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The simple answer is because manned ISR assets cannot get the sensors, comms, etc. where we need them to be effective (because they’ll be at the bottom of the ocean well before hitting the effective point). But we can get sensors, comms, etc. where we need them via other means that are far more survivable/robust/expendable, thus actually effective. There’s more nuance than that, but that’s the big picture. Now of course we could sink 100s of Bs into developing a “6th gen” manned ISR platform, but it just doesn’t make sense to do so given emerging technologies and the capabilities we can realize for a lot less (or at least have shitloads more capability for the same price).

I’m curious what differentiates manned ISR from UAS in the “zero game” assessment. What difference does one having a human in it vs. the other not make? Attritable assets don’t have more game; they’re just cheaper to lose. And once you invest in making something ‘survivable’ in the way I think you’re using the term, it is likely not attritable anymore. UAS also introduces a data logistics tail (assuming you want to task and receive the collect) that is as costly to guard as it is to create; it’s been a long time since we’ve shot down or lost a manned airplane because the pilot refused to listen to commands like ‘come home.’ Agree though, maybe we’re all thinking about different scenarios… but this is a VERY common trap people fall into, usually precipitated by somebody saying “you have a problem you don’t know you have. Don’t worry I have a solution, at cost plus.”

Nah. I've had a buddy who dropped the 46 to Travis a year and a half ago.

VID_20250625_183049_081.mp4

https://www.aerocontact.com/public/img/aviaexpo/produits/catalogues/297/Pilatus-Aircraft-Ltd-PC-21-Brochure.pdf Looking at this PDF the PC-21 probably has all the avionics upgrades Borsight is going to be upgrading the T-6 to. I spot large MFDs, HUD, a mission computer, and probably a GPS that isn't from the early/mid 90s. Pilatus website even has some airframes with pylons for simulated weapons. Sounds like something the Air Force could use as a front line trainer and to bridge the gap for the fighter/bomber bros before T-38s/T-7s. Seems like a no brainer to me which is probably why the Air Force isn't going this direction.

Curiosity killing the cat here. Do T-6 FAIPs go onto heavies now, or is it where they could track T-38s after their FAIP tour? Civilian here, just pure curiosity as to how assignments work currently out of USAF UPT.

Well, it does run through 2034...

Hi all, we are new to this military life and new parents. My husband is just about to graduate from AIT and we are to PCS to JBLM this August. I am 25 weeks pregnant and since he's been away for almost 6 mos, it was just me and my dog who motivated me get out of the house and helped me emotionally and mentally. Upon filling out the housing application form I read that my dog falls under the "restricted breed" she is a chow mix. I have a psychiatrist, but we are rather new about 2 weeks now and I did ask about the ESA letter, and he told me he won't be able to give me just yet. Which I totally understand. We do not consider living off-base as our E4 BAH will not get us a house with yard and in a safe environment in Washington. My husband prefers to live on-base so he has a peace of mind if he ever gets deployed, leaving his wife and newborn kid. My question is, besides ESA letter from my psychiatrist (I hope I get it before the move) what the other ways we could try so our dog can live with us? I read about asking for commander's approval or ask our vet to change her breed since she's mix?? For backup, has anyone used any "legit" website that military housing accepts for ESA letter? P.s she can be territorial and anxious sometimes, but she is very sweet and very lazy would nap 20hrs a day.

Or his dad's influence, which is worth about....

Sounds like it’s time to sell some more paintings

I'm not a futures investor. But I'll say this, war is a weird animal in the stock market these days.

Updated, cache thing, refreshed and their site had these links, Day Man 1 Clark 0 https://thedefensepost.com/2025/06/18/us-texan-aircraft-avionics/ https://www.govconwire.com/article/borsight-t6a-avionics-replacement-usaf-military-trainer

@Majestik Møøse I’m very confident in my assessment (and it’s not “mine” per se, but rather I concur with it). Though perhaps we are both thinking of different scenarios/vignettes, which is certainly possible and could drive either position being valid. But, we’re not going to be able to sort that out on the internet. To be clear, I’m not anti-manned ISR, and it will continue to play a role, but there are several scenarios where it has zero game, at least for the foreseeable future (and probably doesn’t make sense to change that vs. putting efforts into UAS, AI, Space, Cyber, etc.)

https://www.borsight.com/news

Maybe you don’t know how that can work, but I do.

Bit more info on it https://defence-blog.com/t-6a-trainer-to-get-new-avionics-in-2-2b-deal/# Nothing on their website curiously https://www.borsight.com/

This feels like another T-1 moment where by the time they update the avionics on the T-6, they're going to send them to the boneyard. They need to just start buying PC-21s and call it a day.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4218062/

Sooo he didn't chicken out. And, all the prognostications about oil skyrocketing...well I hope you didn't bet on that. My portfolio was up a modest 1% today...that was after selling some things to make cash (just bought another piece of property).

Damn it that’s diabolically probable So where the hell are the CODELs where these aircraft that the AF wants to and already has divested, the T-6 and T-1 respectively… I get it that the Missouri CODELs are advocating for and getting the T-7 into production (along with others) but if I were a Congressman/staffer from Kansas I’d tell the AF to pump the brakes on this divestment of T-1s and if I got word of T-6 divestment, someone would be going to the woodshed… Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice way to fix the pilot shortage. Contract everything except 1x SQ of T-7s at each base (except SPS), cut the training so they graduate sooner, and if there are accidents just blame the contractors.

Oh all his critics on the media and political circles are beside themselves. Nevermind they loved Obama swearing a couple weeks ago. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Gotcha would need to be a new additive program I could see this as part of a new way forward if the AF wasn’t hell bent on divesting everything but the T-7 and outsourcing basic flight instruction Mil IPs, standardized instruction not at existing UPT bases, make it a Total Force program, AD with Guard/Reserves, 3 x bases at desirable locations, Golden Apple tours for retention, good long tour orders to get ARC support, better GA training aircraft, etc… Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So fucking true. Anything but the Stars and Stripes in their playbook.

That is correct kind sir. Dibs!