New USAF strategy suggests A-10 replacement

[Zarvan]

The USAF is suggesting exploring opportunities for a new CAS aircraft that could take the place of the venerable A-10 Thunderbolt. Source: USAF
Key Points

• A 2015 Air Combat Command strategy said the USAF plans to "explore opportunities" for a new CAS capability
• The document also mentioned the need for CAS capability across platforms and initiatives to maintain a CAS culture, so a new aircraft is only one of the options advocated

A new US Air Force (USAF) strategy document has suggested the development of a future close-air support (CAS) platform.

Released on 10 August by the US Air Combat Command (ACC), the 2015 strategy said the service plans to "explore opportunities" for development of a new CAS capability. "We must … continue to develop a balanced close air support capability across all [Global Precision Attack] platforms, explore opportunities for a future CAS platform, and enact specific initiatives to ensure we maintain a CAS culture," the document said.

The USAF's fiscal year 2015 plan to retire its legacy CAS aircraft, the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, met with resistance in the US Congress. Powerful lawmakers opposed the move, arguing that multirole aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter are not an entirely suitable substitute for the heavily armoured A-10.

The air force has made the argument for the A-10 retirement almost entirely on cost grounds. The USD4.5 billion in cost avoidance, as well as the movement of maintenance personnel to the F-35 programme, are critical to the health of the latter, according to USAF officials. However, the USAF has also argued that the A-10 is not suitable for use against adversaries capable of deploying sophisticated air defenses. With the proliferation of anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities the strategy document argues for modernisation of legacy fleets where possible, as well as for buying new fifth-generation aircraft.

A multiservice CAS summit earlier this year confirmed the USAF plans to retire the aircraft, but did not yield plans for a new CAS aircraft. However, ACC chief General Herbert Carlisle has alluded to the possibility of a new platform. "A follow-on may be something we need to think about," he said in February. "Another weapons system programme may be something we need to consider as we look at the gaps and seams in the future and what we're doing."

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New USAF strategy suggests A-10 replacement - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Arsalan]

A UCAV most probably. Even though those wont come close to this beast we call A-10 but as of now they seem to be the most probable replacement.

 

[N/A]

F35 jack of all traits master of none

 

[Sipahi]

A UCAV most probably. Even though those wont come close to this beast we call A-10 but as of now they seem to be the most probable replacement.

Isn't UCAV a better solution for them ???

 

[N/A]

Isn't UCAV a better solution for them ???

Many perks and disadvantages of a UCAV. For example, Easily shot down by air defense units. Not saying a A10 will dodge a SAM, but increased odds. A10 carries 16,000 pounds of armament, drones can not match such a payload. Highly effective and cost effective against terrorist who lack adequate air defense. Against a proper military establishment a UCAV is a sitting duck.

 

[Arsalan]

Isn't UCAV a better solution for them ???

I just do not think it is a like for like replacement!
A-10 with its HUGE payload, impressive armor was really a killer when it came to CAS. The GAU-8 avenger alone can make the enemy piss there pants.

 

[Sipahi]

I just do not think it is a like for like replacement!
A-10 with its HUGE payload, impressive armor was really a killer when it came to CAS. The GAU-8 avenger alone can make the enemy piss there pants.

but the can save their *American Lives* by UCAV.....

because of these shitty american lives millions are suffering around the globe

 

[anon45]

but the can save their *American Lives* by UCAV.....

because of these shitty american lives millions are suffering around the globe

Actually these millions of people are suffering because of the decisions of people in the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and ISIS

People who value killing over bettering themselves and their people.

These things, they are worth less than shit.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

In this day and age with MANPADs being more common a manned CAS seems like a risky proposition.

If they can get drones to fly in hard corkscrew patterns they may be the only thing available to dodge a missile barrage.

 

[Whazzup]

I just do not think it is a like for like replacement!
A-10 with its HUGE payload, impressive armor was really a killer when it came to CAS. The GAU-8 avenger alone can make the enemy piss there pants.

Sir, GAU-8 is a great weapon indeed however IMO in this age of precision guided munitions its uses are limited now and since A-10 is nothing more than a GAU-8 carrier it seems its days are finally over. GAU-8 biggest merit is its great penetration so is widely used against armour and bunkers along with cheap ammunition but in order to deliver accurate fire A-10 has to position it self for a gun run which makes a lengthy task as it has to take large turns. Plus its very slow compared to F35 .

i think it all comes down to GAU-8 vs modern day PGMs and if PGM can do that task quickly and precisely there is no need for a dedicated attack plane as F35 can do this any day. And since USAF is getting F-35 in such a large number a couple of them in CAS role is going to be alot cheaper than maintaining an entire class of dedicated plane.

 

[Sipahi]

Actually these millions of people are suffering because of the decisions of people in the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and ISIS

People who value killing over bettering themselves and their people.

These things, they are worth less than shit.

you just tried to establish that 3 million peoples killed by USA, ISAF and NATO all were terrorists ????? You are out of your senses man ...

 

[Irfan Baloch]

I just do not think it is a like for like replacement!
A-10 with its HUGE payload, impressive armor was really a killer when it came to CAS. The GAU-8 avenger alone can make the enemy piss there pants.

what law is preventing USA from designing an A-10 size and capacity drone? I mean the principle will remain the same, a remote controlled unmanned flight like current smaller drones.
they just need to build a bigger stronger drone.

 

[Taygibay]

I just do not think it is a like for like replacement!

Off the shelf anyone?

Tay.

 

[Fenrir]

Why do they always have to go with the high-cost solution? A low cost one, the Textron Scorpion, is available:

 

[Kompromat]

These awesome machines can do great service to Pakistan Army Aviation, when upgraded, we can even use them for COIN.