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Author Topic: Is the Airforce killing the A10?  (Read 499 times)

Offline GtoRA2

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« on: July 09, 2004, 02:21:47 PM »
I know they have tried and I keep hearing they are trying again. Have the done it?
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Offline 1K3

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Re: Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2004, 11:58:20 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by GtoRA2
Is the Airforce killing the A10?


2047...

btw I think F/A-22 and F/A-35 should be put in low priority and the US Navy and Air Force put its huge resources on unmanned fighters/attackers and bombers.

:)
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Offline Chairboy

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2004, 12:09:25 PM »
Conspiracy theory #32,492,343:
The motivating force behind the recent large scale increase in the number of multiplayer games played over the internet is because the military wants private industry to develop low-latency control technology that can be applied to unmanned fighter drones so the fighters of the future don't 'lag out'.

Also, the purpose of aimbots is the development of autonomous targeting solutions for cheap.

:D
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Offline Glasses

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2004, 12:30:41 PM »
You forgot to mention....

"... and to defend against the future threat of 20 ton Mechanized bi pedal infantry from Japan , the US Armed forces are developing their mechanized technology to meet the ever increasing threat in the robotics age"

:D
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Offline Drunky

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2004, 12:34:18 PM »
I saw an episode on the History Channel about the A-10 a hile back.

They commented that one of the reasons to get rid of the Warthog was because the newer updated computer parts did not fit into the frame or something along those lines.
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Offline SunTracker

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #5 on: July 10, 2004, 12:40:38 PM »
When performing the FAC-A role (airborn foward air controller), you really need two sets of eyes to spot and identify targets.  This is why the F-14 Bombcat outperformed the A-10 in accuracy during the 1999 air campaign.
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Offline rpm

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #6 on: July 10, 2004, 12:47:49 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Drunky
I saw an episode on the History Channel about the A-10 a hile back.

They commented that one of the reasons to get rid of the Warthog was because the newer updated computer parts did not fit into the frame or something along those lines.

I saw that too drunky. I think they were refering to the computer software framework, i.e. a 286 trying to run AH. The targeting software is so imbedded it would not be feasible to try to upgrade.
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Offline mjolnir

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2004, 04:37:06 PM »
Ask any A-10 pilot, they'll tell you that the primary piece of equipment that they use is 2 x Mark 1 eyeballs, followed by the GAU8.  The software is just extra.
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Offline montag

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2004, 04:42:38 PM »
Saw a documentary on TV about a woman A-10 pilot in Iraq. Was a neat show. Had no idea women were flying combat now.

;)
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Offline muckmaw

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2004, 04:52:00 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by SunTracker
When performing the FAC-A role (airborn foward air controller), you really need two sets of eyes to spot and identify targets.  This is why the F-14 Bombcat outperformed the A-10 in accuracy during the 1999 air campaign.


Sounds feasible, but there's a problem.

The A-10 is much more fuel effecient then the kitty, given it better loiter time.

It's also much better equiped to deal with ground fire and takes alot more punishment than the F-14.

I would guess it's low speed capability would also make it easier to pick out targets.

If I was a FAC, I'd want an A-10. If I was going into a dogfight, I;ll take the F-14
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Offline Chairboy

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2004, 04:55:55 PM »
Another thing, the Bombcat might be good for taking out preplanned targets, but the gun on the A-10 gives it ultimate flexibility in terms of engaging 'targets of opportunity'.

A squad of US Marines is unlikely to be able to file a "TRF-883-A Ordnance Delivery Request" form a month before they find themselves cut off by enemy forces.  That's when your A-10 clearly wins.
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Offline Blooz

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #11 on: July 10, 2004, 05:36:05 PM »
History will repeat itself in that the Air Force will learn again what happens when you have one aircraft filling many different roles.
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Offline stiehl

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #12 on: July 10, 2004, 09:34:33 PM »
Give the A-10 to the USMC.
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Offline Chairboy

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2004, 10:02:29 PM »
The USMC would love them, but they don't fit in the hangars of the Marine carriers.  If they modified the wings so they could fold, it would impact their effectiveness and cost too much.

Back in the 90s I guess they were doing takeoffs and landings from Marine carriers off San Diego to work out the idea, but it just didn't work out.
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Offline Gixer

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Is the Airforce killing the A10?
« Reply #14 on: July 11, 2004, 03:09:51 PM »
They keep on trying but unfortunetly for the Generals it's such a great plane and I can't remember the stats now but it was a big percentage of the bombs dropped on Iraq were from A10's as much as they go on about their latest toys and GPS bombs.

Most are still dumb bombs and alot from A10's. Hate to see the A10 go, great plane and one of few these day's with any "character" imho.



...-Gixer
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