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#1
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Guns on fighters?
All...I was wondering: have there been any guns-only air to air kills by US
aircraft since SE Asia? As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? Thanks in advance. Stefan Humble Cessna Driver |
#2
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All...I was wondering: have there been any guns-only air to air kills by US
aircraft since SE Asia? As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? Duke Cunningham will tell you that if his Navy F-4 had a gun he might have got three more kills in his famous day of fighting when he made ace. While not air combat there were guns only strafing runs made in Afghanistan during a fight over a downed helicopter. While air to air and air to ground missiles are now far more reliable than during Vietnam and far more capable than during Desert Storm I think history shows us that whenever we think that some weapon is obsolete along comes a conflict where that weapon is needed. Often the weapon is not used in its original form but a good use is found for it. In regards to combat aircraft guns there might come a time when the combat arena is so circumscribed that beyond visual range weapons will not be practical due to the chance of "collateral damage". Then only visual range weapons could be used and the gun takes on a new importance. Imagine if in the Balkans one of our opponents (I can't remember whose side we weren't on!) had put up a decent aerial opposition, would we really have been launching a lot of long range weapons in one of the most heavily air traveled areas of the world? As in Afghanistan in a future conflict at the extreme of range for some aircraft might make it necessary to use every weapon they brought along right down to the guns when all other ordnance was expended. Not because they could not loiter in terms of fuel but because it would take too long to return to base and reload. The gun will never again be a primary or even secondary weapon but as a tertiary one it will have its uses and you can never be sure when that will be. John Dupre' |
#3
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JDupres- In regards to combat aircraft guns there might come a time when the
combat arena is so circumscribed that beyond visual range weapons will not be practical due to the chance of "collateral damage" BRBR Just like nuclear weapons making the world safe for conventional warfare, long range missiles and the need to VID, makes the gun essential. P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer |
#4
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"JDupre5762" wrote in message ... All...I was wondering: have there been any guns-only air to air kills by US aircraft since SE Asia? As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? Duke Cunningham will tell you that if his Navy F-4 had a gun he might have got three more kills in his famous day of fighting when he made ace. While not air combat there were guns only strafing runs made in Afghanistan during a fight over a downed helicopter. While air to air and air to ground missiles are now far more reliable than during Vietnam and far more capable than during Desert Storm I think history shows us that whenever we think that some weapon is obsolete along comes a conflict where that weapon is needed. Often the weapon is not used in its original form but a good use is found for it. In regards to combat aircraft guns there might come a time when the combat arena is so circumscribed that beyond visual range weapons will not be practical due to the chance of "collateral damage". Then only visual range weapons could be used and the gun takes on a new importance. Imagine if in the Balkans one of our opponents (I can't remember whose side we weren't on!) had put up a decent aerial opposition, would we really have been launching a lot of long range weapons in one of the most heavily air traveled areas of the world? As in Afghanistan in a future conflict at the extreme of range for some aircraft might make it necessary to use every weapon they brought along right down to the guns when all other ordnance was expended. Not because they could not loiter in terms of fuel but because it would take too long to return to base and reload. The gun will never again be a primary or even secondary weapon but as a tertiary one it will have its uses and you can never be sure when that will be. John Dupre' .... it is my understanding that naval versions had a gun but the air force did not but was later retrofitted with one. |
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"SKSvilich" wrote in message ... All...I was wondering: have there been any guns-only air to air kills by US aircraft since SE Asia? As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? Thanks in advance. Stefan Humble Cessna Driver A-10 vs helicopter. Desert Storm. Tex |
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"Tex Houston" wrote in message news:... "SKSvilich" wrote in message ... All...I was wondering: have there been any guns-only air to air kills by US aircraft since SE Asia? As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? Thanks in advance. Stefan Humble Cessna Driver A-10 vs helicopter. Desert Storm. Tex The more I think about this the more I think it may be wrong. I now think they may have used bombs. Sorry, Tex |
#7
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Tex Houston wrote:
"Tex Houston" wrote in message news:... "SKSvilich" wrote in message ... All...I was wondering: have there been any guns-only air to air kills by US aircraft since SE Asia? As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? Thanks in advance. Stefan Humble Cessna Driver A-10 vs helicopter. Desert Storm. Tex The more I think about this the more I think it may be wrong. I now think they may have used bombs. No, you're correct the first time. There were two helo kills by A-10s using the GAU-8. The LGB kill was by an F-15E. Guy |
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But to answer the question- As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who
have been in combat? Are guns on board nostalga, or, are they a practical weapon? BRBR Not been in combat but the onboard gun is a reliable and cheap weapon that is essential if you find yourself close to your adversary or if you are armed A-A only weapons-wise and you need to do some damage on the ground. P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer |
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#10
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Walt BJ wrote:
(Pechs1) wrote in message ... But to answer the question- As an aside, what are the thoughts of those who have been in combat? Snip: I've been there and until someone comes up with a genuine Buck Rogers disintegrator ray or plasma blaster or whatever I'd still want a gun. Walt BJ I'll bet those Iraqi helicopters looked pretty disintegrated after the GAU-8 was done with them. Joe -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =----- |
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