A proposal to arm Irish propeller-driven trainers produces different views of what such aircraft could accomplish. Alex and another participant stress the performance gap against an interceptor, including climb, altitude, and the ability to engage a fast target. The discussion also recalls Ukrainian use of a propeller-driven trainer against drones. Dan suggests a narrower role as a platform carrying a missile such as ASRAAM, rather than trying to match a frontline fighter's performance. The disagreement concerns which target and mission the aircraft would be expected to handle.
Notable Point · 3:53:02-3:55:38
Armed trainers, interceptors, and missile-carrying aircraft
The value of an armed trainer depends on whether its task is fighter interception, drone defence, or carrying a missile.