armor involved? If so, just about any strike aircraft could deal with it, but the A-10 was specifically designed for that mission.
Are you operating under an enemy air defense net? If so, you'll probably want a Wild Weasel; an F-16 or F-18, though the F-22 could work as well.
Is the op against something like an enemy stronghold in a somewhat isolated region? If so, AC-130, bring the rain.

There are too many different possibilities that would require different air assets to deal with. No one platform is suitable for all of them.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Mar 28 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-03-28T13:50:59-04:00

about a lifetime ago in the bn aid station - ed and paul were asking sfc valentine (173d vet, in tthe jungle) which was the greater ground support - jets or choppers? i forget who was arguing which way, so i (being a historian type every where i go) asked 'what about the a-1h skyraider'??
and the old sergeant just went off ' the skyraider was the greatest ground support ever!, nothing else could stay long enough to do anything real, jets were too fast to be accurate, choppers couldn't carry enough armament, but the sky raider, could stay there for hours, shrugging off anything less than a 20mm.' one of the other pair shouted 'a prop job better than my jets ? never' and the other responded with 'a prop job better than my choppers? never!' , and the old sergeant said to the two of them 'shut up, he right!'

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 28 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-03-28T15:15:47-04:00

I'm old school. When I was in the Blackhawk was just coming out and was known as the "Crashhawk" because the carbon fiber blades would disintegrate under load. Oh and I'll take the 1911 over the M9 and I don't wear berets (never earned one)

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-03-28T16:31:51-04:00

AC-130 all the way with the options given. Otherwise A-10 or the Longbow.

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Mar 29 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-03-29T09:58:13-04:00

AC-130 is a monster, but A-10 and AH-64 have their rightful place as the top two. UH-60 is not a CAS bird (sorry that's just a delivery vehicle , and more suited for MEDEVAC). F22 hasn't seen one combat mission since it was fielded in 2005 until recently in Syria bombing ISIS (but it has missed Iraq and Afghanistan completely)

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Mar 29 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-03-29T12:29:52-04:00

How about an AC-130 air-launched UH-60?

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Mar 29 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-03-29T14:55:41-04:00

Fallujah 2004, Operation Vigilant Resolve we had Cobras, Apaches, F/A-18s & AC-130s watching over us. They all impressed me. Watching an AC-130 engage a 4-story concrete building with a munitions cache in the basement from 3 miles away was epic. They fired armor-piercing rounds from the 105 mm howitzer right down thru the building to hit the munitions cache directly. Insurgents even got a SAM off at the Spectre. Didn't even reach half the altitude before it petered out. We also had the Spectre hit targets across the street from us with their 25mm chain gun. I will definitely take the Spectre gunship any day or night.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 3 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-04-03T13:58:29-04:00

A10 any day and twice on Sunday

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 3 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-04-03T15:04:56-04:00

Mission dependent, said the broken record.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 3 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-04-03T15:06:39-04:00

Puff The Magic Dragon

Response by MAJ Terry LaFrance made Apr 3 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-04-03T15:11:30-04:00

C17, because that's the one that takes you home when you're done.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 3 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-04-03T15:30:00-04:00

AC-130!!! But if I was near the ocean I wouldn't mind a naval bombardment hahaha!

Response by SSG Stacy Carter made Apr 3 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-04-03T20:30:04-04:00

This is just silly... Of the ones listed I would choose the AC130. But the poster forgot to invite the two best close air support weapons platforms to the party.. Give me an Apache or an A-10 over these choices any day

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 11:09 PM

2015-04-03T23:09:03-04:00

I'm biased towards the blackhawk considering that's the airframe I am hoping to fly.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Apr 4 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-04-04T14:16:14-04:00

Just these guys, seen them in action too close for comfort. Wouldnt have anything else to CMA.

.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-04-13T17:58:14-04:00

The UH-60 because of versatile functions. While AC-130 has bigger and better guns, the Blackhawk is able to move around the AO and land with the vertical movement abilities. While the f-22 may use the air similarly to the UH60, it can't exfil troops and the uh60 had a whole crew vs the f-22 pilot and copilot