If Boeing is to export the A-10 when the jet is retired from the U.S. Air Force, one potential market will be the Middle East whereby the attack aircraft can be a low-cost counterterrorism system.
By Daniel J. McLain (Mate 2nd Class) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
A company executive told Aviation Week that besides installing new engines, Boeing plans to add a new targeting pod and a helmet-mounted display system in the upgraded aircraft.
[thumb]http://aviationweek.com/paris-air-show-2015/boeing-considers-upgraded-10-exports[/thumb]
Darpa’s Persistent Close Air Support was to be tested by this time, May 2015 on the A-10 as both manned and un-manned platforms. Buying new MQ-9 Reapers at $17 million each is questionable when the A-10 is available, unmanned, longer on station time, in-flight refueling, faster, heavier ordinance load. I’m trying to understand why the Reaper squadrons aren’t converted to un-manned A-10 squadrons for the same duties. Oh!, by the way, the
A-10s are paid off….sort of free…for the use; before Boeing is allowed to start selling them in the Middle East.
Wow so the USAF has gone mental the only aircraft that has scared the pants off all enemy ground troops it faced even allies ( blue on blue) and there getting rid what a waste I have good memories watching them on the ne coast of Britain as a kid a awesome bit of kit that will be missed by all but congress by the sounds of it they tried with the f16 and now predators weres the gau-8 on that lmao