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The Problem with Stealth
The US Air Force intends to replace its current fleet of F-16's and A-10's with stealthier F-35's, but aircraft expert Pierre Sprey thinks that's a bad idea...Good article with some spot on comments at end. (www.americanthinker.com) More...
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I think this article misses a huge point. The A-10 has major problems as a modern weapons system. First it has two massive turbine engines even though it operates at extremely low altitudes. That makes this thing drink like a sailor, it doesn't come close to maximizing performance and efficiency. Also, the Air Force has developed multiple systems that already take the place of the A-10. They now use C-130 gunships to provide a larger compliment of support weapons. Unmanned drones like the predator and others still in development to provide close air support without putting an expensive airframe and trained pilot in the line of fire. The F-35 fills the role here of providing support by taking out the enemy's offensive weapons and fighters while these other systems focus on protecting troops. That said poor oversight seems to be allowing defense contractors to take advantage of government contracts causing the costs of all of these systems to swell, but that's a whole different issue.
Thanks Ruger..I knew the article was one sided. The issue of the cost is the main concern I would guess.
Ben Cohen could have written about the advantages which would have filled the same space. A waste of internet space.
Sprey was a co-designer of the A-10 and the F-16. He was part of the Pentagon Fighter Mafia. There is no doubt he does have some biases on the topic, but given his huge success with those aircraft and with his totally correct call on our needs previously, he is someone to whom we should listen. Incidentally, he now spends much of his later years as a jazz musician and composer...accomplished guy.
See article above...the way I see it the A-10 cannot be replaced, and the F35 can handle 30 or more threats..not all by the one aircraft..but as a team.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-f-35b-cannot-generate-enough-sorties-to-replace-a-10-371985/
