A Hot COIN

As the world's mightiest military power thrashes about for ways to subdue the light-footed Communist guerrillas in South Viet Nam, more effective use of aircraft often seems the obvious answer. But the supersonic jet is too swift for efficient coordination with jungle-bound ground troops, the helicopter sometimes too slow and vulnerable. Now U.S. Navy officials believe they have found a potential solution in COIN (for counter-insurgency), a "flying squad car."

The COIN project was first suggested in December 1962 by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's office, which gave it to the Navy for administrative development. The Navy came up with some stiff specifications for such a plane. It must have a top speed of 316 m.p.h., be able to linger over a target for two hours, clear a 50-ft. barrier on takeoff within 800 ft. of its starting point, operate out of sod fields, off gravel roads and, when equipped with pontoons, from water. It would require two engines so that it could still fly if one were knocked out. Finally, it must be able to carry up to six paratroopers, two crew members, four machine guns and four conventional bombs.

Nine manufacturers have submitted ingenious proposals for doing the job. The Martin design utilizes hot engine gases flowing past a V-shaped tail to keep the tail high even at 28 m.p.h. General Dynamics proposed a detachable pod for carrying the soldiers. Lockheed features a more conventional fuse lage, but its high wings are detachable so the craft can be transported in cargo planes. Most of the firms, however, could not meet the original cost goal of a $100,000 aircraft, figured the cost above $200,000. And once a manufacturer is selected, it will take up to five years to get the plane operational.

The whole project will soon be back on McNamara's desk for a decision on whether to proceed. Already he has questioned whether COIN'S cost is justified by its advantages over the modified Navy Skyraider propeller planes now being assigned to Viet Nam. He also must consider whether there will be a need for COIN-type aircraft five years from now. On the other hand, there is a rising clamor in the Congress for new and decisive action against the Viet Cong. Thus, while COIN at the moment is a hot topic mainly in the aircraft industry and in the military services, it could easily blow up into a big national debate.

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