Considering the future asymmetrical threat we face of non state actors, the role the Marines will play in smaller engagements, during “peace time”.

Also the CIA would like to get into some of this action with the rotary fixed wing assets for the para paramilitaries and indigenous forces, a couple of SAD advisers, a couple of pilots and hundreds indigenous forces.

McChrystal supported it, Mattis supports it and Petraeus over at the CIA would welcome the capability. The facts for the DOD is that Gates put aside around 10% of the budget to fight savages.

The AF can cancel it but the only joy stick you will be playing with is the one between your legs.

I flew the T-6 in UPT. They quoted the cost to us as $6.5 Million, more than half of that money going into the Martin-Baker Ejection system. I’m sure an AT-6 would cost a little more.

“A little more” means $10 million:

The two-seater Super Tucano’s top speed is only about 350 mph. But it has a 620-mile combat radius and can stay aloft for six hours. Introduced in 2003, the plane can be outfitted with two heavy machine guns as well as 2 tons of guided bombs and rockets, said Robert Munks, an Americas analyst for IHS Jane’s military consultants in London.

With their uses in training, surveillance and offensive campaigns, the Super Tucanos fit the bill for many Third World countries, and at $10 million each, are relatively cheap, Munks said.

Replace the WWII rockets with Hellfires, and the 500-lb bomb with a J-DAM, and you have some pretty serious firepower. And eight Ma-Deuces is pretty dang impressive.