What will replace a-10 Thunderbolt?
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
In 2007, the USAF expected the A-10 to remain in service until 2028 and possibly later, when it would likely be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. However, critics have said that replacing the A-10 with the F-35 would be a “giant leap backwards” given the A-10’s performance and the F-35’s high costs.
How much does an a10 Thunderbolt cost?
The Pentagon is buying 27 sets of wings right away at a cost of $239 million, or about $8.8 million per A-10. The remaining wings will be purchased in fiscal year 2020 or later. The Air Force plans to eventually replace the A-10 with the F-35A Lightning II.
Is the a10 Thunderbolt?
Affectionately called the “A-10 Warthog” for its aggressive look and often painted with teeth on the nose cone, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is the U.S. Air Force’s primary low-altitude close air support aircraft. The A-10 is perhaps best known for its fearsome GAU-8 Avenger 30mm gatling gun mounted on the nose.
How old is the a10 Thunderbolt?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II (also called the Warthog) is an attack aircraft made by Fairchild Republic. It first flew in 1972 and was introduced in 1977. It is designed to drop bombs, fire rockets, missiles, and its 30mm Gatling gun at enemies on the ground (such as tanks).
Are A-10’s still in use?
The A-10 Thunderbolt was developed to take on Soviets tanks and is still roaming the battlefield. The A-10’s popularity with Congress has helped it survive the Air Force’s efforts to retire it. Against the weaponry now fielded by Russia and China, however, the “Warthog” wouldn’t last long.
Is the A-10 obsolete?
The A-10 is obsolete because it’s an air frame built around a cannon. The cannon is heavy, and the ammo is heavy. For all that weight the ammo runs out somewhere between 12 and 20 seconds. The most efficient way to destroy things on the ground is with guided missiles and bombs.
Is A-10 Warthogs still in service?
According to Boeing, over 280 A-10 models remain in service with the USAF, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.
Is F-35 better than A-10?
An effectiveness analysis based on results from a survey of joint terminal attack controllers indicates that the A-10 vastly outperforms the F-35 in providing close-air support (CAS), a critical requirement for future conflicts against terrorists and insurgents.
Who makes the A-10 Thunderbolt?
Fairchild AircraftFairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II / Manufacturer
Was the A-10 used in Vietnam?
The A-10 was designed for close support in low intensity conflicts during the Vietnam War, yet it came to be seen as a dedicated anti-armor platform by the early 1970s.
How many A-10’s were shot down?
(Many returned to base almost unflyable, but only seven Warthogs have ever been shot down or crashed due to combat.) Production had been shut down since 1984, and zero effort had been put into coming up with a direct replacement.
Why the A-10 Warthog is so formidable?
By virtue of being able to fly at slower speeds of 300 knots, the A-10 can fly beneath the clouds at altitudes of 100 feet. This gives pilots an ability to see enemy targets with the naked eye, and then drop bombs, fire rockets or shoot with the 30-millimeter cannon in close proximity to friendly forces.