Which plane could replace the A-10?

2015-03-10T16:57:40-04:00

The impending mothballing of the A-10 has prompted outrage among its advocates in the active duty military, hand-wringing on Capitol Hill, and questions from analysts about whether the new F-35 can be operated cheaply enough to support ground troops on a regular basis.

But is has also sparked a question: Which plane could the U.S. military adopt if it ultimately decides it needs a new, designated plane to provide close air support?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/03/09/these-planes-could-someday-replace-the-a-10-if-the-pentagon-spends-the-cash/?tid=HP_more?tid=HP_more

These planes could someday replace the A-10 — if the Pentagon spends the cash

A top Air Force general won't rule out that the service may someday need an "A-X" plane, a new aircraft capable of performing close-air support.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 10 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-03-10T18:05:33-04:00

How about something Georgian, like the SU-25KM?

It's not as big and stout as a Warthog, but it's a lot closer to it in design philosophy than any of the "alternatives" touted in the WaPo article.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAszf4XPTFo

Su-25KM SCORPION (It is made in Georgia)

THE BEST FROM GEORGIA

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-03-10T18:13:46-04:00

There is no replacement for the A-10. Having served alongside the infantry and having been in heavy contact with the enemy, there was nothing more reassuring than the sound of an A-10 unleashing on the enemy. They are built for air to ground fire support and rarely if ever miss their target. There is no other platform that provides that kind of reliability.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Mar 10 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-03-10T19:42:10-04:00

#FacePalm They've been talking about retiring the A-10 for the last 25 years... still no equal.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 1:54 AM

2015-06-10T01:54:17-04:00

NONE...that bird has no equal!!!

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Nov 17 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-11-17T22:10:19-05:00

The best replacement would be the A-10C. Barring that, the archangel or super tacano would be the most readily avavailable stand ins with the AT-6.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-03-13T18:28:17-04:00

A-10s in the year 2025. Someone in the Air Force works for Skynet LOL..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT9k7mGze4I

A-10 Warthog Thunderbolt II scenes from Terminator Salvation (HD 720p)

Combat intro to Terminator Salvation plus the A-10 scenes from the movie.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Mar 14 at 2016 8:13 AM

2016-03-14T08:13:52-04:00

Here's my take on this, and bear in mind I'm just a former 03 who loves planes so I'm not a subject matter expert by any means.

The military has understood the importance of purpose built ground attack aircraft since the beginning of military aviation. From some guy dropping a mortar round out of a Fokker biplane, to F4U1D Corsairs flying CAS in Guadalcanal with 4 20mm Hispano cannons, to the current A-10C.

For some reason, every ten years or so, somebody in the pentagon tries to reinvent the wheel, thinking they're somehow revolutionizing warfare and are somehow going to leave their mark. Next thing you know were losing touch with reality again, and doing stupid crap like buying overly priced aircraft that are substandard and outperformed by previous generation aircraft.

The bottom line is this. The Air Force is trying to make due with an ever shrinking budget, while being forced to implement the F-35. And although the A-10 makes a HUGE impact, it is a relatively small percentage of the total number of Aircraft operated by the Air Force, and one which they believe can be replaced by multirole fighters and ground attack helos. I strongly disagree with this but there it is.

They'll probably get rid of it, then in 10 years well get into another armed conflict and they'll realize how dumb they were.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 16 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-03-16T22:47:57-04:00

Even as a civilian to hear AF generals say with a straight face that such as the F35 or F22 could or can perform the same mission as an A10 boggles the mind. Once the higher ups have decided and passed the word there is no contradiction permitted in any way shape or form. Everyone gets in lock step and repeats the same mantra. Hope their cover story is never blown in combat when a dozen or so of them get shot down by $10 should-fired missiles while attacking camel trains in the desert at low altitude and low speeds.

Response by MSG John Wirts made Jun 19 at 2016 7:14 PM

2016-06-19T19:14:34-04:00

The Air Force tries AGAIN to retire the A-10
http://americanmilitarynews.com/2016/06/air-force-wants-to-replace-a-10-warthog-with-something-more-powerful-and-cheaper/?utm_source=amn&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=alt

Air Force Wants To Replace A-10 Warthog With Something More Powerful And Cheaper

Some United States Air Force officials are hoping to replace the legendary and beloved A-10 Warthog with a new close air support (CAS) aircraft. They wish to replace the A-10 with a CAS that is cheaper to fly and provides more firepower than the A-10's GAU-8 Gatling gun. Air Force offici

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 1:40 AM

2017-03-20T01:40:12-04:00

I loaded and maintained them for a few years and have worked on multiple other platforms, the thing is though nothing else comes close, 35's are trash and cant even replace 15's honestly.