Posted on 09/23/2013 10:15:18 AM PDT by rktman
Renowned for its lethal striking power and rugged airframe, the Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt has proven its mettle on thousands of combat missions in more than three decades in service. But now it's future may be in question due to budget cuts and shifting missions. Here’s a look.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationalreview.com ...
I have a ‘66 VW, but no sunroof so I’ll have to use an old Suburban.
No pilot, more ammo. WOO HOO!
All across the world there are tanks wiping their brows in relief saying “finally we have a chance”.
LOL, Macro grooving.
As I recall, it is one of the few planes that was literally designed around the gun.
Looks like a 64 or 65 (wrong hubcaps to be a ‘66).
My aunt lived behind the old Grumman facility and in the early 80s I saw a wing of these take off for where ever they were destined for.
Very imposing.
To this very day, the Hannity worshipers mock the Sequester, despite the fact that the military said it would be the final knife after the military had already (before the Sequester) absorbed two huge cuts to its budget (2009 and 2011).
But hey, people who were wrong don't like to admit they were wrong, so I don't expect to see any of that on this forum.
Nothing like a little depleted uranium to stir thing up....
I was trying to find the year I went to Cairo West on an early Brave Shield joint exercise. It was before 1976 and we had a huge air drop from the states with C-141’s as well as A-10’s shooting up 55 gallon drums of fuel to make a big explosion and get all of the senior leaders from several nations to go ‘oh and ah’.
Just read this article a moment ago. Apparently, Cessna hopes to replace the A-10 with this...
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cessna-Unveils-Military-Jet220588-1.html
Some years back while backroad travelling from Alex., LA, I heard what sounded like the biggest chainsaw ever. Then I saw the Warthogs flying around and as they poured a ton of lead out the front you could hear the sound. Quite impressive. I sure would not want one of them looking for me.
Some months later I was invited to the Target Range for the nearby airbase and saw closeup these baddest of the badboys in action.
Later during Desert Storm, A-10s were stationed at Barksdale AFB and several pilots lived nearby in the country. They all seemed to love the ugly A-10.
A gun with an airplane designed around it. What a beautiful thing!
The Hawg is a terrific airplane!
Only half of the A-10s produced are still in service. We should be producing new ones. Why not evolutions of proven designs instead of revolutionary designs we can’t afford?
Somewhat off topic, but regarding your post - a few weeks ago we were heading down I-5 in San Diego County, and passed the aftermath of a crash. Rear end of the Toyota Camry was fully trashed, front bumper of the Smartcar had a few scrape marks on it. We were amazed! I am NOT a Smartcar kinda guy, just reporting an observation. Thanks.
Are they going to talk about replacing it with the F-16 again?
Strengthen the under carriage for carrier duty and let Marines have it.
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