Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II

[GruntFox]

replacement... funny you could/cant update with stealth.
what's next
Fusion thrusters
lasers frickin lasers

No, it'll be a stealthed F-111 on steroids, because the environment has been that devastating to low-and-slow aircraft.

I wouldn't be surprised that all future aircraft are going to have to be fitted with what GURPS calls 'radical' stealth features across the spectrum.

 

[fightingirish]

The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to extend the operational service life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II until 2030.
Source (X fka twitter) :

https://twitter.com/x/status/2046277241613758733

View: https://x.com/i/status/2046277241613758733

 

[isayyo2]

Exciting!

But Vague… How many aircraft are being retained each year? What units will remain flying the Hog until 2030? What budgets get redirected to keep the A-10 flying for another ~4 years?

Hopefully this will keep the Guard and AF Reserve somewhat pleased - the whole “divest to invest” scheme has not been kind to them.

 

[aim9xray]

The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to extend the operational service life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II until 2030.
Source (X fka twitter) :

https://twitter.com/x/status/2046277241613758733

View: https://x.com/i/status/2046277241613758733

Probably the time limit that the airframes will last with the Depot at Hill now deactivating/deactivated. Follow-on support/sustainment will be ... interesting. Not to mention who the remaining TF34 Depot/queen bee is and what their sunset plan is.