February 19, 2008: Strapped for cash,
and qualified pilots, the Iraqi Air Force has adopted a clever solution for
both problems. It is buying Cessna 172 single engine aircraft for training
pilots. This is a common aircraft for the task, and those equipped for training
are often called the T-41. But Iraq is also buying Cessna Grand Caravan
208B aircraft. This is also a single
engine aircraft, but is larger than the four seat 172, and can carry nine
passengers, or about a ton of cargo. The 208Bs are being equipped with the same
sensors and targeting pods used on the Predator UAV. The 208B can be rigged to
carry Hellfire missiles as well, giving the Iraqis an aircraft that can act as
an Predator clone, a personnel transport or a cargo hauler. Many are available
on the used aircraft market for about $2 million each. And pilots can be
quickly trained on the 172, and easily transition to the 208B.
