The US Air Force Is Using Syria To Test Antique Aircraft

March 16, 2016 in Daily Bulletin

David Axe wrote about the use of Syria as a testing ground:

  • The Syrian conflict is a relatively low risk one for US fighters, with the enemy being targeted lacking serious anti-air capabilities.
  • The Air Force is thus using the battle to test out aircraft it might consider for future operations.
  • Interestingly they’re not testing the most cutting edge in technology. Instead they’re looking at the performance of propeller aircraft from the Vietnam war.
  • Such aircraft are substantially cheaper than jet fighters, costing just $1,000 per flight hour, versus $40,000 per hour for an F-15.
  • They require less maintenance and can take off from rough airfields, which future battlefields may be full of.

Read more here.

Source: MSN