It looks like the B-21 will be revealed on December 2nd.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-sp...f-b-21-spotlight-northrop-grumman-plans-first
https://aviationweek.com/defense-sp...f-b-21-spotlight-northrop-grumman-plans-first
Maybe. Stealth aircrafts are stealthy by combining many different tricks, including high-altitude. So I'm not sure how stealthy an A-10 could be. I remember being quite excited about the stealthy Comanche helicopter but they dropped it.... Now we need a stealthy A-10.
We need a close support aircraft that is more high-tech to keep the Air Force interested. I am not sure how the airforce could think the F-35 and F-16 could replace the A-10, but they are doing it. Unfortunately, it will be to the detriment of the ground pounder.Maybe. Stealth aircrafts are stealthy by combining many different tricks, including high-altitude. So I'm not sure how stealthy an A-10 could be. I remember being quite excited about the stealthy Comanche helicopter but they dropped it.
We need a close support aircraft that is more high-tech to keep the Air Force interested. I am not sure how the airforce could think the F-35 and F-16 could replace the A-10, but they are doing it. Unfortunately, it will be to the detriment of the ground pounder.
Here's what I'd go by at this point (CAS = Close Air Support):
"But would an F-35 be survivable enough to withstand incoming small arms fire like an A-10 can? Given its range and the fidelity of its sensors and precision-guided, air-to-ground weapons, the F-35 may never need to be as close to its targets as the A-10. Moreover, the F-35’s sophisticated navigational prowess and impressive speed may mitigate any risk of incoming ground fire. But is the fighter jet’s coating, built with survivable composite materials, able to withstand small arms fire in the event that the aircraft needs to fly close to the ground? These questions have not yet been answered. Until they are, it is unclear whether the F-35 can truly supplant the mighty A-10. However, there is reason to believe that, given the opportunity, the F-35 fighter jet could be a great asset for the U.S. military’s CAS mission."
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/can-f-35-stealth-fighter-replace-10-warthog-201577
To stay on topic, there is also the question of numbers. The B-21 is smaller than the B-2 but is also cheaper. That helps with total number which also matters.
The B-52 will remain in service for the foreseeable future. There is a major mod planned to replace the engines with four modern high bypass turbofans.We will see. Unfortunately, we will not know until there is another CAS requriement.
On the Raider, I am glad it is cheaper. It is also slated to replace 3 bombers - B2, B1, and B52. I am not sure it will be enough to replace the B52. I think they have decided to keep the B-52 and the B21.
The B-52 will remain in service for the foreseeable future. There is a major mod planned to replace the engines with four modern high bypass turbofans.
I agree, but for different reasons. Whether it was the A10, Spector, Apache, or Mini Bird with a Mini Gun, I felt comfort at the sound of those guns bringing the punch to the enemy.I selfishly don’t want the A-10 to ever be retired. A-10’s frequently do training flights here at the lake. Brings a huge smile to my face and makes my heart beat faster every time a pair of them do a low fly by.
looks sleek.Flyby by a B-52, a B-1, and a B-2.
Classy.
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Soon as the plastic model kit comes out I'm adding it to my stealth collection.
Hmm, you have gone too far.
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