The full version of this article can be found at AviationWeek.com.
By Jen DiMascio
5.30.18
“You do not need a high-end stealth fighter to destroy a narcotics factory. It is not a cost-effective way to combat violent extremism,” Heather Wilson said during a May 29 speech at the Atlantic Council.
That is part of the reason why the service continues to experiment with light attack aircraft that would cost just $5,000-$10,000 per hour to operate rather than the $30,000 per hour cost to operate a fifth-generation fighter.
The service already has started on the second phase of a light attack experiment called OA-X at Holloman AFB in New Mexico. The Air Force is looking at the sustainment, sensor and weapons capabilities of the Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and the Textron Aviation AT-6B Wolverine….