Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Yo-Yo

How much testing have they done with that on the F-35? One of the best things about the A-10 was it could fly low and slow.


23 posted on 05/07/2010 10:04:06 AM PDT by GeronL (http://libertyfic.proboards.com << Get your science fiction and fiction test marketed)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies ]


To: GeronL
How much testing have they done with that on the F-35? One of the best things about the A-10 was it could fly low and slow.

Obviously, since the F-35 is still in early stages of testing, the answer is 'no.' But the sensors are basically the same ones that have successfully been tested on F-15Es and F-16s using LANTIRN and Sniper pods to find and laser designate ground targets.

The A-10 was originally designed for close air support, and to wipe out waves of Soviet Tanks rolling through the Rhine with it's 30mm GAU-8 cannon. It was a day only aircraft in that role.

By Desert Storm, tanks were 'plinked' by F-111Fs using their Pave Tack FLIR/Laser Designator pod and 500 lb laser guided bombs. At night, the hot tanks stood out against the cool sand.

For low and slow, we have the AH-64 Apache. The A-10 is currently in the process of an avionics modernization and wing skin replacement program, so it will be around for several decades to come. But it's role can be performed by the F-35.

25 posted on 05/07/2010 11:23:00 AM PDT by Yo-Yo (Is the /sarc tag really necessary?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson