Combat Caravan.

This is coolbert:

More on the Iraqi AC-208 Combat Caravan.

"The Cessna 208 Caravan is a single-engined turboprop, fixed-tricycle landing gear, short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft that is built in the United States by Cessna."

And with a variant that has a combat capability.

"AC-208 'Combat Caravan' an ISTAR version built by ATK armed with Hellfire missiles currently being marketed to the Lebanese and Iraqi air forces. The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it against insurgents in Anbar province."

 

Here is the Iraqi AC-208. NO Hellfire attached during this mission. I hope the Caravan can fly high enough to be beyond the range of MANPAD!

"The AC-208 Combat Caravan is a COIN (Counter Insurgency) version of the civilian Cessna 208 Grand Caravan aircraft."

"The light attack plane, converted by ATK company, is equipped with ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and, above all, it can fire Hellfire missiles"

And as was reported by the Aviationist web site:

"Iraqi Air Force Combat Caravan planes Bomb Al-Qaeda Bases in Fallujah"

This as of Jan. 10, 2014.

"the Iraqi AC-208 bombed ISIS (Al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) group, in central and south Fallujah, where militants attacked and burned local police stations, seized weapons and freed about 100 prisoners."

NOT a bad idea, the AC-208. But you are going to need a dozen or more, perhaps even dozens of these warplanes to make a difference. AND THOSE IRAQI NEED TO DO THE WORK BY THEMSELVES. A combination of ground assault on ISIL accompanied by close-air-support. NOT going to be easy.

coolbert.