Texan Iii?

[naoto]

Earlier this morning while I heard some old warbirds fly overhead (they unmistakably sounded like AT-6s -- a looksie out the window confirmed that they indeed AT-6s), a thought entered my mind.  We now have the Texan II in the form of a variant of the Pilatus PC-9 (and interestingly with a similar designation of T-6A).  What would you envision what a Texan III would be like?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-6_Texan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-6A_Texan_II

And speaking of identifying aircraft by their sound -- a number years ago while at the office, we had heard an aircraft fly overhead.  I mentioned to my co-worker "sounds like a B-25."  A look out the window confirmed that it indeed was indeed a B-25 flying overhead.  My co-worker commented that I must really like aircraft to know so much about aircraft -- especially those which were in use long before I was even born.  I mentioned that I used to go to a lot of airshows where warbirds were featured, but was the first time I'd seen a B-25 in flight (of the numerous warbirds shows I've been at, I'd always managed to miss the time when they had a B-25 running).  Then I realized something odd -- how the heck was I able to identify an aircraft -- by sound -- that I'd never heard before?  (granted, identifying that it was a twin-engine aircraft, and a warbird wasn't too hard)

[Shasper]

I imagine a Texan III would be a jet or turbo-prop bird, similar in performance to the current T-II but with some new whizzbang features.

If one can tell what a jet, piston (inline/opposing and radial) and a turbo prop sound like, it wouldnt be too hard to figure out what's what & what it powers. Same goes for helos too


Shas B)

[GTX]

Considering how long the Texan I was operated and how long I suspect the Texan II will be in service, I predict the Texan III will be space capable.

Regards,

Greg

[B777LR]

Like a PC-21

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/pc_21/

[Shasper]

Possibly trip-7

Shas B)

[B777LR]

I think a B777 would be streching it  

[Shasper]

that was suppost to be a complement mate

Besides, the T-III could end up looking like the almighty Tweet.



Shas B)

[B777LR]

that was suppost to be a complement mate

Besides, the T-III could end up looking like the almighty Tweet.



Shas B)

A 777-200 doing ground attacks and loops would be cool though  

[elmayerle]

Well, I wouldn't say that the Texan II was a variant of the PC-9, sibling perhaps but there was way too much changed to call it a variant.  Really, the lines and equipment fit forward of the firewall are all new and aft of the firewall only the lines stay the same, there'a a ton of all-new structure and systems to meet FAR 25 as well as all the military regs (among other things, the structure had to be redesigned for FAR 25 birdstrike considerations with effects that rippled through nearly every aspect of the design).

Now, a Texan III would likely use whatever powerplant at the time gave the best fuel economy and would likely be adaptable for a number of roles.  *chuckle* If someone wanted to have fun, do a two-seat, unarmed version (with the other design changes that might drive) of Rutan's Ares with an unducted fan instead of just a turbofan and call it a "Texan III".