Let's make new A10 Warthogs

[EvilEagle]

I'd have thought the trainer would be to train flying skills and sim's would be to train on advanced systems, then off to fly the real deal. 'Cause its spendy to build a trainer that teaches F-xx, B-xx, and C-xx systems and tactics.

That would be way more expensive in the long run. At some point, you have to train IN THE JET. It's cheaper to knock as much out as you can in the trainer so that your F-XX time ($$$$) is better spent on F-XX specifics. Sims are great tools, they will never replace live fly training in fighter land. It works great (IME) for the airlines, but the nature of tactical aviation demands training in the jet.

 

[jsstevens]

That would be way more expensive in the long run. At some point, you have to train IN THE JET. It's cheaper to knock as much out as you can in the trainer so that your F-XX time ($$$$) is better spent on F-XX specifics. Sims are great tools, they will never replace live fly training in fighter land. It works great (IME) for the airlines, but the nature of tactical aviation demands training in the jet.

At least until we have artificial gravity and duplication the Gs on fighter manuvering...

(Also speaking facetiously)

 

[bluerooster]

The question is, would it need to? How many tanks does ISIS have?

The A-10 was designed for one specific threat...massive armor columns pouring across the iron curtain. Sure, it's good otherwise for close air support, but that big ol' honking gun is overkill (literally) for the current-day threats.

Ron Wanttaja

That "big ol' gun" is not overkill at all. Sure, it's a tank killer, but there are other targets out there where that gun will/has, proven quite effective. Plus all the other ordinance that it carries. Sure, we can use a 30 cal, and carry way more rockets, and bombs. But that big 30mm negates the need for some of the more expensive rockets, and bombs. The A-10 has proven it's ugly self to be somewhat indispensable, in the area of close air support of ground troops. It does things that the other jets just dream they could do.

 

[wanttaja]

That "big ol' gun" is not overkill at all. Sure, it's a tank killer, but there are other targets out there where that gun will/has, proven quite effective. Plus all the other ordinance that it carries. Sure, we can use a 30 cal, and carry way more rockets, and bombs. But that big 30mm negates the need for some of the more expensive rockets, and bombs. The A-10 has proven it's ugly self to be somewhat indispensable, in the area of close air support of ground troops. It does things that the other jets just dream they could do.

That big 30 mm gives the pilot all of 16 seconds of firepower. How's that gonna work out against a 10, 20, or even a 100-drone swarm?

Sure, a single 30mm hit will destroy a drone. So will a 20mm. So, probably, will a .50 cal round. If you're got a swarm coming in, caliber has probably less importance than volume of fire. Which the A-10 can't provide.

And don't forget... "Amateurs study tactics. Professionals study logistics."

How's that logistical tail holding up for that 30 mm gun? Some sources are saying we've fired off 80% of some types of ammunition into desert sands. Remember, the only other place to find it is the Dutch Navy.

Contrast that with 20mm, which is much more common in the international market. Running short? See if Great Britain can send you a few thousand rounds under the table. Offhand, though, you can't going to get much help from the Dutch, I think.

Sure, the A-10 can carry lots of bombs. So can lots of other aircraft.

The A-10's success in the Middle East is due to one thing: It's there. If the Air Force still had A-1 Skyraiders, the press releases would be ballyhooing how they'd been whomping drone tail. If we'd bought Piper Enforcers, we'd be bragging on how a 80-year old design is still able to fight.

Have they *looked* at adding gun-pods to the A-10? Something that'll give them more staying power?

Shoot, if one owns a pizza parlor, you *could* use a cement mixer for deliveries. But there are more efficient ways to perform the job.

Ron Wanttaja