“The Marine Corps tried to use the A10, but it does not have a rigid airframe, so they cannot use it. A plane needs to have a rigid air frame to be able to takeoff and land from an aircraft carrier.
The Corps spent a lot of time and money trying to modify the A10 to be carrier capable, but it was a bridge too far.”
Really? An airframe that can withstand multipule 23mm impacts and still fly home can’t land on a carrier? Gonna have to prove that one to me...
Above and beyond strengthening the airframe for catapult and tail hook is the folding wing thing. Generally a plane is built around the ability to fold the wings.