[boomerpusher]

Right now, the A-10 is what we have that will fill the CAS need. Until something else is available, we need the A-10. Fast movers just can't do the job and China isn't the only place we have to fight. Don't cut off nose to spite face.

 

[boomerpusher]

Not going to disagree with those who point out the cost of keeping the A-10 flying but what are you replacing it with?? F-22's, F35's ? Can't do the job, a couple pass and the're gone. Drones ? Not what we currently have flying. Can't carry the payload. "One trick poney" yes, CAS when and where it is needed. Lot of ground pounders butt saved with that old model "T".

 

[boomerpusher]

Not being a ground pounder, I can not say for certain but it does seem to me that it would be much more accurate for an aircraft moving at the speed of the A-10 than it would be for a fast moving f-35 to hit accurately a small target without hitting long or short.. Kind of like the difference between shooting a deer that is walking vs one that is going balls-to-the-wall(been there, missed the shot !). Can the f-35 carry the same amount of ordinance as the A-10? Can it remain on station as long as the A-10? If you are a grunt, who's actually been there and done that, which would you rather have covering your back?

 

[boomerpusher]

If we can afford only one aircraft, let us cut 1/2 the welfair programs , then we could afford 6 different types.