Why is the F-35 replacing the A-10?

[southernphantom]

I half-expect a contract for new airframes at some point.

Frankly, aside for 'show-of-force' CAS missions that the B-1 has been used for, I suspect that fixed-wing CAS will be obsolete before the F-35 even has a chance to replace the A-10.

[count_to_10]

Aren't there plans to turn the A-10's into drones?

[checksixx]

There are NO plans to retire the A-10 currently...at least for the next 20 or so years. In fact, Boeing just got another contract for more replacement wing sets.

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-to-B ... -Air-Force

[uclass]

So they must still make wings?

[checksixx]

So they must still make wings?

See link in above post...Boeing makes A-10 wingsets.

[popcorn]

All the Services have basically said there will be no sacred cows though one gets a hint here and there which programs seem to enjoy top-level support. Those like the A-10 that are not obvious fits into the whole JOAC-A2/AD-ASB paradigm are vulnerable IMO. Cost cuts to generate savings will have to come from somewhere, that's for sure. The beancounters are probably crunching numbers right now.

[wrightwing]

The A-10 will be in service till ~2040. This topic is based upon numerous fallacies.

[popcorn]

The A-10 will be in service till ~2040. This topic is based upon numerous fallacies.

I wouldn't mind seeing them in ROKAF colors.
I'd wager you a case of beer they'll be retired much earlier. If you afe proven right, I'll be long gone by then so a safe bet for me

[count_to_10]

So they must still make wings?

See link in above post...Boeing makes A-10 wingsets.

Does Boeing make every aircraft that the F-35 is replacing/competing with?

[popcorn]

So they must still make wings?

See link in above post...Boeing makes A-10 wingsets.

Does Boeing make every aircraft that the F-35 is replacing/competing with?

Actually, Boeing got really upset when they heard LM was proposing a stretched F-35 as a BUFF replacement.

[sprstdlyscottsmn]

why get upset? NOTHING replaces the BUFF.

[wrightwing]

The A-10 will be in service till ~2040. This topic is based upon numerous fallacies.

I wouldn't mind seeing them in ROKAF colors.
I'd wager you a case of beer they'll be retired much earlier. If you afe proven right, I'll be long gone by then so a safe bet for me

What's much earlier? 2035? 2020? The USAF already has a plan for retiring 102 A-10s, and has invested a lot of money, in upgrading the remaining ones, for decades more service.

[checksixx]

So they must still make wings?

See link in above post...Boeing makes A-10 wingsets.

Does Boeing make every aircraft that the F-35 is replacing/competing with?

Boeing never made A-10's.

[popcorn]

The A-10 will be in service till ~2040. This topic is based upon numerous fallacies.

I wouldn't mind seeing them in ROKAF colors.
I'd wager you a case of beer they'll be retired much earlier. If you afe proven right, I'll be long gone by then so a safe bet for me

What's much earlier? 2035? 2020? The USAF already has a plan for retiring 102 A-10s, and has invested a lot of money, in upgrading the remaining ones, for decades more service.

When enough F-35s are in service, then justification for A-10 diminishes accordingly. Yes, they invested in upgrades.. but the real issue is relevance to the overall strategic thrust which is not major land wars opposing masses of armor Rather it is the JOAC/A2AD/ASB paradigm.,The money invested in upgrades has to be weighed against the cost to continue operating and supporting the aircraft for the next 10, 20, 30 years - a significant potential savings that will not go unnoticed.

It will become increasingly difficult IMO to justify their continued operation if they are not aligned with the strategic direction. Gen.,Schwartz alluded to the major cost saving that can be achieved but only if you retire an entire fleet of aircraft including it's logistical infrastructure. When sequestration really begins to bite over this decade, I expect the A-10 to come under increasing pressure and be a prime candidate for termination.

[popcorn]

The A-10 will be in service till ~2040. This topic is based upon numerous fallacies.

I wouldn't mind seeing them in ROKAF colors.
I'd wager you a case of beer they'll be retired much earlier. If you afe proven right, I'll be long gone by then so a safe bet for me

What's much earlier? 2035? 2020? The USAF already has a plan for retiring 102 A-10s, and has invested a lot of money, in upgrading the remaining ones, for decades more service.

When enough F-35s are in service, then justification for A-10 diminishes accordingly. Yes, they invested in upgrades.. but the real issue is relevance to the overall strategic thrust which is not major land wars opposing masses of armor Rather it is the JOAC/A2AD/ASB paradigm.,The money invested in upgrades has to be weighed against the cost to continue operating and supporting the aircraft for the next 10, 20, 30 years - a significant potential savings that will not go unnoticed.

It will become increasingly difficult IMO to justify their continued operation if they are not aligned with the strategic direction. Gen.,Schwartz alluded to the major cost saving that can be achieved but only if you retire an entire fleet of aircraft including it's logistical infrastructure. When sequestration really begins to bite over this decade, I expect the A-10 to come under increasing pressure and be a prime candidate for termination.