[jyl]

Basically, I don't understand two things.

First, is the A10 no longer capable of the ground support role?. If it is still capable, are the existing A10s too old to keep using? If they are, why isn't rebuilding them the most cost effective solution? If they are beyond rebuilding, why isn't making new A10s the next most cost effective solution? After all, developing a new plane will be very expensive and if the A10 works, why develop a new plane?

Second, why are attack helicopters not well suited to ground support? They can carry anti tank missiles for armor, guns for soft targets. They can loiter, operate at low altitude, operate from primitive bases, fire accurately. They are relatively inexpensive. They are not fast but neither is the A10.