Posted on 07/31/2021 7:20:22 AM PDT by Onthebrink
A typical misconception is that the military always seeks to enlarge its force, obtain more equipment and keep what it has – while it is lawmakers who want to cut budgets and force a downsizing of ships and planes as cost-cutting measures. However, when it comes to the A-10 Thunderbolt II – known affectionately as the Warthog – it is the United States Air Force that is being “forced” to retain an aircraft the service would like to retire.
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This one’s always baffled me. Fine, let the AF retire it, but give it to the Army. As a tank-busting, close ground support aircraft it makes more sense for them to have it anyway.
Let the Army have it. Every time Army Aviation says ‘we’ll take it’, the AF always says ‘nah, we’ll keep it’.
Congress doesn’t get much right, but they got this right. If the air force doesn’t want the A-10, then give it to Army, after all, its primary mission is to protect them.
Gee. Again?
They’ve been saying that since the early 80’s!
Personally, the C-130 Hercules and A-10 warthog are my favorite Air Force aircraft.
Consider the source and see who benefits both ways. It’s the military/industrial thing.
One of our production guys here in L.A. used to fly the A-10 from Japan, I think Yokota Air Base. He could recite the entire history of the A10, including facts about the “greatest fighter ace” of WW2 Hans Rudel who supposedly designed it. Who better than the German guy who has more experience finishing off Allied tanks.
Amen. Let a service that wants to fly them have them!
The lobby generals and those who want to take on industry jobs post retirement always want to retire the A 10.
But it is a work horse. It is versatile and practically indestructible
Just before the gulf war- we’re talking 1990- It was headed for being taken out.
During that war the A 10 guys ing the dining hall always had much to say to each other while the F 16 guys were subdued.
Seeing a two ship of A10s flying over this training base every once in a while is just amazing. I can’t say why.
POLITICS AT PLAY HERE:
This nothing more than sticking a thumb in the eyes of a Trump supporting area and knocking down Tyndall Air Force base. See Below article from a couple weeks ago.
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Sen. Rubio concerned federal budget could negatively impact Tyndall AFB
I’ve heard suspicions that it was a missile loaded Warthog that hit the Pentagon on 911.
It’s really just a fixed-wing Apache. It does its role well as a low-budget CSA. Congress and the Air Force ought to figure out a solution and end this yearly discussion of cancellation.
I don’t see any point in going to war with these commies in charge. They are treasonous bastards and will surrender in a New York minute. They will keep the basic military hardware in place to put down the inevitable insurrection. My granmma said in the 60s that one day the military and their weapons will be used against us. Gramma. I love you and be seeing you soon.
It’s probably the dream of some Air Force general, looking for a lifetime contract by suddenly needing a multi-billion dollar replacement.
If it does the job, keep it. If there is a need to replace it, put the plans in place to transition to a new plane.
A-10s fly over the Lake from Whiteman AFB almost weekly.
AF brass has been pissing and moaning about the A10 since it was in the design phase. Something about it just bugs them. All the way until we use it in a war, then they taught how totally awesome it is.
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