. . . embedded with Special Forces Operational Detachment Teams in Diyala Province, Iraq, as they called in airstrikes with A-10s and F-16s in 2007 and 2008, and advised as many as 1,400-Iraqis on missions.
No aircraft in the world is better at close-air than the A-10. You get a dozen or more A-10's for the cost of every F-35. The A-10's are 100% repairable and supportable at the local airbase level (and lots of support at forward bases). The guys who designed the A-10 were not thinking like AF Generals (suborbital, Mach4+, automated), but were thinking about driving the dump truck that will save soldiers by killing tanks.
I am stunned that Congress would allow the A-10 to be cancelled. At least 100 more should be ordered, with upgraded engines/sensors/avionics/life-support on current birds.
A-10 pilots are some of my favorite people, as a former USAF MXS troop.
Thanks for sharing. Great interview!
ReplyDeleteNo aircraft in the world is better at close-air than the A-10. You get a dozen or more A-10's for the cost of every F-35. The A-10's are 100% repairable and supportable at the local airbase level (and lots of support at forward bases). The guys who designed the A-10 were not thinking like AF Generals (suborbital, Mach4+, automated), but were thinking about driving the dump truck that will save soldiers by killing tanks.
ReplyDeleteI am stunned that Congress would allow the A-10 to be cancelled. At least 100 more should be ordered, with upgraded engines/sensors/avionics/life-support on current birds.
A-10 pilots are some of my favorite people, as a former USAF MXS troop.
pdxr13
32450 GWOT Gulf War I