Why the Air Force Keeps the A-10: Its Unique Role in Modern Warfare

The question of why the Air Force continues to maintain the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a platform often overshadowed by the speed and technological superiority of the F-22 and F-35, is a complex one. This article explores the unique advantages and roles that the A-10 plays, which are crucial for close air support (CAS) missions and beyond.

Meeting Close Air Support Needs

The A-10 is specifically designed for the Close Air Support (CAS) role, a task which neither the supersonic F-16 nor the stealthy F-35 was originally intended to perform. In CAS, aircraft operate at lower altitudes, close to the ground, to provide immediate and direct support to ground troops and units. The F-16 and F-35, although competent ground attack aircraft, are not optimized for this role due to their design priorities. The A-10, however, excels in this mission, thanks to its robust design features and capabilities.

Design Features for Durability and Reliability

The A-10 boasts several design features that make it an ideal CAS platform:

Redundancies and Redundancies: The A-10 has two engines, which provide substantial redundancy in case one fails. It also has three independent control systems – two hydraulic and one manual – reducing the risk of total control loss. Wheels for Landing: The main landing gear wheels on an A-10 stick out of their pods, which reduces damage in the event of a wheels up landing. This ensures the aircraft can take off and land from a wide range of locations, including rough fields. Easy and Cheap Repairs: Components on the A-10 can often be easily switched left to right, allowing for quick repairs. Additionally, the aircraft is easily repaired using duct or speed tape, making it cheaper to maintain and operate.

F-22 and F-35 Limitations

The F-22 and F-35, designed for air-to-air combat and long-range engagements, lack the design redundancies and CAS capabilities of the A-10. For instance, they only carry a limited amount of ammunition compared to the A-10. The F-16 carries 5 seconds of 20mm cannon fire, while the F-35 carries 3.5 seconds of 25mm ammo. In contrast, the A-10 carries 18 seconds of 30mm rounds, providing a much more powerful and sustainable CAS capability.

Historical Examples

During the Iraq War, F-16s were found to be vulnerable to ground-based anti-aircraft fire, while A-10s were susceptible to ground-to-air missiles. This experience highlights the importance of maintaining the A-10 for its unique ability to endure ground-based threats.

Operational Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

The A-10’s long loiter time and heavy ordinance loads make it an indispensable asset for ground troops. The aircraft can remain on station over the combat area for extended periods, providing continuous support and executing a variety of missions, from attacking tanks to hitting fortified installations.

Flexible Weapon Carriage

The A-10 can carry both precision-guided and non-guided munitions, offering flexibility in mission planning. This adaptability ensures that the A-10 can employ the most appropriate weaponry based on the situation, whether that be high-precision smart bombs or traditional, less sophisticated dumb bombs. This versatility is particularly important in dynamic and unpredictable combat environments.

Lessons from Modern Warfare

Recent conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia war, have demonstrated that precision-guided munitions are not always the silver bullet in every situation. Sometimes, traditional, less technologically advanced ammunition can be more effective and cost-efficient. The A-10’s persistence and low operational cost make it a valuable addition to any air force, especially when combined with modern precision-guided munitions.

Conclusion

The A-10 Thunderbolt II remains a critical asset for the Air Force, despite the rise of faster, more advanced aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. Its unique capabilities in close air support and its ability to operate from rough fields make it an irreplaceable part of the modern military arsenal. As technology continues to evolve, the A-10’s role and importance may very well continue to expand.