+Fates 63 Posted February 24, 2012 Here's an interesting read. http://www.ainonline.com/?q=node/102710 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast 153 Posted February 24, 2012 Cannot keep that plane down... problem is getting an A-10 anywhere in 30mins all that Armours there to stop birds flying into it from behind... P.S. I like A-10's... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+ST0RM 145 Posted February 25, 2012 Yes, an interesting read. But, IMO, its an outdated theory. The A-10 is great at CAS because it can carry an impressive weapons load and can loiter for longer durations than an F-16 with a smaller load. But converting to a drone would take away it's one trump card. The gun. CAS is more than dropping JDAMs and LGBs. If you rewrite the mission to only include that weapon employment plan, you might as well save the money and stick with the current Predator and Reaper since they are already doing that very thing. Saturate the air with those and you don't need a $30Mil QA-10 that, oh by the way, still needs a tanker and other expensive support. I just dont think our remote piloting programs are up to the challenge of engaging ground targets with all of what the A-10 brings to the fight. -S Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWCAce 19 Posted February 25, 2012 I was having this discussion with a friend of mine who's a Hawg driver (maybe I'll steer him over here some day). Here's my response: For what it's worth, here's an outsider's view (ie mine): The A-10 was built with one goal, provide excellent CAS, and with two principles in mind; fit gun into the plane, and bring the pilot home. Having said that, I don't see a need to protect a computer with that much armor, who's weight could be traded for fuel capacity - maybe. Though by the time they redesigned it, they could of bought a new design and fielded it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TX3RN0BILL 3 Posted February 27, 2012 IMHO there's only one problem with the A-10 - it's no longer in production!!! It's perfectly good the way it is, the production should be kept up! Nothing else the USAF fields or is planning to field can replace it... Pilots are safe in it and their ability to churn out 30-milimeter hurtin' where it's needed is economical and effective! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
