Post by Admin on Mar 1, 2020 18:20:01 GMT -5
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It would be difficult for the Marine Corps to imagine a better aircraft than the A-10. The current A-10C configuration provides a partial glass cockpit, a full suite of laser and GPS precision-guided weapons, targeting pods, and tactical data links, as well as a mission-computer capable of continuous upgrades. The A-10 is equally capable in roles such as close air support, strike coordination and reconnaissance, forward air controller airborne, and tactical recovery of aviation personnel. It can execute offensive air support, air reconnaissance, and self-defense anti-air warfare. It could also readily fill the Corps’ light-attack gap due to its legendary ability to dispense and absorb damage and its gun.
The A-10 is also an inexpensive aircraft to fly. At $6,118 per hour, the flight hour costs for the A-10 are minuscule compared to any fixed wing aircraft the Marine Corps is currently flying.[2] That number is a third the cost of an F/A-18C flight hour and nearly a quarter of an F-35B flight hour. Additionally, mission capable rates are reported to be above the 70 percent mark, remaining close to the 80 percent requirement put in place by former Secretary of Defense Mattis. The chance of the Warthog going flying is very high.
It would be difficult for the Marine Corps to imagine a better aircraft than the A-10. The current A-10C configuration provides a partial glass cockpit, a full suite of laser and GPS precision-guided weapons, targeting pods, and tactical data links, as well as a mission-computer capable of continuous upgrades. The A-10 is equally capable in roles such as close air support, strike coordination and reconnaissance, forward air controller airborne, and tactical recovery of aviation personnel. It can execute offensive air support, air reconnaissance, and self-defense anti-air warfare. It could also readily fill the Corps’ light-attack gap due to its legendary ability to dispense and absorb damage and its gun.
The A-10 is also an inexpensive aircraft to fly. At $6,118 per hour, the flight hour costs for the A-10 are minuscule compared to any fixed wing aircraft the Marine Corps is currently flying.[2] That number is a third the cost of an F/A-18C flight hour and nearly a quarter of an F-35B flight hour. Additionally, mission capable rates are reported to be above the 70 percent mark, remaining close to the 80 percent requirement put in place by former Secretary of Defense Mattis. The chance of the Warthog going flying is very high.