Fairchild AU-23
| AU-23 | |
|---|---|
|
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| Type: | Close air support aircraft |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
1971 |
| Number of pieces: |
15th |
The AU-23A Peacemaker is an American light aircraft for close air support that was derived from the Pilatus PC-6, which was built under license .
Development and history
In 1971 the United States increased its military engagement in the Vietnam War . A program was started to enable South Vietnam to take on the burden of its own defense itself ("Vietnamization") so that American forces could be withdrawn. This project also included the plan to develop mini “ rifle aircraft” and equip South Vietnam with them. In addition to the planned Helio AU-24A Stallion , a short take-off and landable light transport aircraft came into question, the Swiss Pilatus Turbo Porter , which was ultimately selected.
Although most officers of the US Air Force in 1972 after the first tests on the Eglin AFB were convinced (Florida) that the AU-23A Peacemaker was too small and too light to it an effective attack aircraft to be developed have been the end of the year Ordered 15 such machines. These models were four underwing suspension equipped for easy drop charges and rocket launchers housing, but the combat capabilities were limited to a 20-mm three-pipe gun, which was set up in the cabin and one with TVS-5 - night vision device was fired through the door. In 1972 testing was postponed due to a series of problems, but the AU-23A was finally operational. Effectiveness and survival protection were considered extremely poor, and the aircraft were initially mothballed for some time before 13 of them reached the Royal Thai Air Force .
Military users
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 3-4 |
| length | 11.23 m |
| span | 15.14 m |
| height | 3.20 m |
| Wing area | 28.80 m² |
| payload | 903 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 2767 kg |
| Top speed | 280 km / h or kts |
| Range | 898 km or NM |
| Engines | a Garrett-AIResearch TPE331-1-101F turboprop with 496 kW (650 WPS ) |
Armament
- 1 × 20 mm Gatling automatic cannon General Dynamics XM197 with 300 rounds of ammunition
- Explosive ordnance up to 635 kg at four external load stations under the wings
- Unguided air-to-surface missiles
- 4 × XM158 rocket tube launch containers for 7 × unguided Hydra air-to-ground missiles each ; Caliber 68 mm / 2.75 inch
- 2 × SUU-14 / A rocket tube launchers for 7 × unguided CBU-14 / A air-to-surface missiles each; Caliber 68 mm / 2.75 inch with BLU-3 / B bomblets
- Unguided bombs
- 2 × Mark 82 LDGP (227 kg / 500 lb free fall bomb )
Web links
- Peacemaker pictures at jetphotos