iscover
GD/MDC A-12A Avenger 2. Cancelled earlier this year by the US DoD after developing weight problems during the latter phase of development, the A-12 was designed for a combat radius in excess of 1, 000nm. The combination of stealthiness and large combat radius would have provided the USN with the ability to engage heavily defended targets from well outside the optimal strike radii of bombers such as the large Tu-22M Backfire. The A-12 was to be a key asset in the implementation of the US Maritime Strategy, as no existing aircraft can perform its role
Technology Explained- US Tactical Aviation Pt 11
0 comment
Universal Tactical Aviation Part II The GDIMDC A-12A Avenger 2
The cancellation earlier this year of the US Navy’s A-12 Advanced Tactical Aircraft program was a major loss for US naval tactical aviation.
The stealthy ATA was to become a key element in the USN’s carrier warfighting strategy, replacing the ageing fleet of Grumman A-6Es, and extending the tactical reach of a Carrier Battle Group (CVBG) to over 1,000nm.
The reasons for the killing of the program centred upon development problems which would have led to major cost overruns to rectify; in the post Cold War political climate, the Bush administration could not afford the expense. The result will be an alarming gap in carrier based long range strike capability as the geriatric fleet of A-6Es finally runs out of life, and tactical viability, toward the end of this decade. The full implications of this are not clear until one looks closely at the US Maritime Strategy and the existing CV W (Carrier Air Wing) composition.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
