A-10 video that the Air Force tried to suppress

[KS63]

In depth look at actual combat missions in Afganistan. High rate production values and getting to see what a pilot sees when he fires true GAU-8 30mm gun. 22min video

http://www.wearethemighty.com/articl...azing-10-video

[Rucker61]

Bitchin'

[Ronin13]

After watching the first 5 min I'm reminded of why I fell in love with that airframe. It's a beast! There's that old adage that says how the GAU-8 gave birth to the A-10: "Hey, we have this awesome gun, but we have nothing to use it for. Let's throw some wings on it and turn it into a plane!"

When I was in Afghanistan we heard on the radio that an A-10 was on station for close air support, shortly thereafter he was needed and when he flew about 1/4 mile north of our base and then opened fire with that gun we knew some Taliban just had a bad day. Hearing videos of them firing is one thing, but to hear that thing fire at over 4,000 rounds per min in real life is something to behold. Why the USAF wants to get rid of it, with it's battle tested and proven track record, is further testament to the excessive waste running rampant within our government. Upgrading the avionics on an existing aircraft is way cheaper than a whole new airframe customized for CAS missions. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Same goes with the F-15- which touts an impressive zero-losses record to air-to-air combat. For me, the jury is still out on the F-35.

[Martinjmpr]

Upgrading the avionics on an existing aircraft is way cheaper than a whole new airframe

Aaaaand THAT'S the problem right there. It's cheaper.

Cheaper means less $$$$ to stick to peoples hands.

Cheaper means the USAF doesn't get to funnel lucrative contracts to their buddies in the private sector (who were serving over them before they retired.)

Cheaper means less US tax dollars to spread in some congressman's district.

If I was the King of 'Merica not only would we save money by keeping the A-10, but we'd also save money by just getting rid of the USAF entirely. Give ICBMs to the Navy (or make them a separate service like the Soviets did) and put everything else back in the Army and call it the USAAF again.

[Guylee]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[sniper7]

I love that airplane!

[Mercula]

Absolutely fukin awesome. Thanks man. Love the A10 and its role. If I could fly anything on the planet it would be the A10.

[flogger]

Great post!!! Thanks.

[Hoser]

Great plane. But they are getting really old and relialibility rates are dog-shit anymore. Not just avionics, but everything is old and tired.

[Gman]

Sounds like time for hogging up, part deux.