Introduction Pentagon is going back and forth on its decision whether to retire the A-10 Warthog. This is due to various pressures, both internal and external. Military industry cares only about the money, and retiring the A-10 would bring huge profits to the defense contractors as the aircraft would have to be replaced – likely … Continue reading Ground soldiers’ view of the A-10
Tag: Close Air Support
Fast jets as close air support (CAS) aircraft
"'Fast moving aircraft are not designed to support ground troops,' said Army Sgt. First Class Frank Antenori. 'As much as the Air Force and Navy would like to think that, fighter aircraft that travel at speeds can't slow down to identify the targets.' Antenori made this statement after witnessing a friendly fire incident, in which … Continue reading Fast jets as close air support (CAS) aircraft
A-10 effectiveness assessment
Introduction A-10 is the premiere close air support fighter today, and one of the very few dedicated CAS platforms in existence. Close air support is one of the most important, and most difficult, missions that air force can be tasked with. However, it is part of a spectrum of missions which require cooperation with other … Continue reading A-10 effectiveness assessment
Light CAS fighter proposal revised
Background While I have proposed a CAS fighter aircraft and ideal composition of NATO air forces, neither of these proposals is very realistic. Western air forces, especially US ones (USAF, US Navy and USMC), tend to hate any simple, effective designs - especially if said designs are meant to support the ground troops. To this … Continue reading Light CAS fighter proposal revised
Close Air Support fighter proposal 3
Introduction As EJ-230 turned out to be too expensive for estimated cost of aircraft, I have decided to replace it with commercial engine. Gun will also be replaced with 30 mm version of GAU-12 (henceforth GAU-32). 20% increase in size will result in gun being 2,53 m long, 0,31 m wide and 0,35 m tall. … Continue reading Close Air Support fighter proposal 3
Close Air Support fighter proposal revised
Introduction Due to the thrust shortfall of the AX, and the range shortfall of the ALX, I have decided (after consultation with vstol jockey) to design a new, single-engined CAS fighter designed around the EJ-230. Another problem with previous AX design was its lack of close-coupled canards, caused by position of its turbofan engines. … Continue reading Close Air Support fighter proposal revised
Close Air Support fighter proposal
Historical lessons While Gullio Douhet's theory that bombardment of the enemy heartland can win the war has dominated USAF (USAAF during WWII) procurement ever since its formation has been thoroughly discredited (more about that in another article), Western air forces still procure far too many strategic bombers and deep strike fighters, while procuring insufficient number … Continue reading Close Air Support fighter proposal
Why USAF hates A-10 and why it can’t be replaced
A-10 was, along with F-16, one of two tactical aircraft created by Fighter Mafia for USAF. Notably, while USAF managed to screw up F-16 by adding bombing and BVR capabilities, A-10 is still relatively unchanged, with exception of new electronics. It is safe, efficient, durable, reliable and cheap, managing to operate in wider range of … Continue reading Why USAF hates A-10 and why it can’t be replaced
History and War 