F-35 vs A-10 Close Air Support “Fly-Off” .. Who Won?

by Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

(Washington DC) The Air Force, Congress, and ground-war experts have for many years been wrestling with how best to manage the future of the A-10.

Referred to as a “flying tank” with a titanium hull and a highly-lethal 30mm cannon, the famous A-10 Warthog has been revered for years by ground forces for its ability to provide highly-lethal; close air support; follow a dynamic, fast-changing combat environment; and save soldiers’ lives when facing enemy fire.

A-10 Has Distinct Advantages

The A-10 can fly at slower speeds at 300 knots beneath the clouds at very low altitudes as low as 100 feet. This gives pilots the ability to see enemy targets with the naked eye, and then drop bombs, fire rockets, or shoot with the 30-millimeter cannon in close proximity to friendly forces.

However, the most defining feature of the A-10 may be its built-in redundancy and ability to keep flying after being damaged by an enemy.

The aircraft has built-in redundant electronics and controls as well as a durable engine to help ensure continued flight after taking enemy fire. The A-10 engines are mounted high up onto the aircraft to ensure the aircraft can land in rugged, austere areas under enemy fire.

There are many famous stories of A-10 aircraft saving ground units, taking massive amounts of incoming enemy fire, and returning to base to land. In a few cases, the A-10 has returned to base after losing a wing and suffering extensive damage.

That Big Gun

Unlike other aircraft built for speed, maneuverability, air-to-air dogfighting, and using air-to-air weapons, the A-10 is specifically engineered around its gun, a 30-millimeter GAU-8/A cannon aligned directly beneath the fuselage. Armed with 1,150 rounds, the 30-millimeter cannon is able to fire seventy rounds a second.