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And it doesn't end there. After his cuts, the U.S. Army will be at pre-WW2 levels. I find this disturbing because it will signal a sign of weakness while we are seeing China taking a aggressive approach at building up their military and hardware. Russia is doing the same. Getting back to the A-10, it is a worthy combat aircraft that is highly needed on the battlefield with it's gatlin gun in the nose to take out enemy troops, tanks and radar instillations. It has proven it's worthiness since the first Gulf War. I personally know several pilots, who flew these magnificent wonders, who will not by thrilled by this mandated elimination of the aircraft under putative president Obama.
That damn putative Obama. Don't worry, putative Republican Congressmen will refuse so that they can maintain the welfare defense dollars to their districts and campaigns. Another rightie supposedly for cutting spending is complaining about cutting spending, say it ain't so.
So is the B-52 and the B-1 bombers as well as the F-15 and F-16 fighters but the A-10 is a special warplane designed to take out tanks, artillary, radar instillations and troops in close range situations. It has proved it's worthiness and has a phenominal combat record.
The A-10 is the easiest and cheapest close air support aircraft to maintain and upgrade. Cutting it will not amount to much in savings. Cutting it will mean all close air support that ground pounders enjoy will diminish by one third. The Apache does not have weapons carrying capability or the loiter time the A-10 has. The A-10 can absorb an incredible amount of punishment protect the pilot in a titanium tub and still be ready for combat. The Apache is more delicate and expensive to maintain.
Is the Military Industrial Complex that President Eisenhower warned us about finally losing its influence up on Capital Hill? I know my Rep. George Holding is firmly in their pocket.
The A-10 is the easiest and cheapest close air support aircraft to maintain and upgrade. Cutting it will not amount to much in savings. Cutting it will mean all close air support that ground pounders enjoy will diminish by one third. The Apache does not have weapons carrying capability or the loiter time the A-10 has. The A-10 can absorb an incredible amount of punishment protect the pilot in a titanium tub and still be ready for combat. The Apache is more delicate and expensive to maintain.
Just saying.
Great post T-310. That is a great assessment of what's at stake eliminating this bird from the field of play.
And lay off the "putative" word. You're not even using it correctly in this context.
So, get rid of our best tank killers? You can bet there's a deal working to replace the Warthog with some new, hugely expensive aircraft that will line the pockets of the chosen few.
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