Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
|
Helicopters are great for ground support but they are fragile compared to the A-10. They can't fire a 30 mm cannon for sure and no way you can have double redundant systems on a chopper.
To safely put a 30mm shell within 20 feet of the troops and destroy ANYTHING except the good guys is unique. And it does not put just one shell it puts down a big can of whoop ass and will punch holes in any tank.