Posted on 06/18/2019 6:42:08 PM PDT by Rebelbase
The A-10 will continue to fly in support of Americas ground forces, thanks to the quick passing of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
The aircraft, which has not been manufactured since the early 1980s, is useful to the U.S. but is showing its age.
Just two years ago, nearly half of the A-10 fleet was grounded.
The spending plan will include money for new wings, as well as other upgrades.
The A-10 Warthog has immeasurable value to our U.S. troops on the ground and plays a critical role in our military strategy in the Middle East and around the world, AZ Rep. Ruben Gallego said. Im glad that we were able to keep this fleet fully operational, and I will continue to fight to preserve this aircraft to ensure that the warfighter on the ground gets their air support.
Since the late 1980s, the USAF has pushed to retire the A-10. The plane has avoided permanent grounding because of its combat performance, desirability by friendly ground forces, and legendary track record.
(Excerpt) Read more at warisboring.com ...
True, but when your at a distant base in Afghanistan and you’ve got Taliban in the wire then you have an immediate need for the 1st plane that can get there whether or not it is the perfect ground attack plane. IOW’s an F-16 that’s 5 minutes out is far better than an A-10 that’s 15 minutes away.
Not knocking the A-10 here. There are no perfect weapons systems. A truly great design involves trade offs and fit into a tactical system. The A-10 does it’s job well.
She probably thinks your tractor’s sexy.
“Have them fly border patrol.”
There went the coffee. You win the internet for today with that post! Bravo!!!
“Youve just put your finger on one of the problems. The A-10 has legendary loiter capabilities, but it isnt what they would call a fast mover.”
Give me a few A-10’s and a couple of AC-130’s over an active battlefield and I will win every time. Let the F22-35 component keep the sky clear for me.
Sure. That’s what we’d all prefer. It’s just that the enemy “gets a vote”. They’ll wait for that loitering A-10 to head back to the barn before they start the attack. The time & distance problem is only going to get worse when the USAF switches to a Super Tocano or whatever they’re calling the light-attack version of the T-6 Texan.
Thunderbolt
I’ve said for about 20 years that the USAF never wanted the WARTHOG and/or the CLOSE AIR SUPPORT mission so the US Army SHOULD receive the A10.
(That dislike of the CAS mission is why that most A10 aircraft are being flown by Air National Guard pilots.)
IF the A10 is ever released to Army Aviation, our young LTs/CPTs & Warrant Officers will “have a ball” tearing up everything from tanks & “strong-points” to railroads/bridges/troop concentrations/etc.
Just my OPINION, TMN78247
USAMPR, Retired
The standoff capability may have something to do with it. The fighter-bomber can target that vehicle from miles away without them knowing they are being watched. They'll never see it coming. BOOM! The A-10 is a frightening sight but can be seen well before it makes its attack run. Gives the bad guys time to abandon the vehicle and seek cover.
Well that was really disappointing.. Your video had no BRRRT in it!
“Your video had no BRRRT in it!.”
Gotta have BRRRT in it.
And spent 30mm shell casings falling from the sky.
5.56mm
It must be very frustrating to the enemy.
You can just imagine the boots on the ground screaming at those planes.
“I know I hit it!”
“I know I hit it!”
And A-10 just flys on out of sight.
Air Force brass dont get cushy, high paying jobs with Boeing, Raytheon or Lockheed after retirement by buying spare parts for a 45 year old plane.
The brass gets these jobs for shepherding a new highly profitable plane through the procurement process.
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