Why does the Army need the A-10 Warthog?

[MongGrel]

When we think CAS we think of what a KC130, Apache, A10 do. I've seen The type of CAS that the big strategic bombers do (only on TV mind you. I'm not trying to pretend I'm some kind of warrior.). Like when the Taliban were held up in some mountains and the CIA called in a bunker buster strike(from a B2 IIRC) on their asses. They leveled an entire hillside (literally lol).

These big planes aren't launched from a base in the same region on a moments notice to save some troops that are pinned down and getting ripped up. Helicopters and 130's aren't that survivable in real close in support. F-__ fighters are very expensive to build and maintain. The A10, in the current conflicts, serves a valuable purpose.

An F-16 costs about the same to build, and gets there a lot faster. Used to at any rate, the newer upgraded ones cost a bit more.

We all ready have a lot of them.

 

[pauldun170]

Still waiting for a link that proves your comment that the Gripen barely works at all.

A few months back, I heard of some issues on the the Gripen NG (NOT the earlier models...this is the new one) where they were having issues with the some Raven radar and some of the sub systems.

After reviewing some of the original sources, I now realize and accept they are shit.

I retract my original comment and instead leave it at that the Gripen NG is too damn pricey considering the competition but the lesser versions are fine alternatives for those looking for a basic fighter for air defense.