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A-10 replacement? USAF strategy calls for 'future CAS platform'
 A new strategy document released by US Air Combat Command points to the development of a future close-air-support platform as the service pushes to retire the long-serving Fairchild Republic A-10 â its primary close-in attack airplane used to protect ground troops.ACC Commander Gen Hawk Carlisle, who approved the strategic plan, said in March the air force is exploring what will follow the A-10, potentially as a more affordable compliment to the F-35 for a high-low force mix. "We're thinking about what an A-X would look like," he says. Gen Mark Welsh, chief of staff of the air force, then said in April the air force would pursue a new CAS platform in the "relatively near- and mid-term" if funding would allow it [OS: emphasis added]. Bait and switch? Here's the bait, the promise to develop a new CAS airfram (switch is "too pricey, go with the F35" after the A10s hit the boneyard or get sold off) Posted by: OldSpook 2015-08-13 |
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