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LASA T-Bird

2018 MODERN AIRCRAFT

The story of the LASA T bird

The LASA "T-Bird" from Bulgaria's LASA ("Light Armed Surveillance Aircraft") is another entry into the growing low-cost close support/attack category, which currently includes air tractor AT-802U L-3 technology "Long Sword" and IOMAX "Archangel". The T-Bird takes the proven framework of the Thrush 510G Series fixed-wing agricultural aircraft and adds various systems and subsystems to it to create a purpose-built light strike platform with low and high operating costs during idle time.

The aircraft was unveiled at the 2017 Paris Air Show and is known for being owned and operated by private contractors on the African continent.

The T-Bird is designed for light strike/counterinsurgency roles as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. Its design origins are well suited for these types of missions, where air time is a key requirement.

Added tactical capabilities and survivability to create a viable weapons platform.

Wing main aircraft have truncated tips and are straight, with multiple (three to one wing) underwing hardpoints for carrying bombs, rocket pods, machine gun pods and precision ammunition while maintaining low altitude flight required lift and drag. In the "chin" position is the optics (with photoelectric camera and data link). The wheeled undercarriage is fixed and has a "tail" configuration while being very strong for short field/rough work. The empennage accommodates a rudder and low-mounted level plane in the usual manner.

Because the T-Bird was developed from the existing 510G, it was powered by the same GE H80-series turboprop engine that was used to drive the four-bladed propeller on the nose. Inside, the aircraft offers two side-by-side seats and features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit (with night vision) as well as Western-style instrumentation and avionics (the latter provided by Aspen Avionics).

The cockpit and engine parts are equipped with armor to resist the danger of low-altitude, low-speed assault runs.