The A-10 is being scrapped because the Air Force hates the CAS mission. They want nothing to do with it. This is not the 1st time the A-10 has been on the chopping block. The Air Force wanted it gone before the first Gulf War. Unfortunately for them it more than proved it’s worth and Congress told them to pack sand. Don’t bet on the A-10 being cut. The Army and Marine Corps both want it around, and are screaming bloody murder over this. Sen McCain is also fighting this very hard. I don’t see Congress approving this.
Back in the day. . .pre-Gulf War I.
After, not so much.
(And don't forget the USAF had guys on the ground as well).
S327...
I saw a blurb on Yahoo today of 5 programs we should axe. Oh it made by blood boil, included in that was the UCAS aka the X-47B. When you look back on what the Navy Did, they canned the A6, cancelled the A-12 ( dumb mistake ) and now we have nothing to go down-town with, and no I am not fond of the F-18E/F.
However, a robust, folding wing follow on that could take the place of the A-10 and the A-6 might get the 2 birds with one stone. And yes I get that trying to do multiple branches common platform usually doesn't work. This time I think it might. I have some ideas as to the config, but that is not for here....