C_A_M_2015_05_

asymmetric insurgent targets, which must

be engaged as they emerge, and before they

can melt back into cover — or the cover

provided by civilians in urban areas. Despite

upgrades, the modern A-10C inevitably lags

behind a platform like the F-35 in the ability

to detect and identify targets autonomously

in all weathers, and this can lead to lost

opportunities with fl eeting targets.

In any situation where the A-10C could

survivably undertake the kind of missions for

which it was designed, so too could a range

of attack helicopters and lighter, cheaper

counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft. And,

in many respects, aircraft like the Embraer

A-29 or the Beechcraft AT-6 may represent

a more appealing option than an A-10C.

Signifi cantly cheaper to purchase and to

operate, these modern COIN platforms tend

to be equipped with integrated electro-

optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sensor turrets — the

A-10 uses the Litening or Sniper targeting

pods with a ROVER downlink, plus the

Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL)

that integrates USAF CAS aircraft with the

digitized battlefi eld. The fully-integrated

sensors of something like an A-29 or AT-6,

plus the ability to carry a dedicated sensor

Down in the weeds — the A-10’s natural

home. Designed for tank-busting, the

‘Warthog’ has only brie y engaged in this

mission for real. USAF/A1C Ryan Callaghan

An A-10C wheels

overhead battle tanks

as the pilot practices

stra ng. Jamie Hunter

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34-37 A-10 Opinion C.indd 36 19/03/2015 10:29