Thank goodness the RAND corporation is out there to study such things. I bet most of the Army will be utterly blindsided to learn that the A-10 is so effective and critical.
Wonder how much we paid for this study?
Little known, affordable proposed (but not bought) replacement for the A-10, Ares, designed by Burt Rutan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG9LlHcX8lg
Many unusual features.
Don’t jump on me, like you I am nuts about the A-10 and want them to live forever....
There is no reason to retire the airframe of the A-10. All the Air Force needs to do is analyze past battle damage where the A-10 airframe failed, and the to fix it. They also need to focus on implementing modularized and improved electronics and software. Another focus should be on engine improvements for fuel economy, power, reliability, and survivability
In the natural world there is a reason all birds have a similar, basic profile regardless if they eat seeds or meat - the physics of flight are not impressed by flights of fantasy. Once an airframe has evolved to optimum flight characteristics for a given mission, the possible future aerodynamic improvements are minimal. After that gains are made with lighter, stronger materials, weight savings, and improvements to electronics and software.
The Air Force hates them, though. They seem to hate any Close Air Support. Don’t know why.
Best damn attack aircraft since the F-51
Just a guess.
It would do wonders on our southern borders
IF you’ve ever seen on of these bad boys in action, you don’t need no stinkin’ “study” to understand just how good this machine does it’s job. But, hey, If the study keeps em flying, the more, the better. A-10s are great and saved a lot of our boys’ hides.
“RAND noted that regarding other aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and B-1 Lancer, a fast-moving jet bomber, “weapon use and enemy killed tended … to be somewhat lower than those for the A-10.”
Low and Slow. Time over target. Warthogs are the close air support weapon of choice and the infantry knows it.
Was stationed at Myrtle Beach when they replaced their A-7s with the A-10s. Not only can they go in low and slow, but they can turn around so quick that by the time those who ducked get around to raising their heads again, it's coming back and firing from the opposite direction.
Amazing to watch them go through their maneuvers - almost surreal.
Pfl