Re: Bush Planes

In article <CrudnbplwuPSUerZRVn-jQ@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Kevin Brooks"
<brooksvmi@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

<peterwezeman@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1148684205.472395.37750@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
During World War Two, bush airplanes able to land on short and rough
airstrips, such as the Piper Cub, were used for ferrying personel and
supplies, casualty evacuation, spotting for artillery and air strikes,
and other purposes. Many of these tasks are now performed by
helicopters and UAVs.

Since the war, bush planes have become even more capable, for example
the Sherpa:

http://www.sherpaaircraft.com/album/Copy%20of%20index.htm

and remain the cheapest means of transport in areas not served by
roads, such as much of Alaska. They carry more, are more rugged, and
oversized tires have greatly improved their rough field ability.

Is the bush plane the "poor man's helicopter", or are there possible
useful roles for such aircraft even in modern armed forces?

Well, in regards your last question, the USAF thinks so, based upon the
mission and equippage of the 319th Special Operations Squadron:

"The 319th SOS mission is to provide intra-theater support for special
operations forces. To accomplish the mission, they use the U-28A, a
variation of the Pilatus PC-12. The aircraft has a crew of two, but can be
flown by one pilot. The plane was selected for its versatile performance and
ability to operate from short and unimproved runway surfaces. It's certified
to land on dirt and grass strips, and is equipped with weather radar and a
suite of advanced communications and navigation gear."

http://www2.hurlburt.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3546

IIRC those aircraft may be retreads, formerly operated by the US Army's
Berlin Brigade during the late eighties and early nineties. Having a STOL
capability was considered to be of some import in that mission.

I perceive the question is more about bush planes vs helicopters.
I've worked with the PC-12 and even been to the factory in Stans.
The PC-12 is a great short field aircraft is not in the same class for "STOL"
as the PC-6 (not much is).

There is definite utility in bush planes as was shown in the Vietnam
war.
They have much better range/speed, but you do need that 100 yard clearing.
For truly unimproved terrain insertion, it's hard to beat a helo if it'll
go the distance. SOF helos can refuel inflight.

I guess this is why the Marines want the Osprey so bad.

--
Harry Andreas
Engineering raconteur
.

Quantcast