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To: jpsb
"I do not recall reading about any A10 friendly fire incidences"

I do. Look up an Nasiriyah. Apparently Air Force training manuals don't show their pilots what a Marine AAV-7 looks like. Even when they have large American flags painted on their sides.

You don't remember the incident with the Brit armored vehicles where they killed six of our guys - and then refused to even apologize to those kids' parents?

You have a short memory.

93 posted on 01/24/2015 4:26:38 AM PST by Chainmail (A simple rule of life: if you can be blamed, you're responsible.)
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To: Chainmail
List of friendly fire incidents

Four incidents since 1991 last incident in 2006. Considering the A-10 is the USAF main CAS platform I'd call that an pretty good record.

Stats for the 91 gulf war from wiki

"The A-10 had a mission capable rate of 95.7%, flew 8,100 sorties, and launched 90% of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles fired in the conflict."

Maybe you don't like the A-10 but I do. I'd also like to see a modern version of the A1 Sky Raider. Low, slow, effective and affordable.


101 posted on 01/24/2015 8:53:42 AM PST by jpsb (Believe nothing until it has been officially denied)
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To: Chainmail
Apparently Air Force training manuals don't show their pilots what a Marine AAV-7 looks....

What difference does it make? The big stuff like an F-15 can certainly get down low, but it cannot get down low AND slow enough to always get an accurate visual on very much. Also, they are not good at sneaking low, relatively quiet, and slow up over long distances, taking advantage of natural terrain to hide behind. F-16 drivers tell me they are not too bad at this, but then again they will tell one anything! CAS often demands crop-dusting technique, not 500knt-fly-bys. It amazes me that the fast-movers are as good at it as they are!

OTOH, the olde AD-1 Skyraider could loiter for 8 hours over an area and come in at treetop height or lower at 125 knts to be very precise in the CAS role. It was also very heavily armored against ground fire, as is the A-10, its CAS-dedicated successor.

The new turbo-prop COIN aircraft attempt to recreate some of the Skyraider's advantages, but I have no clue as to how they are doing, except against obstreperous peasants and the occasional drug smuggler, and none are flying in the ME. The Skyraider could also handle 4 tons of ordnance, the same as a WWII B-17, was an excellent torpedo bomber, AND a great dive bomber. ... ... match that!

Meanwhile, keep the A-10. Let the AF use new toys to fly top cover. There ain't enough mustard in the world to cover them hot dogs when they get close to the ground action.

113 posted on 01/26/2015 8:55:51 AM PST by Kenny Bunk
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