[toddst]

The Army is not allowed to operate fixed wing combat aircraft: Key West Agreement 1948. The Marine Corps does not want nor does it need the A-10.

I would like to know more about the "Key West Agreement." The Army could decide it wants this weapon system IMO. The same goes for the Marines. I hope we'll see some "out of the box" thinking. The A-10 has application well beyond next year and already exists - NO R&D costs.

[razorbak]

They said the A-10 was dead after the first Gulf War also.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

The Marine Corps doesn't want or need any more airframes that are pushing or are over 20 years old. Can't operate an A-10 from the deck of a LHA/LHD. The Marine Corps is on it's way to operating one tactical airplane, the F-35, and spent the 90s getting rid of the A-4, F-4, A-6 and OV-10. Logistically it would be a nightmare. Wishful thinking won't change reality. It doesn't matter what the Army wants, it only matters what they are allowed to have.