Finally: US Finally Tests The New Super A-10 Warthog

The roar of this aircraft’s engines strikes fear into the hearts of its enemies, and the heavy armor and powerful weapons allow you to open enemy armored vehicles like mere tin cans!
This, of course, is the iconic A-10 Warthog, the one that goes “BRRRR”, having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since the first flight.
In today’s video, we’ll be showing you how the Warthog earned its reputation as one of the most efficient attack aircraft and the menacing nickname of “tank killer’!

[@Tomyironmane]

50 years of kicking ass, and 40 years of surviving the Air Force's attempts to kill it.

[@lawjort]

It's Congress that wants to divest. they rather throw 100s of millions into sleek aircraft to please their lobbyists, how else can they get rich.

[@user-xs4kj7ou6h]

Hard to beat for close-air support.

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. LIAR! That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@MomolosZtips]

@@rick3514 Lots of misinformation & not-a-real-fact in this video's narration. Plain old ignorance by Wild Iron.

[@adollarshort1573]

44q 4AA4AAAQ¹1ST 11TH+​@@rick3514

[@rick6893]

I was an F-15 mechanic and an A-10 broke in flight and made an emergency landing. They asked me if I could look at it and possibly repair it. I performed a wiring repair and received a thank you phone call from their mechanics saying that it had this problem off and on for almost a year and they couldn't figure out what to do. Just being able to work on it for me was a dream come true.

[@skippyrod2532]

I appreciate your service!

[@Bugaboo-wq5sc]

That's a cool story. I've always thought they were really cool planes - super functional. What was the wiring issue or can it be easily described? I wonder why the A-10 mechanics had had difficulty tracing the problem.

[@rick6893]

@@Bugaboo-wq5sc The problem was strands of wire broken at a pin and they should've performed a shake or bend test on the wire harnesses. If they perform this then it should be done by bending the cable in several directions because when in flight and under G's the wiring is being stretched and pulled as well as shaken due to aircraft vibration. There were enough strands to keep a connection under normal conditions but not under stress.

[@egadgetguy]

@@rick6893 Good job finding this. I worked on F4 and F15s but Almost had the change to work on A-10s. They won't go into the dark night easily...

[@ericfredrickson5517]

@@Bugaboo-wq5sc I played tag with one about 25 years ago with my tractor doing field work; they used to fly overhead every now and then, so when I saw this one, I flashed my cab lights. He waggled his wings like he was avoiding incoming fire, then made spins and turns. When I would see him, I'd flash my lights, and away we'd go again. Then I couldn't find him; I opened the cab door, looked up over the cab, and there he was, flying in my blind spot above and behind the cab. I waved, he waggled his wings, and went off on his original course.

[@richardtrude7562]

The A-10 is the best situational aircraft ever created. I would continue to upgrade as necessary because our troops on the ground need this excellent aircraft for support.

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@philipgunderman7292]

I cannot think of a weapon more suited to close air support than the A-10! Keep it in service as long as economically possible.

[@russellbeckett1900]

Been there seen it

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

For any past,current and future US Army infantry /Marine , man seeing the A10 backing you up is a blessing . So keep the A10

[@AZPatriot]

I never served, but a lot of my friends have, and they say the A10 gets it's name of Devil's Cross for a reason LOL

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

@@AZPatriot yup

[@dougsnavely847]

Zackly

[@charliebellvue5847]

WHY would any government want to get Rid of a mochine that has been unbelievably successful.... that makes absolutely NO sense at all.

[@marthakrumboltz2710]

Have a good friend who flew them in Afghanistan. One day, a squad of marines showed up on their own time off to thank him for saving them. They told him without his help and the A10, they never would have survived a certain battle. This is but one episode in a long list of combat actions which spoke to the effectiveness of this remarkable aircraft and the men who flew them.

[@ikeschrager9903]

Amazing a10 pilots deserve so much respect all pilots tbh but the a10 pilots are extremely brave and saved tons of of our ground troops

[@tdrive398]

Please pass along to your friend thanks from another light fighter. Mad respect and appreciation for Warthog and Hercules pilots. 👍👍

[@wlodell]

What do think? I think we have some greedy numbskulls in the upper ranks of DoD and government. The A-10 is a great military combat aircraft weapon system whose time is still required to support and defend a free country. But, time is running out and the enemy is getting bigger and smarter.

[@charlesdgrinstead2114]

This is the kind of "Thank you for your service," I'd be humbled to accept. Most of the time I hear it, it's from people who are only chanting a mantra they think they're expected to say, but which they have no idea about.

[@gordondafoe3516]

Afghanistan, the place where empires go to die! That is a centuries old Afghani saying. It still holds true.

[@1fubar2snafu]

The A-10 should definitely be kept in service. It is the best close air support vehicle in existence and has saved many ground troops, some of them my friends.

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@LifeUser]

As an infantry man, they have the sweetest sound you will ever hear.

[@jsanmac91]

Keep this proven aircraft in operation. It works and does everything asked of it. We would never come up with another that works as well for such a small price. I worked in the original A-10 Development Program Office at WPAFB, OH from 1973-1976 as a Flight Test Manager responsible for the testing that certified the A-10 to carry and deliver all the bombs and airborne weapons in the inventory at that time, including the Maverick Missile. This aircraft is tough, extremely effective and survivable. Keep it and keep it modified with the latest equipment. Jerry McEwen, Lt Col, USAF (Ret).

[@AscDrew]

Thank YOU for your service and contribution to the development and success of such a fantastic, and unmatchable aircraft. It nails the CAS function and can't begin to imagine one that does the function for anywhere near the relatively cheap cost of the A10 program. Kudos!!

[@scottcampbell4678]

I salute you, Lt Col McEwen

[@charlchristiaanallers4941]

The only thing I would do is update the blueprint to today's standard and build some new air-frames, as the old air-frames are wearing out. Problem solved.

[@timhille2975]

I’m probably

[@josephlewis7443]

@@charlchristiaanallers4941An excellent idea, I agree.

[@themastermagicians2745]

If the B-52s are still flying, there’s no reason for the legendary A-10s to be phased out. 💪🇺🇸👍

[@thomascronan9964]

Sorry. Got caught between Iraq and a hard place. May the brrrttt be with you@

[@marcusbutzin8368]

@@thomascronan9964 kk

[@jamesleyda365]

Hell ya!!!

[@Darth_Chicken]

The A10 is a tool in the wrong hands, they should just give all the A10's to the army who actually want to keep it and let the air force who want rid of it to go their own way. The army should then continue to develop the A10 into the future, it is primerily a weapon for ground support.

[@kdrapertrucker]

Well, the A-10 pulls a lot of G's manuvering at low level, they've already replaced the wings twice.

[@carlzend8091]

I’m not an American or in the armed forces. But I was with my young family in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia right through Gulf War I. We owe you guys big-time for saving our butts. US forces, President Bush Sr, Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf are our heroes. Thanks tons.

[@scottcampbell4678]

The A-10, called by our enemies, the flying cross of death. The US should keep the A-10s in service

[@mikelanglow-bi2sv]

The A-10 has proven itself. A solid weapons platform that should be kept in service.

[@TheMje1963]

Most defiantly, I've seen them in action during Desert Storm

[@SerbanOprescu]

The US has no true equivalent to the A-10. I doubt there has ever been an airplane so well-suited for its role.

[@pmccoy8924]

Pilots agree. It doesn't produce kickbacks from renewed contracts though so bureaucrats decide it's time for something new. They don't fly them or rely on them in battle so they truly dgaf. Plane should be like the B52. Kept around for 75 years at least.

[@iticotaco5603]

@@SerbanOprescu The problem isn't the plane, its the role

[@Creamy6015]

Yes, My grandfather was a pilot in Vietnam and flew the A-6E Intruder on bombing missions and told me that it was an ok adept strike aircraft that was very scary to fly in he also says, it never was calm to fly in because it never had enough armor to protect it from rounds and not enough chaff to send away some radar missiles. Most commonly he did CAS for infantry and bombed suspected areas of Vietnamese encampments. He usually rolled out with 13x Mk.83 1000lb bombs. He said the bombs don't always hit so he always wanted to fly an attack plane with a cannon. According to him, it needed a cannon like that. Bombs don't always do the job. That's why I believe the A10 is the #1 Attack plane in the world.

[@jst4curiosity704]

A-10's have consistently proven they're a valuable part of our cadre of close air support vehicles.

[@TheAnxiousAdventurer]

Here, near my home, I'm so happy that The Maryland Air National Guard's 175th Wing locally based A-10C aircrafts are minutes away and are a sight to see standing ready. I've seen two of them flying over once at low altitude. It was chill-inducing. They look and sound so cool.

[@Robert-xe3os]

This is absolutely my most favorite warbird couldn't believe they were going to decommission it glad they're improving it

[@kenday7942]

Keep the A10 in service!!! Price effective, combat proven all around effectiveness!!!

[@JohnDoe-vy5hh]

Ikr? They are amazing.

[@toddkorson8207]

Just a sexy beast.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Exactly. 👊 😎 🇺🇸

[@magnum6763]

what, they are more expensive than the F-35 to keep in any sort of modernization. And UKR and RUS Su-25s, more armored, and faster, are dropping like flies. They are flying targets, and wastes of pilots

[@psijicassassin7166]

Stop gushing fanboi. That A-10 is only good in the desert. Try using that in Ukraine where it will be shot down by stingers in buildings long before it can spot tanks. Even drones can smoke that thing. Useless.

[@asraharrison]

I really love this historical look at the A-10, however based on the title of this video, I was expecting some news about the "Super A-10" There wasn't even a mention of it in the video.

[@jaewok5G]

it was in stealth mode

[@nitramvoksmad2404]

I was fooled, too.

[@markbonner1139]

Read this,checked out!

[@Fred-wy4ix]

There was a video on the New A - 10 sometime ago. Any Political clown who votes to take it out of service, needs to have their tail ends looked at

[@balansheppard3336]

I was an NFO, but was always impressed with the A10's performance. If the USAF decides to replace it, a completely thorough consideration of the A10's configuration, strong points, and anything needing improvement (not a big item from what I can see) is still needed. If something works, keep doing it. Thanks

[@DLPerry432la]

This has always been my favorite Aircraft. It should never be removed from Service.

[@fourdegrees_]

I think we should keep the A-10 around much longer. I am a Desert Storm Veteran and have seen these bad boys in action.

[@sinocte]

A decently sized chunk of my family were ground pounders, and every single one of them pretty much worships the ground A-10 pilots walk on. More than a few of them credit the A-10 for still being alive. It's an absolute beast of a platform, and in 50 years of service, there's never been anything in the sky that comes close to being able to do what it does so well.

[@williamturner3809]

the closest the that comes to mind as a Vietnam Marine is the Huey Cobra/Super Cobra, the Bell AH-1

[@CSSDragonlordAnubis]

HooRa!!!

[@kpadmirer]

If some of your family went to college, they could do the flying and others could do the thanking.

[@user-gn8gl8go8p]

The A-10 was and still is an amazing aircraft. The best attack jet the air force has had. Good for just about any situation. Great video

[@travismoore7849]

Nothing will ever be better than the A-10 for utility and simplicity.

[@andy84denham]

I’ve spoken with many returned service personal (Australian) from different places. Many times they have said that one of the best things to see is one of these aircraft supporting them in an engagement. It’s probably the best ground attack aircraft ever

[@iatsd]

Given the Australians have only been supported by them in Afghanistan (where the Aussies were busy committing war crimes) I doubt your story completely. In Kuwait they were a menace to Allied forces. They are great for killing civilians and the like, but they've never faced a peer enemy in their entire 50 years.

[@andy84denham]

@@iatsd yeah your wrong but I won’t defend myself to someone whom had been listening to the media too much

[@iatsd]

@@andy84denham List the combat zones Australia has deployed ground troops to that included air support from A-10's in the last 50 years. List the peer enemies the US has fought post-Korea. You made the BS claims: onus is on you to back them up. Put up or STFU. Or are you like most Australians when called on their BS? A coward and a complete cuck?

[@jerelull9629]

@@andy84denham Just consider the source. Don't let turkeys get you down.

[@koekiejam18]

@@andy84denham In that case consider the military rapports, The A-10 has the most amount of friendly fire incidents and was worse at killing tanks than the F-111

[@bigviper64]

The Wart Hog is one of the most sensible aircraft ever made and is super important to our Ground Troops. We need to keep this aircraft and continue to improve on it where necessary.

[@orionexplorer]

I see the A-10 as I do the B-52, they are solid, dependable aircraft. When I was in Korea the first time in 1989-1990 (I was a Cavalry Scout) my platoon leader had a friend that would buzz our camp a couple times a week in an A-10. That stopped after he almost, and I mean barely missed the water tower on compound. I have seen it involved in training exercises when the Army and Air Force would hold joint maneuvers. That plane is as amazing now as it was in the 1970's.

[@klassyedward9718]

I was honored to work on the AD Sky Raider, and the A10 Warthog. Had so much fun! These aircraft had great capability and the characteristics built into each were something to be enjoyed, and dreaded by the enemy.

[@MrRepeters]

As a former Aircraft Armament System Specialist [46250] and a former LMT employee, I can tell you the Warthog's close air support proficiencies far outweigh that of the LMT F-35. If I was still a soldier I would definitely want an A-10 over my head.

[@troyb.4101]

All those pylons, and that 30 mm gun. As close air goes it's the best I have seen . Maybe that C-130 gun ship can put down more munitions in one spot.

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@troyb.4101]

@@rick3514 They are still producing F-16's I saw they were selling block 70's

[@daviddaniels6473]

The "brrrrt" sound the cannon makes when it goes off is one of the best sounds a grunt on the ground can hear! It means your day just got better and someone's day just got infinately worse!

[@jeffb5785]

I have seen them in flight a few times as I live a few miles from an air base. I got goosebumps every time I had the honor to see them fly.

[@lonewolfdesignsbylarry]

As a former soldier that Brrrt meant safety. It meant something was in the air that was there to help bring you home. Should the Air Force drop the A10 I would love to see the Army/Marine Corp either one pull it into their ranks.

[@nunya7319]

If you ever hear the Brrrrrt of the A-10, then you were Not the target.

[@johnwhitaker545]

I live right outside of fort sill and the a10s used to come here regularly to use the west range for firing practice. Now they train soldiers on the C-RAM. I’ve been hearing BRRRRRRT Basically my entire life lol. I love it!

[@klsc8510]

I agree! When I was stationed at Pruem Air Station, West Germany, I was out doing corrosion control on some of the Squadron mobilizers. I don't know why, I quickly looed over my right shoulder. I saw an A-10 pointed straight at me! As soon as I got "eyeball lock" on the Warthog, the pilot broke up and right.

[@bgyoung-rv6io]

@@klsc8510 Howdy dude. I was in transportation in West Germany, delivered to a lot of bases. I was stationed first in Kaiserslautern, later at Rhein Main in Frankfurt. We also hauled Triple 9 cargo for the Air Force. I don't know your base, where was it? What did you guys do? I have't been back to Deutschland in 20 years, man I know things have changed a lot. SP4 Patrick, US Army.

[@klsc8510]

@@bgyoung-rv6io Back then I was a SSgt (E-5) in the USAF. I was a computer repairman on the 407L TACCS movable ground search radar system Pruem AS was north of Bitburg AB. The Station was smack in the middle of the WWII German West Wall defenses. We had blown bunkers on both sides of our access road. The AS is just inside Germany along the Belgium Luxemburg borders. The Station was several miles outside of the town of Pruem. In German it is spelled Prum with the double dots above the "U". This area was where Hitler staged forces for invading France in 1940 and for the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944. I maintained most of the electronics in 4 of the modules that made up most of the shelter. Those were the Computer Module, Ancillary Module, and the 2 Console Modules. The schooling for just the system was 4.5 months long at Keesler AFB, MS. The system would blow the minds of most techies today having a clock speed of 1 mega hertz and a ferrite core memory of 256K. They wouldn't believe such a system could even work! How far we have come! The system also had 2 Group Display modules and 2 air conditioner modules. Each module could be attached to a wheel set on the ends so it could be towed by an M-35. When fully assembled in the field with much man power, we had a camouflage net about an acre in size to cover it. We called the entire set up, the Rubber Ducky. This was because of the air inflated arched roof and side walls. The Squadron I was part of was the 601 Tactical Control Squadron. Our mission was to direct our fighters to intercept bad guy aircraft. In case of battle, we would deploy from Pruem AS to a high ground field location. We would set up, but stay RF silent until ordered to go hot. That is turn on the multimegawatt radar that could "see" aircraft over 200 miles away. Of course we knew within minutes, the bad guys had triangulated our location! Think of it as trying to hide a very powerful light house on a clear night! That was our mission. Live in chem suits, carry rifles, eat C-Rations and sleep in tents. That was us in the field! Not the USAF most think of!

[@user-zd3zi6lk2x]

The A-10 is one of my favorite aircraft ! ! I am proud and glad they are "one of ours " because they totally kick ass . She is AWESOME ! !

[@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl]

I am a 65 year old Retired Marine Combat Air Traffic Controller and remember we were at a training center calling in Marine and Naval aircraft and we had an Air Force craft wanted a CAS mission. Our Lt. directed this and later found the run was an A-10 Thunderbolt II and the first time I ever sae this aircraft in action. Very impressive!

[@johnhill8958]

There are three aircraft currently in the military arsenal that have proven their worth over time and will still serve far into the future. They are the C-130, B-52 and the A-10. They are versatile, durable, serviceable, and affordable. If I could include one other on this list, it would be the C-47 (aka DC-3) now retired.

[@Patriotsoul]

You forgot the f18 and f16.

[@vitozhimomi4960]

F15 strike eagle too

[@mrtrapper93]

Agree with all of your selections!

[@sidneyvanzandt2473]

I agree, those 3 airplanes are the top of the line!!!!

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@TheSwiftMagician]

A10s are so effective that there should be no discussion of replacing them with a more expensive platform until absolutely necessary. The need for such versatility aircraft cannot be overstated.

[@lonniehill3455]

A Grandson and Great Nephew , both Marines, loved these planes.

[@jimnewton-gf8ft]

As a Veteran and seeing the capables of the A10, it should remain in service

[@rick3514]

No, there is no NEW A-10. I worked on the A-10 for 16 years and it is being retired this year and being replace with the F-16. That info comes from the A-10 Commander with the 442nd A-10 squadron The A-10 cost more than 1.4 million, it was $14 million! Whomever made this is full of bull crap!

[@northeastcarhunter]

Definitely needs to stay in the US's arsenal. The best close air support plane ever built. It's proven it's worth time and time again. Getting rid of the A10 would be a huge mistake. Just keep updating it as needed.

[@coleernest8421]

Joe will give them all to Ukraine

[@stevedavis5704]

One of the reasons the Air Force is upgrading the A-10 is because the army has said if the Air Force won’t keep it flying they will take it over because they value it that much. They have not been able to get another aircraft that can do the job as well as the A-10 and the army doesn’t want to give it up. The Air Force is keeping it because they don’t have a replacement for it and they don’t want the army to start getting the budget for it.

[@iatsd]

It's never faced a peer enemy. The airframes are old and the whole thing is a liability on the battlefield these days. Look at how often the Su-25's get shot out of the sky in Ukraine: those things are better armoured and more capable than any A-10 out there. A-10's would get slaughtered on a modern peer enemy battlefield.

[@RedRider1600]

@@iatsd Peer enemy? Who? Russia? LOL 😂😆🤣😅

[@iatsd]

@@RedRider1600 You seem to have missed the point. Try - and I know this will be novel for you - to think for a second and then have another go if you want to engage on the points made.

[@richardlong3745]

The A-10 still has a important mission function for the USAF that no other military aircraft can do and there's allot of other countries can only dream they had a aircraft that was able to taken on combat missions that our military has become expert in accomplishing so well.

[@mran5758]

Being a war veteran, the A 10 warthog is the militarys best by far the safest and accurate high powered low flying aircraft they have, you don't even hear it when it is approaching you, by that time its too late....I call it the corvette of the fleet. This aircraft can still perform and carry out missions even when it is damaged like having a 1/2 of a wing or one engine and the best part is that this plane has a outstanding backup steering system which can be switched from hydralic to manual just in case the hydralic system fails now thats something the other fighter aircraft don't have. I feel that the military should keep this aircraft, just make upgrades like maybe switching the enginges from GE turbo fans, to a jet engine, and redesign the electronics in the cockpit instead of adding stuff or replacing them and best of all improve the fire power by increasing the payload with the most advanced weaponry the military has...... This aircraft should be kept in service 4 ever.......its a life saver

[@ugaugauga488]

I really like this airplane. It's not over-priced and its performance is awesome. It must continue to be part of the US arsenal.

[@jasonadams4344]

I spent 12yrs full time as an engine mechanic on this jet. It was my first love, and I miss it! Great video!!

[@fortheloveofsauce5612]

One of the first models I built decades ago. Great aircraft and a great successor to the P-47, if in name only.

[@jp-ty1vd]

You have to remember that the P-47 had 8 .50 cals and could take a lickin and keep on tickin. Being able to dish it out AND take it are critical necessities for close air support aircraft. The "Thunderbolt" name was honoring the A-10's predecessor.

[@jamespawlowski4310]

Keep the A 10 in service as long as it is needed,, miss them here at Myrtle Beach AFB

[@williampaz2092]

We desperately need to re-open the A-10 assembly line and start building new technology, upgraded Warthogs!

[@johnwax8419]

The old A-10 Warthog is a winner, one tough old bird that's lethal to enemies!

[@tomw7220]

As a former Infantry Officer, I do not want the USAF to get rid of the A-10s. They are a life saver for combat troops on the ground.

[@JeffBrazeel-fe4wc]

The Wonderful Warthog ISNT GOING ANYWHERE! Love it! ARMY Veteran here.

[@wmden1]

From what I have seen on here, in magazines, and even a little on TV, the men and women who fly it, and the poor military grunts, on the ground, especially the ones who's lives were saved by it, love the plane. That is better than any kind of efficiency and practicality, military study. Leave it right where it is. Sometimes less is a lot more. I hope there is an infantry version of that 30mm Gatling gun. When an enemy hears and recognizes the A-10 moving in, they usually cancel their plans and leave, if they have time, is a pretty good indicator, also. Since studying both, a little, I have a soft spot for this plane and the British, wooden Mosquito, of WWII, because both have high success and survivor ratings for their pilots, and both are, and were Bad Assed planes.

[@scottsingleton8837]

The A-10 has always been my favorite airplane. Great video. Thanks

[@rnesr71]

The A-10 is my favorite a/c as well.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Same Here. 👍

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

HEY they didnt say anything about the wings being replaced with super upgraded materials and longer wing spans, The Super Wings,

[@brianschuetz2614]

I first saw an A-10 in the late 1980s when I was in the US Air Force, and it has been my favorite airplane ever since.

[@FlyoverTerritoryTN]

During my Army career, it was always a relief to know the pilots in their A-10's were on standby if things *really* dropped in the pot. They pulled my bro's bacon out of the fire more than once. As one Blackhawk pilot once told me, "She's a homely looking thing, but she gets the job done!"

[@arnourbatzka8143]

If you have the perfect tool to do a particular job, you keep the tool until the job no longer exists, but keep it in your toolbox in case the job reemerges.

[@majorhawker4776]

As a Grunt in Middle of the Desert, you slept better knowing either a pair of A-10s were above you or F-15s. I have met Pilots of both that flew air cover for us during Desert Storm. I couldn't thank them enough.

[@BW-dh7vf]

No way, that plane needs to be kept and perfected over more time. It is PROVEN and an undeniable asset worth it!!!

[@richrigney4610]

There still is NO replacement for the A-10 Warthog. I sincerely believe that those who are pushing for it to be retired are being bribed either by companies such as Lockheed Martin or other defense industry companies, or the CCP who doesn't want the United States to have such an outstanding close air defense platform. I spent 16 years in the USAF and 4 in the ANG. I worked on the A-10 at Moody AFB and the MI ANG in Battle Creek. It's simply not replaceable with anything we have built or designed today. Nothing else has all of its positive features, especially its survivability in a hostile environment combined with its weapon load out. The A-10 is simply a Beast.

[@michaelsmith7425]

Sadly I think your reference to those that can make money off replacing it, or those that fear it's abilities come chillingly close to the truth. As the saying goes "follow the money".

[@RC_Rosko461]

The A10 is truly the tank of the sky. This platform is one that needs to be kept for a long time into the future. Its armament is unrivaled even now. The 30mm GAU 8 is something else. It's one mamma jamma. Pilots can only sustain short bursts of the 30mm cannon. The recoil is so strong it can stop the plane's forward momentum. I was also stationed at moody in Valdosta GA where I got to see them in person and fall in love with this BADASS. I was amazed at how much damage one can take and still fly missions. The AGM 65 TV-guided missile was pretty awesome too. I am still an A10 (warthog or ThunderBolt) super fanboy and don't plan to stop anytime soon.

[@magnum6763]

Taking the survivability onion into effect, the A-10 will get seen, will get shot, will get damaged, will get shot down. A F-35 can do the same job with only getting maybe spotted. And thats a maybe.

[@klsc8510]

I miss the A-10s a Battle Creek!

[@Pudentame]

The Air Farce has NEVER been in favor of providing Close Air Support for the Army, but their dog in manger attitude won't allow the Army to have the aircraft to do it themselves.

[@user-vz4cn9oi4n]

R.I.P. Senator McClain And thank you for keeping the A10 in the mix

[@garycramer6469]

Most people don’t know how awesome the A-10 is, I was stationed in Germany and went to the heavy metal playground. Where I witnessed the A-10 cut down tress in a forest !!! One of the instructors said that a football field was grided out into 6 inch squares. An A-10 made 1 pass over it and let puff the magic dragon loose. There where at least 2 30mm rounds in each square, truly impressive!!!

[@yaboidre5672]

As long as the A-10 remains ahead of its own game, it's best we keep it for now.

[@Freedom2x462]

A10 was like a Jack of all trades! Don't retire them instead improve on them!

[@marcrud1250]

All infantrymen have strong feelings for the A10... Our enemies piss themselves while we cheer. It's a thing of beauty!

[@LesBowington]

I worked on the A10 structure test at Wright Patterson AFB in 1975-1977. I'm proud that shes still flying

[@josephpacchetti5997]

I've watched quite a few videos of this aircraft, and this is so far the most comprehensive, They should keep this excellent aircraft in service. Thanks for posting.👍🇺🇸

[@brealistic3542]

Your absolutely spot on.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

@@brealistic3542 Thank You.

[@RTS907]

Except it is all history, it has nothing to do with the upgrade, which is the title of the video.

[@dirtfarmer7472]

@@RTS907 Surprise, surprise, surprise

[@josephpacchetti5997]

@@RTS907 Opinions Vary.

[@joewhitney4097]

Great aircraft, keep it flying, keep it protecting. It truly is a War Hop.

[@richardhailey6568]

The A10 has proven its worth and should remain in service for as long as it is worthy. 💯👍🏽💪🏽

[@brealistic3542]

The a10 is a exceptional ground attack aircraft. The a35 or any other US aircraft can't match it. The only thing that could possably match it is a upgraded version of the A10 ! 😉

[@smokikee]

I used to think that the A-10 was a ridiculous looking airplane until I watched it perform at George AFB in Victorville. I was really impressed. Not by how fast it was but how slow it could fly. The plane looked like it was surfing on air. It could go slow in a straight line and then turn on a dime. It looked like fun to fly.

[@winoodlesnoodles1984]

There was a good sized hill near where I grew up. On more than one occasion I got to witness them doing map of the earth about 100 feet above the tree tops a. It was cool for a kid to see. Yes, the thing looks ugly, but it's effectiveness can't be denied and that is beautiful on its own.

[@kwonekstrom2138]

The A-10 is my favorite airplane. Everything about the appearance serves a purpose. Straight wings are good when you’re slow and low. The landing gear is visible to facilitate a wheels up landing. The engine and tail positions protect against IR weapons.

[@mlm32809]

It sounds like a buzzing saw amplified when that gatling cannon fires. And when your MOS/rating places you in ground combat the sounds of an A-10 are like being front row at the concert of your favorite band.

[@andrewsmith8729]

Australia should have tried to get their hands on some of these. That kind of fire support in the air is awesome.

[@rba5567]

I can still recall when I first saw the a10. It was a brand new aircraft and had a funky look to it. After I got to know the craft and even work on some of its avionics. That plane still impresses me to this day. Not many aircraft can lose half a wing and still make it home. It has an impressive and stellar record for being close ground support for our troops.

[@da7heaven]

Don't forget about the A-10 re-winging program also completed a few years ago. Adds many more years to the fleet life.

[@vfonte218]

As long as we have men and women fighting on the ground we need the A10 ! I don't think they knew how well it was designed and how important and impressive it has become.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

👍

[@magnum6763]

Look, i love the A-10, and specifically the man who designed it, who designed one of the best aircraft of WW2, the P-47. But its just outdated. And yea, the A-10 has loiter time, but in a hot war that wouldn't matter if it gets shot down whilst loitering. A fucking Igla took one of these down in the Gulf War. 1 Igla. These same weapons are taking out Su-25s, Su-27s, Ka-50s, and a bunch of other "tough" cold war equipment.

[@psijicassassin7166]

Stop gushing fanboi. That A-10 is only good in the desert. Try using that in Ukraine where it will be shot down by stingers in buildings long before it can spot tanks. Even drones can smoke that thing. Useless.

[@vfonte218]

@@magnum6763 we have better pilots and I think the A-10 is way better than the SU25

[@Skarry]

*on the ground, very far from the target that is clearly identifiable by the pilot.

[@rickywinchester3884]

When the "Warthog" arrived on scene it was truly an angel! Long live the A-10.

[@oldoutdoorsguy1157]

Being an early Vietnam veteran, I fully support all that has been said here about the fully proven and time-tested A-10, I was a weapons load crew chief on the F-102 Delta Dagger and we also carried a strong variety of weapons for the time period, although we were focused more on Air Intercept than CAS in the European Theater during the mid-60's. Regarding taking such an aircraft as the A-10 out of operation at the height of its career is simply a ploy by the big money guys to change a proven-beyond-a-shadow-of-a- doubt best CAS aircraft we have ever built into something which will cost 50 times or more to build and, at the end of the day, will probably end up being rebuilt a couple of times until they finally get it right! If one doubts the possibility of that happening, just glance back at the flight record and re-certifications of the F-35, which ended up being a near disaster before finally getting all of the "bugs" straightened out and costing the taxpayers more money than all of the Wart Hogs built in the last 50 years total!

[@michaelhowell2541]

Toughest bird ever built! Seen em make it home looking like a sieve! Any grunt will tell ya it's a lifesaver in close combat!👍✌️🖖🇺🇸

[@markej4801]

As a relatively inexpensive mode of CAS, there is no excuse to remove this platform from service. It has proven itself over and over and is a formidable asset to the troops on the ground. Upgrade them as needed, but don't give them up.

[@johnbuyers8095]

If it can fly, keep it in the air. This is a truly specialist aircraft that performs a role that no other can compete with.

[@brianfalls5038]

I was an A-10 crew chief for 2 years back in the early 80's at Davis Monthan AFB AZ. I can honestly say that it is a fantastic plane and extremely tough and I have been of the opinion that it would be a huge mistake for that plane to be decommissioned. The F-35 as far as I know is a great plane but for close air support role that it would be playing then I still think that the A-10 is better suited for that role. I "am" biased though. I've always loved that plane and considered it a real honor to work on it for the short time that I did work on it

[@all4myutube]

No, the agility and maneuverability is the one most outstanding feature of this aircraft that can’t be matched by any other. It is specifically suited for its role.

[@greyhoundollie]

I was in the air force when the A 10 went active. It didn't take a month before it was accepted agency wide. You know the part of the gun you see out the front of the plane is the smallest part of the whole damn gun. The gun is more than HALF the length of the plane and about 75% of the with of the fuselage. The drum that holds and dispenses the 30 mm ammunition is about the size of a volkswagon beetle.

[@danielwaters2132]

The A-10 is the most deadly ground attack system on the planet. It is the last thing an enemy would want to see and, for many, it is the last thing they see.

[@nativeson756]

Question......WHEN Will 'We' FINALLY [ACTUALLY] See the 'New and Improved' A-10?!?!?

[@BenTLH]

Old Saying; If it ain't broke, don't fix it!. And this definitely applies to the Warthog! Look at it's battle record. It's been a terror to enemy ground troops wherever it's been deployed. Retire the A-10? The B-52 will most likely be serving in the USAF and reach the century mark!. They should keep the Warthog in production and be planning for an even better upgrade or even a new CAS attack aircraft better than the Warthog, if that's possible. Fly-On A-10.!!

[@michaelsmith7425]

Totally agree with you Ben. GIven that it has proven itself for decades in many theatres it should be given a new lease of life with either upgrades or new guts. I am an aircradt engineer by trade and a pilot by career, most aircraft are life limited by their wingspars. A modern production line to give a life extension to this awesome aircraft would be worth every one of our tax dollars. New avionics and defence systems to the top of the line stuff would be great given where it operates.

[@magnum6763]

The A-10 hasnt been in production in like 40 years (i believe it was canned in like the 80s.) Its not worth it to restart a 40 year old production line. That would cost millions of USD, and the fact that modernizing a single A-10 costs about- 1 F-35 per A-10 modernized. And with multi role aircraft, a specialized subsonic strike aircraft is outdated and obsolete (See Su-25s performance in Ukraine compared to Su-27s and MiG-29s).

[@davidclissold4481]

I'm hoping to see it in Ukraine. Surprise.

[@stevelowry9127]

DON'T MESS WITH SUCESS ....For any past, current and future US Army infantry /Marine , man seeing the A10 backing you up is a blessing . So keep the A10

[@audigit]

The A-10 is the most formidable tank destroyer ever created, with a bathtub of titanium to protect it's pilot. It's an unrivaled product of engineering for it's task. Of course we should maintain its high standard and numbers to protect troops on the ground during conflicts!

[@hirameberhardt8643]

Russian tanks would not last in a fight...SWISS CHEESE a-la carte

[@michaelflyfisher5092]

We’d had a vacation home in Northern NH near Waterville, we looked across a valley to a mountain range. The a-10’s did practice flights up the valley, and one can never forget the sound of them driving up the valley a low’ish speeds. The sound of freedom!

[@paulwilson2561]

Years ago, I was working on th F 14 and had heard of some of the A-10 problems. I sure am glad no one in authority heard my ignorant comments. This is a real winner.

[@richardstupka9132]

No way! Saw it first doing passes over the Columbia River in 1979, and fell in love with the aircraft. Have heard nothing but good things about it throughout it's operational life. Why make an aircraft designed to take so much punishment and survive, only to shoot yourself by taking it out of service!

[@MrJLee-ri3so]

Politicians n upper brass might want something newer. B52 still in service too.

[@3o2Boss]

@@MrJLee-ri3so Indeed, and newer often does not mean better.

[@toddwebb6216]

hey fellow tricities man, I wish they could give the hog blanks so that we could hear the cannon rip.

[@prodigal1970]

The A10's have been running for a very long time, I remember seeing them as a private on Fort Hood doing bombing runs in the aircraft impact area during training sessions. This aircraft is made for the battlefield and has evolved right along with the US military to become a staple with doctrine and tactics. Not only does it provide air support but it is a force multiplier for us by trimming the battlefield of enemy tanks and hardware that grounders and armor units would otherwise have to contend with on their own. The developers and research teams need to come up with and expand upon the ideal of the armored attack aircraft all the while keeping this amazing design at the forefront for a brand new generation of warfare. The A10 is not only a lifesaver but a game changer.

[@larryking9951]

Anything that scares the hell out of the enemy......deserves to LIVE ON!!!!!

[@scottgamsnc]

As a ex Fairchild employee (fasteners), we were very proud! As an ARMY Dad now, profundity happy that the A10 protects him brrrrrrrrrrr brrrrrrrrrrr

[@cambium0]

Video has apparently nothing to do with the "Super A-10 Warthog" but is a very good doc on the original A-10

[@dmarquez1098]

Yea I agree.this video had nothing to do with a Super Warthog!

[@dusttoyou4550]

Like the B-52s, A-10s should easily be useful in to their 100th year.

[@scott7270]

The A 10 can and should be maintained and up graded until at least 2040. Its the workhorse of our ground support program. Also it is easily maintained, easy to work on and service. It operates in all weather.

[@michaelbarnes2142]

As a combat vet (Army) this plane is priceless for close missions! It would be foolish to remove it.

[@jb92563]

The A-10 fills a gap between Helicopter Gun ships, slow to get to a distant target and move vunerable over longer distances where the enemy knows your coming, and Faster Jets that are not agile, armoured or slow enough to provide close air support at significant distance from base. It fills a very essential roll and its battle proven to be very effective with great survivability in hostile environments. Seems like small contained wars requiring this sort of close air support will be predominant in the future.

[@robertrickett7816]

As a former grunt, the most beautiful sight you'll ever see is an A-10 coming to your rescue. Don't try fixing what works perfectly as is, you'll only get the ground guys killed, and without boots on the ground you can't win the war.

[@bob_greene]

they've also got a tight turn radius w/ a good pilot; it was impressive seeing maneuvers prior to my OIF deployment