USAF SHIFTS EMPHASIS ON LIGHT ATTACK

INDUSTRY REPORT // LIGHT ATTACK

Speaking to reporters in July, US Air Force chief of staff Gen Dave Goldfein gave more details on the current status of the Light Attack Experiment.

The AT-6 Wolverine during the first Light Attack Experiment in 2017.
USAF

FOR MORE THAN a decade the US Air Force has flirted with having a light attack aircraft to help relieve the burden on its front-line combat jets.

Various trials and real-world evaluations led to genuine expectation that Air Combat Command would procure a fleet of light attack aircraft.

Indeed, the USAF released a draft solicitation for as many as 350 aircraft in August 2018 and had hoped to issue the final request for proposals (RFP) the following December. However, amid budget shortfalls, the service has been forced to back away from such plans.

The USAF had previously announced its intent to limit the contenders for the project to the SNC/Embraer A-29B and the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine, both of which have been evaluated extensively.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below