NationStates Jolt Archive

Does anyone on here who has served in the army have an opinion of whether Harriers or JSFs would be of use to the Army? Would they dramatically assist the ground forces? I'm thinking of giving my ground forces a small number of these to support troops, would it be of great benefit?

Name: FV-27A/B Manta Ray (Pas 41 Flashbulb)

Primary Function: V/STOL low observability strike fighter, combat capable conversion trainer
Contractor: Pheonix Air Systems
Power Plant: 1xTF420-350-V with 35 000lbs of thrust
Length: 50' (15.25 meters)
Height: 13'10" (4.25 meters)
Wingspan: 39'6' (12 meters)
Ceiling: 57 000' (17 075 meters)
Speed: Mach 1.8
Ferry Range: 1 600 miles (2 575km)
Empty Weight: 22 000lbs (9 979kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 42 000lbs (19 050kg)
Armament: 1x GAU-25-3 25mm cannon with 350 rounds, up to 5 000lbs(2 267kg) of internal and 12 000lbs(5 443kg) of external stores including AA-11 Adder, AA-12 Archer AAMs, ARM-10 Killer ARM, many other ASMs, smart and dumb bombs, cannon pods, rocket pods, ECM pods and fuel tanks
Unit cost: $42 000 000USD
Crew: 1, 2 in B model

Notes:
The Pas 41 is a super manuverable, purpose built, low observability V/STOL strike and fighter aircraft designed for use from light carriers in support of marine landings or to provide air support for battleships.

The design was influenced by the F-35B JSF, YF-23 Black Widow, Yak-141 and Rafale. The aircraft has a smaller radar signature then the JSF, mainly due to it's flatter design.

This design, designated FV-27 Manta Ray in Haaregradian service operates from Fortress class battleships and from Wasp(modified) class amphibious assault carriers.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/422994/flashbulb.gif
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/422994/FV-27engine.jpg

Even though I havent served, any air support would be good for an army.

Harriers and JSFs can land and take off in small areas, and thus can be used in newly taken areas that are too far from freindly bases.

Normal planes can't.

the JSF is stealthy....thats a plus

Even though I havent served, any air support would be good for an army.

Harriers and JSFs can land and take off in small areas, and thus can be used in newly taken areas that are too far from freindly bases.

Normal planes can't.

the JSF is stealthy....thats a plus

We're replacing out OA-37D Dragonflys which served mostly in the anti-helicopter warfare, close support and recon roles. I'm stuck between these, Sukhoi S55 and Su-39s.

Putting our Manta Raysi n the Army sounds like a good idea. Perhaps Soviet Haaregrad could explain what role the FV-27s can have in the army, as a companion to the attack helicopters?

Putting our Manta Raysi n the Army sounds like a good idea. Perhaps Soviet Haaregrad could explain what role the FV-27s can have in the army, as a companion to the attack helicopters?

If the FV-27 is chosen for the replacement to the OA-37D it will fulfil many roles.

anti-helicopter warfare - destroying enemy helicopters
(new role)battlefield air superiority - ensuring Haaregradian ground forces are secure against attacks from enemy aircraft, working in conjunction with Frontal Air Command aircraft
close air support - assisting Haaregradian ground forces against nearby enemy ground units
counter-insurgency - operating at low speed and altitude to destroy enemy troop concentrations
observation and recon - to give Haaregradian ground forces up to date information on enemy troop concentrations and movements, working in conjunction with SB-1 Speeder Bikes and ground based recon vehicles

The FV-27 is a very flexible platform, one that will ensure our armies victory in any future conflict. The fact that they can be maintained from simple forward air bases is a definate plus. Additionally many of their primary systems feature a moderate degree of armoring, similar to the OA-37, meaning they can take ground fire and keep fighting.

The FV-27 platform will operate primarily as a VTOL aircraft with Ground Command, as opposed to STOVL with Naval Command from ships and V/STOL with Marine Command.

Experiance has shown how the FV-27 has improved Marine Command's ability to engage all varieties of targets, now the Army should get their oppotunity too.