"Thomas Schoene" wrote in message thlink.net...
http://www.a3skywarrior.com/cogdell/drop.jpg

An A-3 size airframe would be handy for tanker duties. and could maybe also
serve as a carrier-based mini-MC2A (combined AWACS/ELINT aircraft).
Developing this would be relatively straightforward, assuming some money can
be found.
The problem comes when you try to make it a bomb dropper too. That demands
a lot of more expensive design choices to keep the aircraft survivable
against modern defenses (signature reduction, weapon delivery systems, etc.)
That's not going to be affordable at all.


There was a little blurb in AvWeek some time ago about the USN
revisiting the idea of putting a refueling capability on the E-2s
after some experiences in OIF. Wouldn't it be nice to have a
trappable refuelable MC2 that could keep up with the strike package (I
know, it would take way too much money for the ASEA style antennas to
make that happen).
I hesitate to open this can of worms...But what the hell. Faced with
S-400, FT-2000, and ultra long range AAM threats, MC2A style aircraft
will need susceptability reduction as well in the not too distant
future. The idea that these aircraft can off unfettered in benign
bastions and still do the job is one potential adversaries are
actively attempting to dispell:
http://www.aeronautics.ru/s400triumph.htm
http://www.stormpages.com/jetfight/wwwboard/2359.html
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/...nce/ft2000.asp
So that money may be required no matter what a decade from now.
Indeed, the Air Force is already looking at the BWB and MACK concepts
for use as a stealthy KC-X aircraft in the 2015 timeframe.

Sure, a new A-3 could carry more bombs, but it woudn't strike more targets
at once, which two or three JSFs can do.

What such an aircraft would offer is the abilty to loiter with more
bombs per airframe, and also potentially carry something bigger than
2000 lb limit CVWs are saddled with today. And wouldn't it be nice for
a carrier capable aircraft to deliver 8000 lbs out past 1000 nm
unrefueled....But like you said, money for this won't be forthcoming.

Thread drift: Did you that the A-3 was known to have even carried
small cars...