On Tuesday, April 15, 2014 4:40:33 PM UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:


Marines engaged in a firefight on the ground would overwhelmingly prefer

having a couple of relatively inexpensive, 20 year old A-10 Warthogs

come to their aid than the F-35 "general purpose" fighter that is

supposed to assume the A-10's ground support duties as well. The F-35

can't fly low enough, slow enough or stay on station long enough to

replace the A-10.



The A-10 is an amazing aircraft and weapons platform. Whenever there

have been budget cuts it has been put on the chopping block and every

time it's unique capabilities saved it.

I love this write-up on the A-10. It's got some specs and pics, and a cool video. Really gives you some perspective.

http://www.hightech-edge.com/general-electrics-a-10-30mm-gatlin-gun/9381/