The Indestructible A-10 Refuses To Be Shot Down

[SluggoF16]

Originally Posted by Tim Randal Walker

As for the F-35, couldn't a cheaper aircraft carry the same munitions?

A cheaper aircraft could carry the same munitions, and more of them. That would be the A-10 or F-15E, but both of those stand out like dog's balls in a non-permissive battlefield. The F-35's low-observability means it can perform more missions with an ever-increasing threat than the 4th Gen aircraft.

When I flew the A-10 I never knew how large it appeared on radar; I knew it wasn't particularly stealthy, but hiding from MiG-29s and MiG-31s was a matter of flying down in the weeds. A couple years after I left the A-10 I transitioned to the F-16, and after seeing nearly every A-10 or AV-8 trying to hide at low altitude, I realized that hiding down low wasn't always going to work, since the pulse-doppler radar mostly eliminated the advantage offered by ground clutter against older radars.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Tim Randal Walker

Noticed suggestions in older articles that Sweden might buy (what is now designated as) the T7A. The Swedes have had the same problem as the U.S. Air Force-old trainers.

Isn't it partly a SAAB project? The Swedes have always liked to roll their own.

[Tim Randal Walker]

Yes, SAAB has partnered with Boeing to produce the T7A.

[ddeemo]

The A10 is purpose built for the primary role of close in ground support, which is often below 1000 ft - the primary threat is direct line of fire (guys with guns) not radar controlled missiles in that environment when over its support location. The A10s has a better gun for the purpose (30mm Gatling gun), better visibility of the ground, better low level maneuverability, more ability to loiter and better armor - the F35 has better sensors, stealth, speed and can be used on other missions.

While the F35 is clearly much more capable in a heavy contested environment and more versatile, the A10 is better at the single purpose role of ground support. The issue with the A10 is getting it to and from the support site if it is contested air space. The tactics used are different for each. Until there are more F35s, keeping the A10s in use is a low cost solution since it is much cheaper to fly - until then the A10 should be used.