[Kevin Gibson]

A few months ago we talked abut the DOD canceling the Hellfire Missile and at that time I don't recall any replacement on the books. Well, I was wrong, not only is it on the books, it's deployed (by the Brits), and the F-35's will be equipped with the "Brimstone" ground attack missile. So I take whatever scorn I said...sad to see the Hellfire go, but apparently the Brimstone has already proven to be a step up from the Hellfire (honestly, I didn't know we needed a step up, but what do I know???). So we'll use up what Hellfire's we have, and the F-35 will be in service probably years before we run out of Hellfires. And if by chance our 4th gen fighters run out of Hellfires, we still have oodles of Maverick missiles, which are better ground attack missiles against everything but armor (but they're still decent against armor, just not as purpose built for armor as the Hellfire).

Brimstone (missile) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And we're already working on the replacement for the Brimstone: Joint Air-to-Ground Missile - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Diamondback]

Actually, Brimstone is built on the same chassis, it's really just a super-improved Hellfire that can be launched from pointy-nose-attention-whore* fast-movers in addition to helos and Harriers.
*"Fighter pukes make movies. Bomber pilots make HISTORY!"

Problem with Maverick is, the advanced Imaging IR models can only be carried on single-rail launchers, and on the old TV-guided ones the triple-rail is way too draggy even on the A-10. Might be useful if you had a helo gunship big and heavy enough for it, something like putting A-10 wings on a CH-53...

 

[WaltGraham]

pointy-nose-attention-whore* fast-movers

That nearly cost me some whiskey...

 

[Diamondback]

Out the nose, Walt? That'd HAVE to hurt... LOL

I was raised by a STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND veteran, so even though I didn't get to serve I have the heart and mind of a Cold War BUFFdriver...

 

[CaptainGyro]

Here's a Korean war-vintage song about fighter pilots that has endured through the years. You'll notice that the singing doesn't always match the lyrics; the verses to this song are many and varied, because it is never, ever, sung sober.

Warning: NSFW (work, wives, woosies)

Fighter Pilot University :: Ain't No Fighter Pilot's Down in Hell

 

[IrishCop]

Out the nose, Walt? That'd HAVE to hurt... LOL

I was raised by a STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND veteran, so even though I didn't get to serve I have the heart and mind of a Cold War BUFFdriver...

I have all the respect in the world for a BUFF and it's crew. I humped those damned things till I made Sergeant, every time I was present for an upload or download I felt more than a little tingle of pride in just how good we 'muricans are at the art of mass destruction. Even felt a little pity for those who raised our ire to the point that we "Cry Havoc! And let slip the dog's of war!"

We just need some leaders who recognize that it sometimes not only necessary, but required. And I'm not talking nuclear. Carpet bombing with conventional munitions works just fine. Ask the Republican Guard.

 

[IrishCop]

Here's a Korean war-vintage song about fighter pilots that has endured through the years. You'll notice that the singing doesn't always match the lyrics; the verses to this song are many and varied, because it is never, ever, sung sober.

Warning: NSFW (work, wives, woosies)

Fighter Pilot University :: Ain't No Fighter Pilot's Down in Hell

Okay Mike. Tell the truth. Did you edit those lyrics and include the chorus about airline pilots? :cryinlaugh:

And has your wife heard this song?

 

[IrishCop]

That nearly cost me some whiskey...

"Nearly". The mark of a true professional. :rock::thumbsup:

 

[CaptainGyro]

...And has your wife heard this song?

My wife is a fighter pilot's kid, the baby of the family with three older brothers. She had heard much, much worse by the time she was seven.

 

[IrishCop]

Aww, Cap'n, I wasn't referring to the salty language. Bust the part about airline pilots grabbing thighs.

 

[CaptainGyro]

Actually, she was a flight attendant when I met her. Back in those days, there was plenty of thigh-grabbing in both directions.

Just thinking about it give me the vapors...

 

[IrishCop]

:cryinlaugh::cryinlaugh: