Are they actually going to save the A-10?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 11:44:01 -0400

The Senate has stated that money has been found in order to save the Warthog. I say this should definitely be done as there is no other platform capable of doing what this beast does. No other platform can come in & draw the attention of the opposing ground forces like this bird.

Senators Say War Fund, Pentagon Cuts Could Save A-10

Congress could tap an overseas war fund or cut the budget of the secretary of defense's office to save the A-10 Thunderbolt from retirement, Senate lawmakers said Tuesday.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 13 at 2015 11:51 AM

SFC Joseph James — Wed, 13 May 2015 11:51:18 -0400

While deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq we would be dropped off in the middle of no where conducting missions against the enemy. Nothing felt better than seeing my two big brothers there with me, the Ah-64 Apache and the A-10 Warthog! Don't let it retire!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 13 at 2015 3:42 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:42:45 -0400

It's not the fact that they are trying to get rid of the A10 that is the issue. It's the fact that they are trying to replace it with the wrong bird.

To draw a parallel... You have a fleet of cars. You have Chevy Cargo Vans and you have Chevy 4 door Sedans. We're buying Fords now. Sweet. Ford 4 Door Sedans. So let's get rid of the Chevy Cargo Vans.... WTF!?!

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made May 14 at 2015 12:08 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:08:01 -0400

I think the A-10 should be given up-grades and turned over to the Army. Let the Air Force have the F35, then we'll be able to see which one is truly the best for close ground support!!

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 15 at 2015 10:45 AM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 10:45:53 -0400

My company does a lot for the USAF and for fun we made this video on the A10
http://www.hangar30.com/2014/05/21/a-10-warthog-tribute-love/

A-10 Warthog Tribute (Love) - Hangar 30 Inc

Response by A1C Stanley Kolakowski made Mar 29 at 2016 12:52 PM

A1C Stanley Kolakowski — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:52:08 -0400

IIRC, F-22 replaces F-15 (primarily air superiority with touch of multi-role), and F-35 replaces F-16 (multi-role).

Just as the F-16 "never replaced" the A-10, it would be... logical... that the F-35 not "replace" the A-10. However, something needs to be built that CAN replace the A-10 due to the airframe's age, etc. - or they need to refit/rebuild/produce more A-10s to keep that role going - no matter how "unglamorous" it may be to the brass...

That, of course, would require more lawmakers with A-10 stakes to scream louder than the lawmakers with F-35 stakes...