Test center fuses old, new technology for light attack

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gabe Johnson
  • 162nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Arizona National Guard
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Test pilots and engineers here are learning what happens when high-tech systems are combined with low-tech airframes for a new, cost effective, light attack aircraft.

Light attack, a revitalized concept in the Air Force, addresses the need for an airplane that offers surveillance as well as strike capabilities and walks the line between remotely piloted aircraft and high-performance fighters.

In appearance, the two experimental aircraft in testing over the Barry M. Goldwater Range this month, Hawker Beechcraft AT-6Cs, resemble the fighters of yesteryear with single engine propellers and shark face nose art. They are, in actuality, one possible future for Air Force light attack aircraft and the latest project for the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) based at Tucson International Airport.

Lt. Col. Keith Colmer, developmental test pilot and director of engineering for AATC, deployed to Iraq in early 2008 where he flew numerous close air support missions in F-16s. The bulk of those involved flying orbits two miles above ground forces. During more than 100 combat hours he said he served as an eye in the sky for Army elements but rarely engaged the enemy on their behalf.

"Right now we are paying a high cost to fly an F-16 in terms of fuel and wear and tear for missions that don't require the full capabilities of the airplane," said Colonel Colmer who today leads AATC's light attack program.

"With fourth generation fighters nearing the end of their service life, a light attack platform could take on these kinds of missions and lighten the load."

The test center, which conducts operational tests on behalf of the Air Reserve Component, is a compact team of active duty, Guard, Reserve, civilian and contractor members who field low-cost, low-risk, off-the-shelf improvements for aircraft and weapon systems. Officials say the center's unique efficiency is perfect for building and evaluating a light attack aircraft.

"In keeping with our '80 percent of the capability for 20 percent of the cost' motto we took existing technology from the A-10 and F-16 and inserted it in the AT-6," said Colmer.

Mounted next to the AT-6's manual flight controls, levers, cables and pulleys are mission computers, situational awareness data links, radios, helmet-mounted cueing systems, hands-on stick and throttles, threat countermeasures and armament pylons typically found on current fighter and attack aircraft.

"We learned a lot from initial testing earlier this year and made several adjustments. The testing this month is about bringing in testers from around the Air Force; A-10 and F-16 pilots from Edwards, Nellis and Eglin," said Colmer.

"Overall, pilots are coming back after flying it excited about light attack. They're enjoying the sorties and the aircraft's capabilities. Almost everyone has a list of things they would like to change but that's what we expected. Now we'll take their input and make it a better aircraft."

Maj. Jesse Smith, an A-10 pilot from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flew the modified AT-6 during a simulated combat search and rescue sortie Oct. 7.

"It's easy to handle," Major Smith said. "They took some of the systems and avionics from the A-10 so that made it easier for me to step in. Based on the scenario we had today we were able to go out and execute."

"It's not the answer for everything, but if you look at what's going on in Iraq and Afghanistan it's a good concept that can save money."

To buy and operate a light attack aircraft costs pennies on the dollar compared to an A-10 or F-16. For those aircraft, the cost per flying hour is around $15,000 to $17,000 for fuel and maintenance. Test center officials say the AT-6 is currently running at about $600 per hour.

Though light attack is not viewed as a replacement for jets, Airmen here are finding out that the two-seat turboprop can fill a number of roles.

Remotely piloted aircraft pilots are examining the AT-6 as a companion trainer to give them a first-hand look at close air support from the air.

Combat controllers and tactical air control parties are also evaluating the aircraft as a possible trainer.

"Right now in the [joint terminal attack control] community there are not enough sorties to keep them trained," said Colonel Colmer. "One thought is that this type of aircraft could be based with their units so they could get more practice with controlling an aircraft that adequately replicates an A-10 or F-16. They could even fly more often to gain a sense of a pilot's perspective."