I'd go with a very stripped-down version of the A-6, maybe even something
like the proposal Grumman made for a light attack variant back when the
Thalidomide Crusader (A-7) was chosen for the role.

(Grumman proposed a single-seat two-engine bird that otherwise had all the
other classic A-6 characteristics. If folks thought the two-place A-6
looked strange, this single-place "thing" was strange-squared. I believe
someone in r.a.m.n. posted a link to an illustration of this bird recently -
if so, could we please see a repost?)

Like Woody I agree it should be a JDAM dump truck. In addition, it should
be an outstanding tanker. Unlike Woody, I'd dispense with a nice avionics
suite in favor of "just enough" to do the mission and get back to Mother.
With more and more of the smarts now in the weapon, vice the carriage, this
puppy might even be a (gasp!) UAV.

In other words, a bird with the simplicity of the early A-4s and the deep
strike / fuel-hauling / gas passing capability of the A-6.

Unfortunately however, no role in such a bird for an old, broke-dick A-6A
B/N like me.

Owl sends.
--
Mike Kanze

"Dear Abby: My cousin has been paying a psychiatrist $50 an hour, every week
for two and a half years. He must be crazy."

- "Dear Abby" letters that never saw print


"Jim" wrote in message
...
This time of the year I usually ask the regular readers of this
newsgroup which aircraft they flew years ago they'd most like to see
with a newer engine. Always worthy of many fine comments.

This time a slight revision. You are recalled to active duty for
combat overseas. You will return with a version of the model you
formerly flew. But this time you can change one aspect only. Which
airframe and what would that be?

Keep in mind this could mean your F-4J against a MiG-29 or SU-30?
Avionics? Engine? FCS?



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ACC USN ret.
NKX, BIKF, NAB, CV-63, NIR
67-69 69-71 71-74 77-80 80-85
&
74-77

Co-founder of newsgroup - RAMN
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