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History, Reference, Research, and GrogTalk => Organizations and Equipment => Topic started by: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 07:27:23 PM

Title: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 07:27:23 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NpKFqN0Wx6w%2FUqsVCc8vcfI%2FAAAAAAAAIKM%2FvtnFcOjrQnI%2Fs1600%2F-%252BCalvin.gif&hash=9db7bcad22d8707ad2209f49d8220cbe0e1a0209)

http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/warthog-lives_823820.html?page=1

QuoteFortunately, Congress wasn't gulled, and the latest National Defense Authorization Act forbade the USAF from retiring the A-10. It helped that the politicians fighting for the A-10 included not just McCain but also Sen. Kelly Ayotte from New Hampshire, whose husband flew A-10s in Iraq, and Represent-ative Martha McSally, a retired Air Force colonel who herself flew A-10s in combat.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 18, 2015, 07:28:46 PM
now maybe they can figure out how to fix the F35 without paying a shit-ton more money :)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 07:33:18 PM
thats simple.  kill off the Marine version.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 18, 2015, 08:06:35 PM

WOOHOO!!



(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic4.businessinsider.com%2Fimage%2F502c1296ecad045e4c00000b-1200%2Fthe-a-10-thunderbolt-ii-was-introduced-in-1977.jpg&hash=23b52769c7ceca421cf55ef78e5205374d95897e)

Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on January 18, 2015, 08:46:29 PM
Awesome!
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Jarhead0331 on January 18, 2015, 09:04:10 PM
Cool, but does congress really know better than the Air Force. I find it interesting that it's the military that wants to cancel the program, and the politicians that want to protect it.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on January 18, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on January 18, 2015, 09:04:10 PM
Cool, but does congress really know better than the Air Force. I find it interesting that it's the military that wants to cancel the program, and the politicians that want to protect it.

The Air Force wants to kill it...they're not really military when you get down to it  ;)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Gusington on January 18, 2015, 09:36:15 PM
Love that flying gun so very, very much. Ugly sexy!
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 18, 2015, 09:36:34 PM
The Air Force may not need the A-10.

The Army does.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 09:44:25 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on January 18, 2015, 09:04:10 PM
Cool, but does congress really know better than the Air Force. I find it interesting that it's the military that wants to cancel the program, and the politicians that want to protect it.

in this case yes, the politicians know better.  the Air Force has never liked the A-10.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Gusington on January 19, 2015, 10:08:04 AM
Because it's a flying artillery piece, basically. Much better suited for the Army.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Steelgrave on January 19, 2015, 11:21:57 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on January 18, 2015, 09:04:10 PM
Cool, but does congress really know better than the Air Force.

The USAF brass doesn't care for much besides buying the shiniest, newest toys, the more the better. They'd have nothing but fighters if they could sell it to Congress. Gone are the days when USAF generals were all from bomber command. Now that's not considered "sexy" enough by the fighter jocks who run things.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 19, 2015, 11:48:08 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 07:33:18 PM
thats simple.  kill off the Marine version.

So kill off the one version that might be able to effectively take on the CAS mission. Yeah that outta work :P
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 19, 2015, 11:50:37 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 19, 2015, 10:08:04 AM
Because it's a flying artillery piece, basically. Much better suited for the Army.

The obvious solution is to start letting the Army operate fixed-wing aircraft for CAS.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: republic on January 19, 2015, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on January 18, 2015, 09:36:34 PM
The Air Force may not need the A-10.

The Army does.

My thoughts exactly.  I wonder what the response would be to transfer the planes, and give the pilots, support personnel the option to move to the Army at the equivalent rank with some sort of 'transfer bonus'...
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 19, 2015, 12:13:50 PM
Quote from: republic on January 19, 2015, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on January 18, 2015, 09:36:34 PM
The Air Force may not need the A-10.

The Army does.

My thoughts exactly.  I wonder what the response would be to transfer the planes, and give the pilots, support personnel the option to move to the Army at the equivalent rank with some sort of 'transfer bonus'...

The AF would go nuts over such a proposal. Lot of bad blood between the Army and Air Force over the control of assets-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_West_Agreement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_West_Agreement)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson-McConnell_agreement_of_1966 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson-McConnell_agreement_of_1966)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 12:22:28 PM
Quote from: mirth on January 19, 2015, 11:48:08 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 07:33:18 PM
thats simple.  kill off the Marine version.

So kill off the one version that might be able to effectively take on the CAS mission. Yeah that outta work :P

Its been the biggest problem and has the same gun as the rest with limited ammo.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 19, 2015, 02:30:06 PM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 12:22:28 PM
Quote from: mirth on January 19, 2015, 11:48:08 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2015, 07:33:18 PM
thats simple.  kill off the Marine version.

So kill off the one version that might be able to effectively take on the CAS mission. Yeah that outta work :P

Its been the biggest problem and has the same gun as the rest with limited ammo.

The Marine version is meant to replace the Harrier not the Warthog. It's been the biggest problem becuase of the STVOL requirements which you can't very well ask the Marines to give up, "No, you don't really need fixed wing CAS that can operate from your assault ships"
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 03:59:09 PM
Marine Hornet squadrons are doing just fine.  I also dont see the chance of Marines assaulting acshore without a few carrier groups backing them up.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 19, 2015, 04:10:21 PM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 03:59:09 PM
Marine Hornet squadrons are doing just fine.  I also dont see the chance of Marines assaulting acshore without a few carrier groups backing them up.

Marine Hornet squadrons have their own problems to deal with:

http://breakingdefense.com/2011/08/marines-pushing-f-18s-to-the-limit-when-will-they-begin-to-fail/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 05:21:39 PM
Simple solution, convert Marine air to Super Hornets as the Navy gets its 35s.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 19, 2015, 10:41:10 PM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 05:21:39 PM
Simple solution, convert Marine air to Super Hornets as the Navy gets its 35s.

FIne by me.  Keep the AV-8Bs for STVOL ops, tell any potential foreign buyers to do the same and finally stick s fork in the 35.


OH AND bring back the Tomcat for Fleet Air defense, The F-35 is going to kinda suck at that too.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on January 20, 2015, 12:27:19 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 05:21:39 PM
Simple solution

Spend money wisely!

Easier said than done, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: jejo68 on January 20, 2015, 02:45:49 AM
the only problem with the A10 is that our army doesnt have them  :'(
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on January 21, 2015, 11:59:18 PM
Who couldn't love a warplane that causes the enemy to flee like roaches?

QuoteWith a roaring engine, 30-mm. cannon and nose painted like a toothsome, snarling beast, the A-10 Thunderbolt sends ISIS fighters scattering like cockroaches on the Iraqi desert plains, but the legendary fighter plane pilots call the "Warthog" may be fighting for its own life.

The venerable plane, first built for destroying Soviet tanks, has been on the chopping block since the sequester of 2011 mandated steep cuts in the Pentagon budget. Although the planes haven't been built in more than 30 years, the Defense Department believes it can save maintenance costs by phasing them out. Air Force brass believes newer, faster aircraft like the F-16, F-15E, and, eventually, Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter can do a better job of the Warthog's mission of providing close air support to soldiers on the ground. But supporters say Islamic State fighters are finding out the hard way what they have said all along.

"The aircraft sparked panic in the ranks of ISIS after bombing its elements and flying in spaces close to the ground," Iraqi News reported last week after a sortie took out several terrorists in ISIS-controlled territory near Mosul. "Elements of the terrorist organization targeted the aircraft with 4 Strela missiles, but that did not cause it any damage, prompting the remaining elements of the organization to leave the bodies of their dead and carry the wounded to escape ..."

source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/01/21/legendary-10-warthog-sends-isis-fleeing-even-as-it-faces-pentagon-cuts/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: jejo68 on January 22, 2015, 02:02:50 AM
the day they get another plane that can do this is the day you can retire the A10
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 22, 2015, 02:15:51 AM
Im pretty competent with industrial design and Ive sketched scores of A-10 type planes over the years.  it cant be beat.  the A-10 is the American distilled Bauhaus version of form follows function.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Centurion40 on January 22, 2015, 08:42:02 AM
Quote from: republic on January 19, 2015, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on January 18, 2015, 09:36:34 PM
The Air Force may not need the A-10.

The Army does.

My thoughts exactly.  I wonder what the response would be to transfer the planes, and give the pilots, support personnel the option to move to the Army at the equivalent rank with some sort of 'transfer bonus'...

Won't happen, but I agree that this should be the way to go.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Gusington on January 22, 2015, 09:05:09 AM
There have to multiple good reasons the A 10 is still with us 4 years after it was first put 'on the chopping block.'
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 22, 2015, 09:53:57 AM
It's been on the chopping block a lot longer than 4 years. The AF has never really wanted it.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 22, 2015, 12:29:21 PM
Its been on the block since the mid 80s at least. 
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 22, 2015, 01:12:58 PM
It's been on the block since about 1986 or so.  It got a 5-year reprieve after Desert Storm, but once we realized it was useless in Somalia / Haiti / Bosnia, it went back on the block.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 22, 2015, 01:16:56 PM
I wish we had used A-10s in Somalia and Bosnia.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: jejo68 on January 23, 2015, 02:22:26 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 22, 2015, 01:12:58 PM
It's been on the block since about 1986 or so.  It got a 5-year reprieve after Desert Storm, but once we realized it was useless in Somalia / Haiti / Bosnia, it went back on the block.
The only reason it was useles in bosnia was the fucking politicians WHO refused CAS to UN ground units under attack.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on January 28, 2015, 09:37:28 PM
Time to relieve the air force of the inconvenience of close air support.

QuoteThe Air Force is investigating allegations that the No. 2 commander at its prestigious Air Combat Command told lower-ranking officers that talking to members of Congress about the capabilities of the A-10 attack aircraft is tantamount to treason.

The alleged comment by Maj. Gen. James Post has stirred concern in Congress about the Air Force muzzling officers in violation of their legal rights.

"This is very serious, to accuse people of treason for communicating with Congress," Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, told Gen. Mark Welsh, the Air Force chief of staff, who testified Wednesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

source: http://www.kansascity.com/news/government-politics/article8499242.html
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 28, 2015, 09:41:47 PM
Bring back the Army Air force!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F1%2F1f%2FUS_Army_Air_Corps_Hap_Arnold_Wings.svg&hash=b55fad361dfd74ee0d6fe9bb5937e8675685a001)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on January 28, 2015, 10:30:33 PM
I'm pretty sure it's been this way since 1948...or earlier.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on February 18, 2015, 08:58:12 PM
Looks like the USAF may have tried to monkey with the numbers in an attempt to dump the Warthog...

QuoteRecently, USA Today received declassified data from the Air Force purporting to show the more dangerous side of the A-10. In reality, it turns out that the data was actually manipulated to shed the A-10 in an unfavorable light, which represents yet another attempt by the Air Force to mislead both the military and the public on the merits of the aircraft.

After the piece aired, Sen. Kelly Ayotte immediately called attention to the fact that the Air Force decided to selectively release part of the data and stated that the move to get rid of the A-10 is "misguided, dangerous, and premature" because of its strong service record. (RELATED: Declassified: A-10 Attack Jet Responsible For The Most Friendly Fire)

source: http://dailycaller.com/2015/02/18/air-force-continues-smear-campaign-against-a-10-jets/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Centurion40 on February 19, 2015, 12:44:37 PM
They should find homes in these stables:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F3%2F31%2F82AvnRegtCOA.jpg&hash=1f02128b8551ac1fca2d9a75d6878e26e8e07ffb)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fc%2Fc1%2F3_Avn_Rgt_DUI.png%2F1024px-3_Avn_Rgt_DUI.png&hash=311e9ddfe59f3c3670ecbe549430f10efd435613)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F4%2F42%2F2_Avn_Rgt_DUI.png&hash=69eadc3bda50cd4e1d73baf424a82887d62cf180)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on February 25, 2015, 05:06:22 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2FF-35%2520v%2520A-10_zps3nw2mqj4.jpg&hash=126096d968e6cdd5895f8c1293e7ff6c3b354454)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bob48 on February 25, 2015, 05:19:59 PM
^Awesome - LMAO :2funny:
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 25, 2015, 11:13:36 PM
IIRC the C model A-10 has a glass cockpit now (that means all the flight info are now on touch screens Mirth).
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: OJsDad on February 26, 2015, 07:53:04 AM
So, do I have this right.  The AF wants to fund the F35 by eliminating the A10.  But wasn't the F35 meant to replace the F15 and F16 also.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 26, 2015, 09:13:05 AM
yes, no and yes.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on February 26, 2015, 09:33:48 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on February 25, 2015, 11:13:36 PM
IIRC the C model A-10 has a glass cockpit now (that means all the flight info are now on touch screens Mirth).

::) Thanks Double A.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: republic on February 26, 2015, 04:27:41 PM
An interesting article over at Strategypage.com  http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20150225.aspx (http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20150225.aspx)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on February 26, 2015, 04:37:43 PM
Quote from: republic on February 26, 2015, 04:27:41 PM
An interesting article over at Strategypage.com  http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20150225.aspx (http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20150225.aspx)

Good read. This is impressive:

QuotePilots often average about a hundred hours a month in the air while in Afghanistan.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on February 27, 2015, 09:59:12 AM
No love for the A-10 among the Army's top brass...

QuoteGiven the choice between adopting the A-10 fighter jets to his branch of the military and resigning them to the scrap yard, Army Sec. John McHugh thinks the choice is obvious.

According to McHugh, there's just "no chance" that the Army would ever consider adopting the jets, DOD Buzz reports.

"With our own aircraft fleet we're taking some pretty dramatic steps to reconfigure and become more affordable, and the A-10 mission is not something we considered," McHugh stated. "That's an Air Force mission as it should be and I'm sure the Air Force feels the same way."

source: http://dailycaller.com/2015/02/26/army-says-no-chance-it-would-ever-save-the-a-10s-from-scrap-yard/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: republic on February 27, 2015, 10:15:52 AM
I don't understand what is supposed to take over the duty of CAS.  The F-35 can't carry enough weaponry or loiter long enough...not to even speak of the price...

It would be like replacing the HMMWV with this:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5hKTPSQ.jpg&hash=78525ee4c6954f7467e205a8641b1ac52cb7e1c9)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Centurion40 on February 27, 2015, 11:28:31 AM
I guess that we'll never make successful Army or Air Force bureaucrats.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on February 27, 2015, 11:29:46 AM
Quote from: Centurion40 on February 27, 2015, 11:28:31 AM
I guess that we'll never make successful Army or Air Force bureaucrats.

I'm okay with that.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: jejo68 on February 27, 2015, 12:10:23 PM
Quote from: mirth on February 27, 2015, 11:29:46 AM
Quote from: Centurion40 on February 27, 2015, 11:28:31 AM
I guess that we'll never make successful Army or Air Force bureaucrats.

I'm okay with that.
Depends on your definition on successful bureaucrats  :)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: OJsDad on February 27, 2015, 03:07:55 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on February 27, 2015, 09:59:12 AM
No love for the A-10 among the Army's top brass...

QuoteGiven the choice between adopting the A-10 fighter jets to his branch of the military and resigning them to the scrap yard, Army Sec. John McHugh thinks the choice is obvious.

According to McHugh, there's just "no chance" that the Army would ever consider adopting the jets, DOD Buzz reports.

"With our own aircraft fleet we're taking some pretty dramatic steps to reconfigure and become more affordable, and the A-10 mission is not something we considered," McHugh stated. "That's an Air Force mission as it should be and I'm sure the Air Force feels the same way."

I wonder if this is a truthful opinion, or is he just spewing the party line. 

source: http://dailycaller.com/2015/02/26/army-says-no-chance-it-would-ever-save-the-a-10s-from-scrap-yard/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 27, 2015, 03:10:04 PM
the Army doesnt have the budget or mandate to operate them.  its fun and all to say give em to the Army but the reality just doesnt work that way.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on February 27, 2015, 04:17:15 PM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on February 27, 2015, 03:10:04 PM
the Army doesnt have the budget or mandate to operate them.

Congress could change both.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 27, 2015, 04:53:54 PM
I dont think the Army wants the logistic or bureaucratic tail that goes with them.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on February 27, 2015, 05:25:18 PM
I think the Army Secretary doesn't want them. I'm sure the Army could figure out what to do with them if they had them.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 27, 2015, 05:35:21 PM
not with their current budget.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on February 27, 2015, 09:35:57 PM
The fairy GodSenator will help with that.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on February 27, 2015, 11:50:47 PM
Army generals grow up leRning how to lead soldiers. Air Force generals grow up learning how to schmooze congress for money. Culture differences...
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 07, 2015, 06:17:45 PM
Police to get A-10s as part of surplus program (http://www.callthecops.net/police-to-get-a-10s-as-part-of-surplus-program-program/)

O0  O0  O0

QuoteThe US Air Force will be retire the A10 thunderbolt soon. The plane with the nicknames of "Warthog" and "Tank killer" was designed for close air ground support missions. A mission that could be adopted for police use.
Police-A10General George Hammond says the A10s we will be retrofitted for civilian police use. "We have done a few studies and found these planes will improve American police forces much as helicopters have."
The planes would be given to police as part of the 1033 program. Much like how MRAP vehicles are being given to police SWAT teams.
A retrofit would include removing the Gatling Gun or rotary cannon, from the nose of the airplane. That weapon would be replaced by a 40mm less lethal launcher.
No police sources will go on record admitting it but there is rumor of new tear gas "bombs" being developed for police use. Using old Mark 81 bomb designs manufactures are looking to create a larger anti riot gas payload delivery system for law enforcement. The theory being that a laser guided bomb could put the gas into the pinpoint center of any civil disturbance.
Police Lt. Cameron Mitchell says "Look we are the police. We don't need a weapon of war. But this plane can be a tool to keep the public safe. With that 40mm launcher we can drop grenades filled with tear gas or pepper spray deep into riots to disperse them with out marching cops into the fight.We can also use less lethal ferret rounds to end high speed chases on the interstate. A close support jet can work better than some helicopters can in missions like these."
Lt. Mitchell could not go on record to talk about bombs. Off the record he did say how a laser guided weapon would do a better job to end a police chase than firing off rounds from nose cannon.
There is no official word on when the first A10 will be in the air flown by a police officer.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on March 07, 2015, 06:38:40 PM
Heh
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on March 07, 2015, 06:50:40 PM
The first step is admitting you have a problem...

QuoteHead of Air Combat Command Gen. Hawk Carlisle informed reporters on Friday that, despite a week of deliberation, the Air Force is still unclear as to what next-generation aircraft would replace the A-10's much-needed close-air support capabilities.

The week-long summit, which brought together leaders across all branches of the military to discuss close-air support, concluded on Friday with broad agreement that the Air Force's position on the matter is correct: the A-10 needs to be retired in order to cut costs and make way for the expensive F-35, Defense News reports. Currently, the Air Force's budget exceeds sequestration limits by $10 billion dollars, and one of the justifications given by Air Force leadership for retiring the A-10 stems from the toll it takes on the budget.

But as Ben Fernanes writes for the Council on Foreign Relations, "the Air Force budget argument fails to address total defense expenditures. The A-10 is, by far, the cheapest CAS platform to operate. In Afghanistan, the military can fly five Afghan-based A-10s for the cost of one Qatar-based B-1B bomber and two A-10s for the cost of an Afghan-based F-15."

source: http://dailycaller.com/2015/03/07/air-force-a-10-replace/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2015, 06:52:14 PM
Just read that they're looking at the Textron Scorpion now.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2015, 06:54:52 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/06/us-usa-airforce-airsupport-idUSKBN0M228N20150306
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on March 07, 2015, 08:45:05 PM
The Scorpion is too fragile to risk using over a battlefield that might include MANPADs and AA guns w/ radar fire control.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2015, 08:47:50 PM
The thinking is that it would be used in low threat environments as a low cost alternative to the F-35. You know, because the A-10 is so expensive to operate :P
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on March 07, 2015, 08:54:05 PM
If the environment were low-threat it probably isn't in need of CAS anyway. Besides, the Military could just farm it out to Fedex. The ordinance could be bar-coded, scanned, and then dropped out a back hatch on laser-guided hand-trucks.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2015, 08:56:20 PM
I'm not disagreeing with you.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2015, 09:01:08 PM
Other than Star and some Air Force brass, I'm not sure who thinks the F-35 can survive doing CAS in a 'high threat' environment.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 07, 2015, 09:06:24 PM
wtf are you talking about?  Ive never said that about the F-35.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2015, 09:07:58 PM
Really? Do we need to go to the tape, fanboi?
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 07, 2015, 09:20:21 PM
go find it.  Ive been one of the biggest proponents of the A-10 you'll ever find and Ive been bitching about parts of the F-35 program forever.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on March 07, 2015, 10:02:26 PM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 07, 2015, 09:20:21 PM
go find it.  Ive been one of the biggest proponents of the A-10 you'll ever find and Ive been bitching about parts of the F-35 program forever.

Methinks he doth protest too much.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 08, 2015, 12:32:52 AM
Im still waiting Mirtha.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on March 23, 2015, 09:03:42 PM
As some of you may know, Chuck Norris is an Air Force vet. He has now published an op/ed in support of the Warthog. Much more info at the link, but of note is Chuck's t-shirt:

QuoteTo further bring attention to and save the A-10, Norris is producing and selling a T-shirt with the words "Save the A-10" on the front, and on the back, "Chuck Norris' First Born Son was a Warthog. He cried tears of 'BRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTT."

more at the link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/23/chuck-norris-writes-to-save-10-warthog-from-retirement/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on March 23, 2015, 09:16:55 PM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 08, 2015, 12:32:52 AM
Im still waiting Mirtha.

I stand corrected. I've been reviewing your posts about how much the F-35 sucks and should be abandoned:

http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?action=search2 (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?action=search2)

Quoteif it was up to me Id slowly phase out F-15s and F-16s and ramp up F-22 production.  Id also restart A-10 production after giving the design a few modern tweeks here and there but I would not want it to  become an electric/glass cockpit plane.  its awesome because its simple.  all tankers would be replaced with the 767 platform and would AWACS/JSTARS types.  the Navy and Marines would phase out F-18s and replace them with Super Hornets.  they get to suck it until UAVs replace almost all Naval Aviation.  scrap the F-35 and use its lessons in new F-22s.  ya want vertical take off, call a friking V-22 or helo.


So we agree, scrap the F-35. Excelsior!
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on April 10, 2015, 12:09:17 PM
Video interview with an F-35 pilot. Comments on the A-10 and others.

https://vimeo.com/124520672

Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: besilarius on May 05, 2015, 06:37:53 AM
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/04/30/house-armed-services-markup-keeps-a10/26627591/

Someone listened to the grunts.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on May 09, 2015, 06:21:10 PM
Awesome video. Lousy soundtrack.




http://theaviationist.com/2015/05/09/go-pro-a-10c-video-25fs/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: JasonPratt on May 12, 2015, 03:03:34 PM
Man, I couldn't continue watching that with the sound on...  :P

Should have been Ramin Whateverhisname's music from Iron Man and/or Pacific Rim.  :smitten:
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on May 12, 2015, 03:09:28 PM
That guy is great. The Pacific Rim score was awesome.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramin_Djawadi
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 12, 2015, 07:34:12 PM
Quote from: mirth on May 09, 2015, 06:21:10 PM
Awesome video. Lousy soundtrack.




http://theaviationist.com/2015/05/09/go-pro-a-10c-video-25fs/

I fixed it and added better music...but YouTube's being a little bitch and is muting all the sound on it. F7ckers.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on June 26, 2015, 12:06:06 PM
QuoteOne of the chief justifications given by Air Force officials for retiring the A-10 fleet is $4.2 billion dollars in savings over the course of five years.

But a Thursday report from the Government Accountability Office found that the Air Force has no way of confidently making the savings claim because of incomplete estimates that "may overstate or understate the actual figure." In fact, the Air Force didn't take into account that removing the A-10 Warthog would place extra burdens on other aircraft tasked with completing the close-air support mission. Alternatively, the estimate did not include costs associated with A-10 software upgrades, were the service to keep the Warthog in play, making the $4.2 billion figure suspect. It could be higher, and it could also be lower.

Additionally, retiring the A-10 would produce a significant capability gap, especially since the F-35 won't be able to duplicate A-10 close-air support efforts for at least a few years, though Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh has insisted that a combination of the B-1, F-16 and F-15 can compensate in the interim.

source: http://dailycaller.com/2015/06/26/report-finds-that-the-air-force-might-be-exaggerating-savings-from-a-10-retirement/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 16, 2015, 09:58:11 AM
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on September 16, 2015, 10:13:43 AM
Watched that the other day  O0
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bob48 on September 16, 2015, 10:24:48 AM
Good film.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on September 16, 2015, 10:38:55 AM
Awesome, BC. Thanks.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 22, 2015, 09:41:40 PM
http://dailysignal.com/2015/09/14/its-a-war-a-look-at-how-the-us-and-its-allies-are-fighting-isis/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on September 23, 2015, 12:22:12 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on September 22, 2015, 09:41:40 PM
http://dailysignal.com/2015/09/14/its-a-war-a-look-at-how-the-us-and-its-allies-are-fighting-isis/

Most excellent.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: undercovergeek on September 23, 2015, 03:06:34 AM
A good inspiring and encouraging read - right up until 'we need Iraqi ground forces to take the initiative'

I believe a major insurgency by grog heads and Mrs Bob could take down Iraqi ground forces
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 23, 2015, 11:04:48 AM
I think Mrs. Bawb could do it by herself.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bob48 on September 23, 2015, 11:23:44 AM
Dunno about that. She's not too well at the moment.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: LongBlade on September 23, 2015, 12:24:13 PM
Quote from: bob48 on September 23, 2015, 11:23:44 AM
Dunno about that. She's not too well at the moment.

Sorry to hear that. Nothing serious, I hope.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on September 23, 2015, 12:25:00 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on September 23, 2015, 12:24:13 PM
Quote from: bob48 on September 23, 2015, 11:23:44 AM
Dunno about that. She's not too well at the moment.

Sorry to hear that. Nothing serious, I hope.

Big +1 to that.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Barthheart on September 23, 2015, 12:29:10 PM
Quote from: bob48 on September 23, 2015, 11:23:44 AM
Dunno about that. She's not too well at the moment.

Oh dear! Nothing to serious I hope.... :(
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: besilarius on September 23, 2015, 05:15:45 PM
Sorry to hear that, Bob.  Hope things work out well.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 23, 2015, 07:06:25 PM
+1 to all of the above, Bob...hope everything is okay!!
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on September 23, 2015, 10:24:46 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on September 16, 2015, 09:58:11 AM


Good video.
I love the bzzzztttttt.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 13, 2016, 09:45:34 PM
WOOHOO!

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2016/01/13/report--10-retirement-indefinitely-delayed/78747114/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 13, 2016, 09:49:28 PM
 :)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: OJsDad on January 13, 2016, 10:06:09 PM
Happy Dance!!

Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 14, 2016, 02:11:10 AM
if I had won the lottery this week I would have bought a few.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 14, 2016, 06:14:30 AM
One of three winning asshats was in Florida.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Sir Slash on January 14, 2016, 10:36:01 AM
Not this Asshat, unfortunately.  :'(
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 14, 2016, 11:17:51 AM
Quote from: mirth on January 13, 2016, 09:45:34 PM
WOOHOO!

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2016/01/13/report--10-retirement-indefinitely-delayed/78747114/

Reason prevails.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: JasonPratt on January 18, 2016, 10:22:15 AM
One of the three was about two hours south of me in TN!

I feel like this proximity means something to my self-importance somehow.  O0
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 17, 2016, 01:03:41 PM
USAF basing changes, predicated retirement A-10C

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.combataircraft.net%2Fcentral%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F9443.jpg&hash=a3692423cd925bea694f71f99c32b5bf5fcd778a)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 27, 2016, 02:13:13 PM
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/10464371_1081583881893486_9116517736638083850_n.jpg?oh=d02ea4a53095c696644580788fc3cf25&oe=57504975)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: besilarius on April 05, 2016, 06:40:18 AM
http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-one-of-the-baddest-a-10-pilots-ever-land-after-being-hit-by-a-missile-2016-4

The Warthog is very tough.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on August 29, 2016, 12:06:48 PM
The USAF is still trying to find ways to kill of the A-10

http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/4926/here-we-go-again-usaf-aims-to-stand-up-dedicated-f-16-cas-squadron-at-nellis-afb
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on October 31, 2016, 12:47:36 PM
And it looks like the A-10 has survived. Depot-level maintenance line starting back up to keep them flying "indefinitely."

http://www.defensetech.org/2016/10/28/air-force-flying-10s-indefinitely/?comp%3D1199442010954%26rank%3D0 (http://www.defensetech.org/2016/10/28/air-force-flying-10s-indefinitely/?comp%3D1199442010954%26rank%3D0)
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on October 31, 2016, 04:40:32 PM
^nice
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: bayonetbrant on November 24, 2016, 07:49:33 AM
A-10 BRRTs a hut in Afghanistan

[yt]https://youtu.be/vaSOMEIe1Bg[/yt]
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on November 24, 2016, 07:57:33 AM
^that's how to clear a building.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Staggerwing on November 24, 2016, 08:03:17 AM
MD needs to get one for those really tough extermination calls. Satisfaction Gar-un-tee.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on November 24, 2016, 08:04:11 AM
Kills bugs everything dead.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: BanzaiCat on December 10, 2016, 07:46:50 PM
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: Martok on December 12, 2016, 05:10:14 AM
^  You can post it, but I know better than to click on it.  Not shooting the tank...!  :P 
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: BanzaiCat on December 12, 2016, 07:39:07 AM
I know MD is nothing like John Goodman's character in Arachnophobia, but I couldn't resist.  ;D
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 11, 2017, 01:08:14 PM
http://taskandpurpose.com/warthogs-getting-next-generation-search-rescue-upgrade/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: besilarius on May 06, 2017, 09:06:25 AM
http://gunstherapy.com/warmachines/revealed-us-air-force-planning-build-super-10-warthog/

Skeptical that Air Force brass would suddenly embrace developing another close support aircraft.  They have shown hate for the A10, so why spend money on a replacement.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on June 09, 2017, 11:33:29 AM
A-10 is still very much on the chopping block

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/06/air-force-may-retire-a-third-of-active-a-10-warthogs-for-want-of-replacement-wings/
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on August 22, 2017, 11:43:25 AM
The Hog just got meaner

http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/13604/a-10-warthogs-drop-bunker-buster-bombs-in-combat-for-the-first-time
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on September 07, 2017, 01:43:15 PM
https://twitter.com/TheAviationist/status/905856084920987648
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: OJsDad on September 20, 2017, 01:32:49 PM
https://twitter.com/defense_news/status/910559853730557965
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on September 20, 2017, 01:39:42 PM
Congress needs to appropriate the $103 mil for the re-winging. That's short money to keep the planes flying.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 20, 2017, 04:23:37 PM
I thought they had recently re-winged most of the fleet.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on September 20, 2017, 04:28:37 PM
Part of it. They're waiting on money to do the rest.
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 27, 2017, 08:09:45 PM
https://theaviationist.com/?p=43289
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 03, 2018, 09:04:25 AM
https://www.military.com/defensetech/2018/01/02/saving-guys-ground-10-documentary-shows-stunning-mission.html
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on January 18, 2018, 12:42:38 PM
http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17764/usaf-official-in-charge-of-a-10s-says-re-wing-program-is-not-going-to-happen
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on April 14, 2018, 05:44:35 PM
http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20106/the-air-force-may-have-managed-to-quietly-ground-roughly-a-third-of-the-a-10-fleet
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: mirth on May 15, 2018, 01:37:00 PM
http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20875/a-10-warthogs-may-stop-firing-controversial-depleted-uranium-ammunition-for-good
Title: Re: The Warthog LIVES!!!
Post by: OJsDad on May 15, 2018, 02:06:18 PM
And A-10 targets around the rejoiced.