Air Force may retire a third of active A-10 “Warthogs”

Seems the old birds need new wings. Will they receive the funding?

Defence News

WASHINGTON — Three squadrons of A-10 Warthogs will go out of service unless the Air Force comes up with funding to pay for new wings, the head of Air Combat Command confirmed in an exclusive interview with Defense News.

Although the Air Force fully funds the operations and maintenance of all nine A-10 squadrons in its fiscal 2018 budget request, Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the service’s top uniformed acquisition official, and Lt. Gen. Jerry Harris, its deputy chief of staff for plans, programs and requirements, committed in written testimony to Congress to retaining only six squadrons long term.

The crux of the issue, according to head of Air Combat Command Gen. Mike Holmes, is that new wing sets have been ordered for only 173 of 283 Warthogs, or about six squadron’s worth.

The most obvious move Congress could make would be to fund the $103 million for A-10 wings included in the service’s unfunded priorities list, but that only covers a portion of the remaining 110 aircraft in need of rewinging.

a reply to: D8Tee

Contrary to what the A-10 lovers think, we don't need 9 squadrons of them. We can easily get by with 6, or even 5 for that matter.

They do haul a lot of baggage under the wings.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Which leaves three functioning (for now) squadrons to be used for spare parts or to cover losses of airframes. Plus whatever they have stashed away.

Should help longevity of the force.

P

In 1994, they were transferring these airframes to the Marines...

It's mission dependant. The air force has been doing this for decades. Sometimes regretfully or not, however it's not without considering the current mission.

Newly developed weapons systems can make several assets obsolete.

It's Hogwarts not worthogs.

originally posted by: Blackfinger
They do haul a lot of baggage under the wings.

And in the nose. Meet the Avenger 30 mm cannon, the whole airframe is designed around it.

Afghans call it the "Voice of God" for the long 'moaning' sound it makes when firing.

Just wondering how many of those bird's wings were overstressed due to pulling heavy Gs climbing out of steep valleys in Afghanistan?

The A-10 was my favorite jet when I was in the AF, still is.

It'd be nice to see her get new wings!!

a reply to: D8Tee

They should take those that dont get new wings and use them for parts.

6 squadrons is enough. Maybe less is enough.

a reply to: Pearj

Most of them already have. They've been upgraded to the A-10C. New wings and other systems.

a reply to: Pearj

Was one of my favorites as well. So cool. Less dangerous to do hot refuels too, with the engines up so high and so far away from the single point receptacle. F-15s were like ok hook up, but don't go ahead of this line or you're mincemeat.

a reply to: face23785

The F-16 was even worse. If you ever needed your ramp swept, just taxi a couple of them around and it'll be clean after they're done.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Haha yes. And when you were used to being able to walk practically upright underneath a 15 and then have to service some 16s you better bring you a helmet.

a reply to: pheonix358

Agreed. A good move to make.