The US Aircraft Corporation is taking a different tack on attack aircraft. Fighting insurgencies is the big business now, and targets are typically pickup trucks or small groups. Using fast jets to attack these targets is sometimes difficult. The company, which is based in Canton, OH is developing of its A-67. This is a single-engine turbo-prop aircraft aimed at COINOPS, intelligence gathering, light strike and border patrol missions.
The A-67 development started in 2003 in response to an anticipated U.S. Air Force requirement for a light combat aircraft able to perform tasks deemed unsuitable for expensive and sophisticated jet fighters and helicopters. F-16s cost $40m and have operating costs of $18,000/hr and also require concrete runways are not economical choices for COINOPS. The A-67, priced at ~$3.5m-$4m with running costs of $500/hr may attract attention now because COINOPS are needed in so many regions around the world.
Take a look this video.
