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Apparently, the Air Force is thinking of keeping a limited fleet of updated A-10s in service while acquiring a new surveillance and ground attack aircraft for low-intensity conflicts in uncontested airspace. The new aircraft is expected to be cheap to operate and to bring new capabilities while sparing the A-10 fleet and its aging airframes from burning through their remaining service life.

The Air Force seems to have had a change of heart about the A-10 after discovering in simulations and exercises that it was particularly effective when paired with the F-35. Such pairings are said to have tested out as unusually successful in retrieving downed pilots. Cynically, one might even say that the A-10 has a new mission: helping save the F-35.

One has to laugh. So, the F35 is not particularly effective in its ground support mission, but becomes much more effective when paired with the A10 which is a ground attack aircraft unmatched in its effectiveness.

Oh, and which of these two aircraft pick up a downed pilot, the F35? Does the pilot climb onto a wing, or does he hide out in a wheel well? Or does that mission still have to be done by the lowly contemptible not to be seen anywhere near my budget helicopter.