The EA-7 Optica is a British-designed and built aircraft for low-speed observation work that could loiter extremely slowly and for long periods. The design is based on the BAe Puma, but with several modifications intended to improve performance. The most obvious change is the use of a turboprop engine instead of the piston engine and drivetrain combination used in the Puma. Another important modification was the addition of an aft-mounted door, which allowed the aircraft to be quickly and easily converted from a gunship to an observation platform. The biggest problem with the EA-7 is that it is inherently slow. Its top speed is just 50 mph (80 km/h) and it can only operate at altitudes up to 4,000 feet (1,219 m). A final problem is the lack of high-quality photographic optics for the aircraft's high-mounted camera pod; as a result, images are usually blurry and indistinct.
Because it is an observation platform, the EA-7 is not designed to engage hostile forces directly; instead, it will loiter over an area and relay information back to friendly forces on the ground. This allows sensors to gather more accurate information about enemy movements and positions. As such, it has real value both in combat situations and in peacekeeping missions. It can also be used to watch over airports and others. https://planehistoria.com/modern-day/optica
