Page 27 - AAPT March 2019

Feature Story

Dragonfly

By Captain Darren “Buster” Crabb

20 degrees. As soon as the gear Refueling) probe. Assuming that fuel radios, assist with weapon selection
are up, a slight attitude decrease ran out before weapons, the crew and importantly, provide an extra
accelerates the aircraft to 300kts could quickly take on a full load of set of eyeballs looking out for AAA
effortlessly. In its’ day the top speed fuel just behind the action and be ground fire and SAMs (Surface-to-
was about 415kts, but I limit it to less back on station promptly. It is also Air Missiles).
than 360kts to preserve the airframe fitted with a six-barrel 7.62 mini- W eapons delivery was
and engines. In cruise, the aircraft gun capable of firing up to 6,000 rudimentary for the array carried,
burns 2000# per hour so with just rounds per minute, or 100 rounds unlike the CCIP (continuously
internal fuel I have about 1.5 hours per second. This could be used to computed impact point) I used in the
endurance, and with one sets of keep the enemy’s head down while F/A-18, which relied on computers
underwing tanks, I get an extra 30 delivering ordinance, more likely as to continually update the “pipper”
minutes of flying time. That said, I a morale booster for the crew due or “cross-hair” based on your
use 600# as my minimum fuel, by to the limited ballistics capability of variables. The Dragonfly is fitted with
which point I need to be landing. the 7.62 at stand-off ranges. The a reflective “gunsight” in front of the
The A-37B is a complete package side by side seating worked well for pilot. As soon as the attack brief was
for the intended role of Close Air the high intensity close air support received, weapon switches selected,
Support. It has three hard points role. The crew could see what each the pilot then chose the best attack
under each wing to carry a variety of other were doing, and while the pilot type and set a fixed “Mil’ setting
ordinance such as napalm, rockets was flying and conducting lookout, into the sight. Attack parameters
and bombs, also extra fuel tanks for the co-pilot could take the 9-line are based on fixed Mil setting, or
duration. The A-37B was capable of attack brief from the FAC (Forward “depression angle” for the individual
being fitted with an AAR (Air-to-Air Air Controller), work multi-frequency weapon. It is then up to the pilot to fly

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