The Air Force is considering the possibility of buying in the short term, some lots of light aircraft for ground attack. The acquisition could take place within the 2017.
The new OA-X program was not designed to replace the A-10 fleet, but to provide field commanders with a low-cost option to complement the Warthog (photo). A temporary alternative therefore, for a light aircraft capable of performing all the missions that do not require the A-10 efficiency level. The Air Force, meanwhile, will continue to develop the new tactical platform for close air support to replace the A-10 Warthog with the AX program.
The decision to start the AX program dates back to March of last year, when Air Force and Pentagon developed the main options to replace the Warthog which will remain in service at least until the 2028 (constraint established by the Congress) and with the possibility of continuing to fight until the 2040.
The Pentagon continues to invest resources in the program Future of Close-Air Support which provides three possible alternatives: build the AX, use the current ones asset to meet CAS missions or extend the life of the A-10 at least until the 2040 / 45.
The OA-X program would be an economic short-term alternative, designed to reduce the operating costs of the A-10.
The Warthog 2.0
The AX program aims at the realization (as happened for the A-10) of a asset armored vehicle capable of flying the most powerful airborne tactical weapon on the planet: the 30mm gatling gun with seven GAU-8 rotating barrels Avenger, capable of destroying any existing tank at 7 km away.
Over the years, all A-10 retirement plans have been deemed irresponsible and reckless because the US has no inventory, something remotely similar to the fire and resistance capabilities of the Warthog. No other western aircraft could continue its mission under the fire of 23mm guns and against some from 57 mm.
Every vital part of the A-10 is protected by armored plates. The pilot is no exception, wrapped in a titanium “tank” of 600 kg.
The new CAS platform will have to be designed to guarantee close support in an environment that has modern and stratified defense systems. The A-10, today can only operate in permissive environments.
The AX program, compared to the previous ones, also contemplates the possibility of upgrading the existing cells which will have to comply with the requirements set by the Air Force. If so, the Air Force (to save time and money) could bet everything on one Warthog 2.0. A new platform, therefore, that would preserve the current capabilities of the A-10, improving its criticalities such as, for example, the low power of the General Electric TF-34. The latter do not allow the A-10 to take off at full load.
The CAS role does not require hypersonic aerodynamic profiles. This is why the cruising speed (360 ideally) will still have to be aerodynamically compatible with a narrow turning radius at low speed.
The new aircraft should be able to carry out a minimum of twenty attacks against infantry targets or eleven attacks on tanks during a single sortie. Moreover, the Warthog 2.0 may also be able to hit moving targets eight nautical miles away at altitudes above the 20.000 feet.
In terms of survival, any new-generation CAS aircraft will still have two redundant engines and systems. It will have to withstand blows from 7,62 / 14,5 millimeters and cannon fire from 23 millimeters. It will have to survive even if hit by an SA-18 missile.
(photo: US Air Force)
