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It seems like there would be many military applications. The US military expects highly dispersed operations, especially on western Pacific islands, with all th
by mmooss 2y ago
It seems like there would be many military applications. The US military expects highly dispersed operations, especially on western Pacific islands, with all the logistical problems that go with that. A STOL, quiet, hybrid aircraft would seem very useful.
- ungreased0675 2y agoThat’s true, however… those islands are very far apart and aircraft will need a lot of range to be useful. I’m curious what the advantage of the short takeoff distance is. In practical use, would these ever not be operating from an established airport? If not an airport, where?
- mmooss 2y agoMilitary operations happen in many places without infrastructure: Wilderness, islands, mountains, etc. The logistics are sometimes considered the most important factor in success. Going forward, precision missiles mean that large infrastructure and truck convoys are relatively easily destroyed; dispersed operations at smaller scales are expected to be needed. Also, trucks aren't as useful on western Pacific islands. As a very basic concept of it, the US military uses the C-130, a turboprop plane designed for these situations. The people on the ground prepare a relatively short, unimproved (e.g., dirt) runway, and the C-130 can bring in and take out supplies and personnel.