GregP
Major
In another thread we came up with an idea for a modern turboprop Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. The real turboprop Skyraider, the Douglas A2D Skyshark, was a failure … mostly due to the fact that Douglas tried to use a 5,100 HP Allison XT-40 turboprop (no real problem) driving a contra-prop gearbox (the fatal fault). Apparently it could chug its way up to 500 mph and climb 7,290 feet per minute … but could not keep the gearbox in one piece.
We came up with the idea to use a single prop version with about 5,000 – 6,000 HP (similar to the Skyshark), but also having a modern yaw damper and electronic stability system similar to the Pilatus PC-21 trainer. In the PC-21, you can exercise the throttle with your feet flat on the floor because the electronic stability system compensates for torque reaction automatically in both yaw and roll.
So the proposal is for a Skyraider with a modern turboprop system … basically a functional Skyshark with modern avionics, modern systems, and a modern gun … possibly one, two, or more chain guns slaved to the pilot's helmet, but still with some fixed forward-firing armament in traditional configuration. The chain guns would allow off-axis attack, the fixed guns would allow conventional attack, and the power would certainly haul some ordnance. The turboprop would allow MUCH greater acceleration than a jet and would be about as fast as an A-10, clean. Slower, of course, with an ordnance load.
I'd want the ability to launch missiles of various types, small drones, smart bombs, and old-style iron bombs (with accuracy), and perhaps the ability to emply the entire aircraft remotely if required … but I prefer a pilot.
Similar to the F-22, each turbo-Skyraider would know what armament other turbo-Skyraiders had and could employ either their own or someone else's who was in a better position. This assumes the computer woluld not add undue weight. Otherwise, ditch it and keep the plane agile and formibale. We still want a 7,000 feet per minute or better climb, clean and light.
Opinions?
We came up with the idea to use a single prop version with about 5,000 – 6,000 HP (similar to the Skyshark), but also having a modern yaw damper and electronic stability system similar to the Pilatus PC-21 trainer. In the PC-21, you can exercise the throttle with your feet flat on the floor because the electronic stability system compensates for torque reaction automatically in both yaw and roll.
So the proposal is for a Skyraider with a modern turboprop system … basically a functional Skyshark with modern avionics, modern systems, and a modern gun … possibly one, two, or more chain guns slaved to the pilot's helmet, but still with some fixed forward-firing armament in traditional configuration. The chain guns would allow off-axis attack, the fixed guns would allow conventional attack, and the power would certainly haul some ordnance. The turboprop would allow MUCH greater acceleration than a jet and would be about as fast as an A-10, clean. Slower, of course, with an ordnance load.
I'd want the ability to launch missiles of various types, small drones, smart bombs, and old-style iron bombs (with accuracy), and perhaps the ability to emply the entire aircraft remotely if required … but I prefer a pilot.
Similar to the F-22, each turbo-Skyraider would know what armament other turbo-Skyraiders had and could employ either their own or someone else's who was in a better position. This assumes the computer woluld not add undue weight. Otherwise, ditch it and keep the plane agile and formibale. We still want a 7,000 feet per minute or better climb, clean and light.
Opinions?
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