What will replace the a10 Thunderbolt?
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The U.S. Air Force had stated the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II would replace the A-10 as it entered service, but this remains highly contentious within the USAF and in political circles….Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II.
| A-10 / OA-10 Thunderbolt II | |
|---|---|
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Produced | 1972–1984 |
| Number built | 716 |
What is the difference between a-10 Warthog and a-10 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.
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The A-10 is obsolete because it’s an air frame built around a cannon.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.
Can the f35 replace the A-10?
Long-range, computer-enabled F-35 sensors could enable the aircraft to see and destroy enemy ground targets with precision from much higher altitudes and much farther ranges than an A-10 could; the speed of an F-35, when compared to an A-10, would potentially make it better able to maneuver, elude enemy fire and get …
Is the A-10 getting an upgrade?
A Higher-Tech Hog: USAF A-10C Upgraded, Refurbished, Unloved – But More in Demand. The Precision Engagement modification is the largest single upgrade effort ever undertaken for the USA’s unique A-10 “Warthog” close air support aircraft fleet.
What caliber is A-10 Warthog?
30mm
The A-10 Warthog’s massive 30mm cannon, the GAU-8/A Avenger, is one of the most iconic weapons ever designed and is as famous as the plane that carries it into battle.
Is the a-10 getting an upgrade?
How old is the A-10 Warthog?
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 30 mm Gatling Gun at enemies on the ground (like tanks).
What replaced A-10 Warthog?
F-35A Lightning II
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 F-35 better than the A-10?
When did the A10 enter service?
The A-10 was designed for close air support (CAS) of friendly ground troops, attacking armored vehicles and tanks, and providing quick-action support against enemy ground forces. It entered service in 1976 and is the only production-built aircraft that has served in the USAF that was designed solely for CAS.
Where are A10 Warthogs stationed?
Some USAF A-10 “Warthogs” are stationed in Poland. 354th EFS (Expeditionary Fighter Squadron ) has deployed again to Poland. This time the A-10s maintain their presence at the Polish 32nd Air Base located in Łask, near Łódź, in the central part of the country.
Who invented the A-10 Thunderbolt 2?
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin turbofan engine, straight wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is commonly referred to by the nicknames ” Warthog ” or ” Hog “, although the A-10’s official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt , a World War II fighter-bomber effective at attacking ground targets. [4]
When was the A10 made?
Two YA-10 prototypes were built in the Republic factory in Farmingdale, New York, and first flew on 10 May 1972 by pilot Howard “Sam” Nelson. Production A-10s were built by Fairchild in Hagerstown, Maryland.