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The A10 really is a masterpiece and speaks volumes to the skill of designers at Republic. They thought of everything.

Ive learned so much about this aircraft in 6 months of arguing with people on YouTube about the A10 and the CAS role. I had no idea Grumman was still in development. I have a strong feeling we will be seeing a replacement from them for this plane.

Most CAS is done by aircraft other than the A10 but seeing where we are going, it’s likely going to be scaled back in fleet numbers and used much more in limited roles. Combat air rescue, FAC(A), SCAR, CAS.

If anyone is interested I highly recommend reading up on Forward air Controllers and their missions in Vietnam. Also, SCAR is also worth reading up on. Seems that no matter how much tech pushes forward, military aviation continues to have to go back to older tactics.

Here’s a great vid on FAC in Vietnam

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JbytgZacouY&feature=youtu.be

These guys were some of the bravest and most balls out pilots Ive ever heard of. So much respect for them. An interesting note about A10 pilots, over half of their pilots maintain FAC qualifications, something unheard of outside their squadrons. Not sure about the marines.

And speaking of the marines, i really wish there were more documentaries on their exploits in WWII, especially when it comes to CAS. They used the the Grumman Avenger heavily in this role and it was a monster of a single engine plane that could take a serious beating. I always saw it as a torpedo bomber but the marines used it heavily in ground attack.