Attack aircraft A-10C will undergo new upgrades

According to the current plans of the US Air Force, the Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft will remain in service until 2030-35. In order for these aircraft to maintain high efficiency in line with the requirements of the time, various modernization options are offered. The update to Suite 9 was done last year, and the new Suite 10 will begin rolling out next year.

Requirements of the future

Just a few years ago, the Air Force, the Pentagon and Congress were deciding whether to abandon the A-10C attack aircraft. This technique was considered obsolete and unusable in the future. For several years, it was proposed to write off all Thunderbolts-2, and transfer their combat missions to F-35 Lightning II fighter-bombers. However, an equivalent replacement failed, and the A-10C was left in service.

According to recent calculations, the A-10C can remain in service until the thirties. However, this requires maintaining their technical readiness, as well as regularly carry out upgrades to expand capabilities and improve performance. Several updates have been completed to date, the most recent of which is known as Suite 9 ("Package 9"). Now on the agenda is the development of the next packages with numbers "10" and "11".

The main requirement for new projects is to increase the survivability of the aircraft over the battlefield. It is necessary to develop new controls and elements of the sighting and navigation complex (RNC), which will allow the attack aircraft to identify risks in time and avoid them. We also need new tactics of use and a wider range of ammunition, including highly effective modern and advanced models.

Right now, the 40th, 59th and 422nd Test Squadrons, as well as the Air Force Reserve Command and the National Guard Test Center, are doing the necessary research and testing. The development and testing of new tactics for the work of attack aircraft is being carried out. For example, the possibility of reducing the working heights above the battlefield without sacrificing survivability is currently being tested. Also tests are carried out weapons, not yet included in the attack aircraft ammunition.

The latest update

Last year, the integration of the Suite 9 update was completed. It included several new RNC features needed to improve combat effectiveness and reduce risks to friendly troops. Thus, a new function of automatic reception and processing of digital data on the position of an advanced ground gunner has appeared. The information is displayed on the pilot's general map and is taken into account when generating data for the use of weapons. This eliminates the possibility of hitting your own.

For the pilot in Suite 8, a new helmet with a helmet-mounted target designation system HObIT (Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tracker) is intended. It differs from the previous Scorpion helmet with increased accuracy of head tracking.

PRNK received the function of attacking several targets in one combat run. The complex collects target data and calculates the possibility of dropping several guided bombs of the same type without changing course and re-targeting. With one press of the combat button, the pilot can drop up to six weapons, one for each target.

Future features

In the spring of 2021, it is planned to start the implementation of the new "Package 10". The effect of this upgrade is expected to be comparable to the transition from the A-10A to the A-10C. Provisions are made for the next update of the PRNK, the improvement of communication and control facilities, the refinement of the weapons complex, etc.

The function of attacking multiple targets in one combat run will be improved. Due to the new software, they will provide the ability to use weapons of three different types in one strike. Full integration of GBU-31 (V) 3 JDAM guided bombs is offered, allowing you to use the full potential of this weapon. The introduction of guided missiles AGR-20 APKWS - a guided modification of the old unguided Hydra 70 - will be completed.

Thunderbolt-2 aircraft with up-to-date service packs have a set of sensors to detect threats. Suite 10 will provide an exchange of threat intelligence. Each attack aircraft over the battlefield, having identified one or another dangerous object, will automatically report it to other aircraft. This will increase the unit's situational awareness and reduce the risks associated with enemy countermeasures.

Currently, test squadrons and plant suppliers of units are testing new systems in the conditions of airfields and ranges. In the coming months, these works will be completed, and the modernization of aircraft in combat units will begin next year.

Suite 11

Already now, before the end of testing Suite 10, development work is underway on the next package No. 11. In this project, the main focus is on the cockpit equipment and, accordingly, on the comfort of the pilot. The central block of analogue instruments will be replaced by a multifunctional FullHD display with a diagonal of 11,6 inches. For its full use, new mapping software will be introduced. Voice communications are enhanced with XNUMXD sound.

PRNK will receive anti-jamming satellite navigation equipment. The integration of new types of weapons and the improvement of existing functions are expected. The ARC-210 multifunctional communication system will be modernized.

It is expected that the Suite 11 update will allow 3-4 times to increase the probability of hitting a target with one aerial bomb. In addition, the joint work of attack aircraft and interaction with ground units will improve. The risks for the aircraft in a difficult combat situation will also be reduced.

The timing of the completion of work on the 11th package has not yet been specified. At the same time, it is argued that new "flexible approaches" are used in its development, thanks to which it will be possible to speed up the work. Probably, the upgrade to Suite 11 will have to start after the completion of the re-equipment of the equipment according to the previous project.

Today and tomorrow

More than 280 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft currently operate in the United States. More than half of this equipment is listed in the combat and test squadrons of the Air Force, and the rest belong to the Reserve Command and the National Guard. This technique is actively used in combat training events and regularly undergoes the necessary maintenance.

The FY2021 defense budget reduction of expenses for such a park is envisaged. In this regard, the Air Force will have to withdraw from service 44 A-10C aircraft - the equipment of three squadrons. It is curious that at the stage of discussions in Congress, such proposals were criticized. Legislators demanded to keep the attack aircraft in the ranks. It is possible that the current plans to extend the operation could lead to the cancellation of the cuts.

In parallel with the operation, serious measures are being taken to update the aircraft. So, in recent years, the wing has been replaced with an extension of the resource and service life. In addition, "batch" updates are performed. At the same time, "Thunderbolts-2" do without replacing engines and general aircraft systems. Also, the built-in cannon remains in its place - one of the main features of this attack aircraft.

To date, the US Air Force has abandoned the idea of ​​decommissioning the A-10C aircraft and transferring their functions to other equipment. They will be kept in service for the maximum possible time, and for this special approaches and methods of modernization are being developed. It is expected that these measures will allow the A-10C aircraft to operate for another 10-15 years without any loss in efficiency. The next modernization will start in just a few months, and soon the combatant pilots will be able to evaluate its results.

Comments

[Asad]

It was not so long ago! Nice plane, but better to write it off for scrap. And then they will give the neighbors!

[Revolver]

Quote: ASAD

It was not so long ago! Nice plane, but better to write it off for scrap.

This Obama crap wanted to write off, and if they elected Clintons, then that would have ended. But they chose Trump.

Quote: ASAD

And then they will give the neighbors!

Do not be afraid, they will not give. They have not been delivered to anyone and are not going to, neither Israel, nor the Saud, nor even NATO members. And even more so to Russia's neighbors.

[times]

Quote: Nagan

They have not been delivered to anyone and are not going to, neither Israel, nor the Saud, nor even NATO members. And even more so to Russia's neighbors

But if Russia were offered several pieces, we would not refuse. Can you tell the locals there

[Revolver]

So Russia has a Su-25 Grach close to the TTD, and the infrastructure has already been sharpened for it, but it must be created from scratch for imports. Although I still like the A-10 more.

[times]

Quote: Nagan

I still like the A-10 more

Yes, the plane is good.

[Sergey_G_M]

Not a bad proven plane and will still serve.
But still, its time is passing, it can be upgraded further, but only with an increasing amount of information (especially about three targets in one run and different weapons), the plane will sorely lack the second crew member (as on the Su-34 navigator-operator), but here already modernization will not do.

[Revolver]

Quote: Sergey_G_M

the plane will sorely miss the second crew member (as on the Su-34 navigator-operator)

The navigator operator can sit on the ground and press buttons in real time. In fact, even with the current level of technology, the pilot can be landed remotely.

[times]

Quote: Nagan

with the current level of technology and the pilot can be landed remotely

Already. In the last year, the topic of UAV has been at the top in the news

[Ka-52]

Americans extend the operation and modernize the battlefield attack aircraft, the aircraft of the 70s developed.... This is how many templates are torn in one phrase then there is silence in the comments, the "experts" rummage through the manuals, looking for blanks
on the other hand, the sofa strategists have walked through our technique without pity: Tu95 is old - we must write off. The Su-25 is old, ineffective - it must be written off. Su-24/34, helicopters in a crowd - the last century, not effective, UAVs rule ...

[Sergey_G_M]

And they will not speak. The B-52 is even older flying dinosaurs, and this does not bother anyone. People are limited by training manuals, but they do not have about it.

[Diverter]

wait. when they receive instructions - read it)

[Cowbra]

Judging by the persistent modernization of the A-10 and the resumption of purchases of the F-15, it came to the most square-headed that the F-35 would NEVER pass state acceptance.

[Revolver]

Quote: Cowbra

even the most square-headed ones realized that the F-35 would NEVER pass state acceptance

Already passed. He just did not quite live up to those promises that he was a fighter of conquering air supremacy, and an attack aircraft, and what else is there, and all in one bottle. To approach the target imperceptibly and strike is what he knows best, and the Jews have already demonstrated this more than once in Syria and, it seems, in Iraq. Most likely, it will justify itself in aerial combat, because the enemy will see a missile approaching him before the F-35 who fired this missile. And hanging over the battlefield and supporting ground forces is never about the F-35. But the A-10 can do it, and, moreover, the best.

[Cowbra]

Status - "limited combat capability", the military state acceptance was overwhelmed last time a year ago. According to the results, 11% of the fighters were fully operational, aircraft from three countries, including Dutch and British, participated in the acceptance. It lasted from February to October. It is PURCHASED but NOT ACCEPTED. Saw cut

[SovAr238A]

Quote: Cowbra

Judging by the persistent modernization of the A-10 and the resumption of purchases of the F-15, it came to the most square-headed that the F-35 would NEVER pass state acceptance.

In 2023, all acceptance will be together with package 4.

[Cowbra]

Quote: SovAr238A

will

There will be a cartoon! And now there are fairy tales! Are you Nostradamus to tell you what will happen? Only here in the Pentagon the guys are smarter - they realized that NIFIGA will not be, therefore they repair the A-10 and buy the F-15

[SovAr238A]

Quote: Cowbra

Quote: SovAr238A

will

There will be a cartoon! And now there are fairy tales! Are you Nostradamus to tell you what will happen? Only here in the Pentagon the guys are smarter - they realized that NIFIGA will not be, therefore they repair the A-10 and buy the F-15

You apparently never managed the production process. We never planned production and never developed a technological map.
Also, apparently, work with the search, hiring, personnel management - passed you by.

Explain.
First of all.
There are certain rules in the management of the vehicle fleet.
And they are 100% related to the aircraft fleet, tank, ships.

So.
The first problem
The production capacity, which even if it reaches a peak of 200 units per year, will fulfill orders at this rate for almost 15 years.
The production process is completely subordinated to the economy and the cost of the product at the exit.
Because. that very highly qualified employees with very high competencies are needed, for example, in the production of avionics.
There are very few of them on the labor market and it is very difficult to take them out of nowhere.
There are simply no such employees in the labor market.
This is a very narrow qualification.
The same applies to the production of engines and the assembly of the aircraft in general.
Aircraft manufacturing is not the easiest area of ​​production.
It is the same with equipment for production sites.
And the sites themselves.
And the equipment for the production of emitters for AFAR costs a lot of money.
And in all chains of production of military components - all equipment is piece. It is very expensive.
Accordingly, it will not work to take and increase the production of aircraft by 2 times, simply at the request of any Kovbra. No way.
For it is necessary to multiply all the costs of production facilities, which, having worked for 7 years, will remain with 70% of the saved resource and will never be used again.
And even more so to find twice as many highly qualified employees.
Even if they grow up in a year or two the required number of highly qualified but highly specialized specialists, spending colossal money on training, then what to do with them in 7 years? Throw it out on the street so that they would completely lose all their qualifications there?
They don't even do that on decaying capitalism.
A qualified resource is highly valued everywhere.

The second problem.
Training of BAO maintenance personnel.
An airplane is not only a carcass.
This is also the entire infrastructure for him. Diagnostic complexes. A stock of consumables for performing only routine maintenance (there is no talk of repair work yet). The same ladders for pilots.
It is also necessary to train many specialists in the maintenance of this type of aircraft. Send everyone to training at once? From all over the country? Those. to stop operating the existing aircraft ... After all, everyone will go to their desks - to study. And where to get so many highly qualified instructors for training mechanics?

The third problem.
As our military doctors wrote, only 25% of the available pilots of fourth-generation aircraft are fully prepared to fly fifth-generation aircraft.
Only 25%.
Those. of the existing roster of fighter pilots, only a quarter is capable of efficiently flying a new aircraft.
What to do with the rest of the pilots ("who did not fit into the market") if we reset the old fleet of aircraft at once?
Farther.
Pilots who need to be trained for 4 to 7 years.
There are not so many people in the world who want to become military pilots.
And about 75% of those who wish are eliminated.
And among the rest, there will also be a corresponding percentage of "worthy" ones ...
Those. knowing the approximate release of US aviation academies, we get an annual figure not exceeding 250 pilots for the F-35.
And how many years will the new airplanes have to stand idle until they finally put the pilot, the green youth, who has just left the school desk?

This is where the park management rules are.
You can never do anything at once.
All the time you need to do it gradually.
Because resources. whether human, industrial, or financial are always limited.

That is why the A-10 is kept so that both the pilots are in business and the technicians are in action.
And so that there would be time and F-35 planes to build quietly without haste, and to prepare pilots without haste.
For the same reason, the F-15 and F-18 are kept in new versions.


By the way, have you ever wondered why a series of 76 Su-57 fighters will be built for 10 years?
Yes, for the same reasons. which is described above by me.
It's just that we have the same thing, but in the appropriate proportion.


Think about what I wrote. It may come in handy for your next inventions.

[Cowbra]

The answer is - being a chemical technologist at a research institute, I am this process
a) Implemented from design documentation to metal
b) Implemented at a specific plant
c) Based on a strict time frame.
-------------
S F-35:
a) Starting from that. that already in the design documentation lay a lie, that the F-35 is the 5th generation (there is no cruising afterburner in principle)
b) Curved design documentation. not confirmed even by calculations shoved into the model
c) The model has not passed the R&D stage (Research work), but it has not passed the R&D stage. Nobody checked whether the coverage was visible or not - it turned out to be visible, or how it leads to supersonic - it turned out to be flying off, and so on over 700 points
d) The raw model without R&D was put on the assembly line, which logically caused a collapse of critical errors.
------------------------
That is why the model, in principle, will never go through state acceptance - mistakes at all stages and an attempt to sew the sleeve to the codpiece to cover the patch - causes the next hail of errors. And the number of shortcomings is not decreasing all the time, only growing.
--------------
In total, there is a fact - the F-35 was not accepted for service.
The second fact - the planes that he was supposed to replace - go back to modernization and production.
Fact three - the Pentagon knows about them more than you do, nevertheless see fact two.
Conclusion: Don't sculpt a humpback, it's funny to read

[SovAr238A]

Quote: Cowbra

The answer is - being a chemical technologist at a research institute, I am this process
a) Implemented from design documentation to metal
b) Implemented at a specific plant
c) Based on a strict time frame.
-------------
S F-35:
a) Starting from that. that already in the design documentation lay a lie, that the F-35 is the 5th generation (there is no cruising afterburner in principle)
b) Curved design documentation. not confirmed even by calculations shoved into the model
c) The model has not passed the R&D stage (Research work), but it has not passed the R&D stage. Nobody checked whether the coverage was visible or not - it turned out to be visible, or how it leads to supersonic - it turned out to be flying off, and so on over 700 points
d) The raw model without R&D was put on the assembly line, which logically caused a collapse of critical errors.
------------------------
That is why the model, in principle, will never go through state acceptance - mistakes at all stages and an attempt to sew the sleeve to the codpiece to cover the patch - causes the next hail of errors. And the number of shortcomings is not decreasing all the time, only growing.
--------------
In total, there is a fact - the F-35 was not accepted for service.
The second fact - the planes that he was supposed to replace - go back to modernization and production.
Fact three - the Pentagon knows about them more than you do, nevertheless see fact two.
Conclusion: Don't sculpt a humpback, it's funny to read

After reading you, I realized that (as I assumed) you have never been to a manufacturing facility. never managed the production process.

And a chemist-technologist at a research institute is an ordinary laboratory assistant ...
Those. zero. even without a wand.

[Cowbra]

Quote: SovAr238A

And a chemist-technologist at a research institute is an ordinary laboratory assistant ...

Understood you. you have never even come close to developing anything. And the F-35 is not a developed and not put into operation unit, which failed at the stage of development, not application. And the laboratory assistant is a technical, not a research assistant, for the future. And TECHNOLOG is responsible for implementation in production. Not an administrator. Not a personnel department and not a storekeeper. On the part of the administrators, in order to explain on your fingers how to a manager, the F-35 is like the Moscow mayor's office will release 500 buses onto the line, which, in principle, do not pass technical inspection. What the hell is it that their oxen are pulling, but there are no brakes? Ride jo!

[Mister X]

For a pilot in Suite 8 a new helmet with a helmet-mounted target designation system HObIT (Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tracker) is intended.
Author: Kirill Ryabov

Package number error.
Suite 8 was released in 2017.
Consisted of:
1) Operational Flight Program (OFP) - operational flight plan.
2) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) - Combat search and rescue operations.

[Maxim_ok]

Old school and hardcore. A very charismatic plane. It’s right that we didn’t. there is no other aircraft capable of providing effective direct support to ground forces. and his seven-barreled cannon ...

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: Maksim_ok

Old school and hardcore. A very charismatic plane ... and its seven-barreled cannon ...

You should have heard her threshing, like Anisimov's song - like in a tin can with a hammer... This machine cannot be discounted for a long time ...

[psiho117]

Quote: Pete Mitchell

You should hear her threshing

There is a version that the warthog was called for his terrible "Brrrrrt", and not for the look

Here's a great video compilation with great sound (and no dumb music).

[Pete mitchell]

That's exactly how it is brrrrt
I had a chance somehow to give the clear hot command, it was nice to know that you were on the sidelines. The dream of an aircraft controller: to fight only on a clear day on flat terrain with well-discernible markings, preferably bright red
GAU-8 is certainly something. True, wherever they were used, the radio background was not according to Feng Shui

[psiho117]

Quote: Pete Mitchell

wherever they were used, the radio background was not according to Feng Shui

Rather heavy metal contamination rather than happy. background
The background of depleted uranium is rather low - after all, that is why it is depleted

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: psiho117

heavy metal contamination

Probably your wording is more correct and the Serbs, Afghans, Iraqis will agree with you.
And by the way, GAU-8 penetrates the turret of the tank - I saw it with my own eyes, after it gave clear hot on air ...

[Boris Chernikov]

like any attack aircraft, a good and effective machine .. but we must admit that his time is running out

[Lontus]

Remove the heavy (almost 2 tons) GAU-8 / A (or install a lighter cannon).
Add weapon operator.
With the same dimensions and less weight, the most effective carrier of guided weapons UO will turn out.
The mass reserve can be used to increase the combat load, or to improve the booking, although it will not be particularly necessary in the new role of throwing the AO from a great height and range.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Lontus

Remove the heavy (almost 2 tons) GAU-8 / A (or install a lighter cannon).
Add weapon operator.
With the same dimensions and less weight, the most effective carrier of guided weapons UO will turn out.
The mass reserve can be used to increase the combat load, or to improve the booking, although it will not be particularly necessary in the new role of throwing the AO from a great height and range.

And why then upgrade the A-10 at all? If you need to work exclusively with the UO, then it is easier to write off the A-10 and replace it with the F-35. As previously planned.
The fact of the matter is that the Air Force, to work in low-intensity conflicts, still needs an aircraft of close support, which can operate as a cannon in the zone of fire of the enemy's cannon air defense.

[OgnennyiKotik]

Quote: Alexey RA

And why then upgrade the A-10 at all? If you need to work exclusively with the UO, then it is easier to write off the A-10 and replace it with the F-35.

A few points:
1. F35s produce 140-160 units per year, the required number of aircraft will be built in 10-15 years (in general, the program is designed until 2037) First of all, the more "tired" and outdated F16, F / A-18C / D, Harrier are changing ... Patching holes, in the American sense of "holes". It is necessary to maintain the resource and modernize it until the turn has come for replacement.
2. The economic question. The logistics, storage and disposal of "dumb" bombs and missiles exceeds the cost of purchasing "smart" ammunition. In some cases, securing a full stockpile of dull bombs to complete a task is simply not possible.
3. The economic and political losses from the downed A-10 with an old MANPADS surpasses all modernization programs.

[IS-80_RVGK2]

So I look at the cost of an A-10 and F-22 flight hour and a dog surrenders to me somewhere. Chasing Aboriginal people with the F-35 is very expensive.

[Alf]

Quote: Lontus

Remove the heavy (almost 2 tons) GAU-8 / A (or install a lighter cannon).
Add weapon operator

Where to stick the operator? Redo the fuselage?

Quote: Lontus

(or put a lighter cannon).

GAU-8 was made on the basis of the destruction of tanks, what will a light cannon give?

[WapentakeLokki]

... an operator - well, instead of GAU .., but ... there will be plenty of places there ..
... a light cannon ... why do we need GAU now ... where are there tanks on the battlefield now (against which it is advisable to release a manned A-10 and not a UAV) .. and for a confident defeat it is necessary to approach MIN 1.5-2 km ..

[Alf]

Quote: WapentakeLokki

against which it is advisable to release a manned A-10

Isn't Cheburashka manned?

Quote: WapentakeLokki

well, instead of GAU .. it is, but ... there will be plenty of places ..

Will the operator have to lie in the middle of the fuselage? Original ...

[Lexus]

Will the operator have to lie in the middle of the fuselage?

Ave, Alfus! , if only in place of the cartridge drum, in the "fetal position".
In fact, a suicide bomber, because you have to forget about the ejection seat.

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: lexus

if only in place of the cartridge drum, in the "fetal position".
In fact, a suicide bomber, because you have to forget about the ejection seat

You are something today completely "out of sorts", before talking about anything or at least looked at the wiki, no one suggested? Sparka A-10 was created, but they decided to do without it; 355TRS is doing just fine without it. Cool water ...

[Lexus]

Before signing up for prompts, read the branch, not the wiki. I can’t everyone personally, separately, explain the same thing 20 times.

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: lexus

I can’t explain the same thing to everyone personally, separately, 20 times.

Sorry, but you have one problem in everything, please dismiss your explanations, it's not even funny. Have a nice day

[Lexus]

Pfft ... that's nice ... mutually!

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: lexus

.. well, fine...

And besides blaming the VHC for all the troubles and poking the minuses, they can offer something else Or is it hard to agree with clear hot? Ha ha three times

[Lexus]

The headquarters of the Supreme Command was during the Great Patriotic War. Today the first letter can be safely replaced. And who would open his mouth about the minuses, just not the "Order sisters" with half-mast ... "flags". To agree with their representatives means to slide down to their level. This is not for me.

[Pete mitchell]

You know, I have repeatedly raised the question - so that the Order should be officially returned, so that everyone waving rainbow flags would not strain - sheer diarrhea.

Quote: Pete Mitchell

please dismiss your explanations, it's not even funny. Have a nice day

Read that you can understand? Go away ...

[Lexus]

so that all those waving rainbow flags do not strain - continuous diarrhea.

The fact that you no longer control yourself and wave "flags" is not to me.

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: lexus

and waving "flags" - not to me.

Do not flatter yourself - you are not a reason for me to exert myself even minimally. Follow the grammar, do not fuss ... what is difficult without the Order? To moderators

[psiho117]

Quote: Lontus

Remove heavy GAU-8 / A

It's impossible. In fact, this is not an airplane carrying this gun - the entire A-10 is flying cannon... It is integrated too deeply into the design - it is unrealistic to remove it.
And it is not necessary, actually ...

where tanks are now encountered on the battlefield, against which it is advisable to release a manned A-10

I cited the video above - so there is not a single fact of use against armored vehicles, but a bunch of examples of work at the request of the infantry, the destruction of fortifications, the shelling of houses with militants, etc., right up to "combing green hair".

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: psiho117

the whole A-10 is flying cannon

Believe me, those for whom she works - impressions are enough for a long time, it's scary. I would argue that this device cannot be discounted for a long time.

[Normal ok]

Old people were written off early. What was invented during the Cold War cannot always be surpassed now. The level of tension dropped, followed by a drop in competence. So that the old gelding "will not spoil the furrows (I drive the old" gelding "))

[garm]

Against this background, the modernization of the SU-25 looks pale.

[Diverter]

the Pentagon is a very corrupt structure, however, like the rest of America. It is necessary to give a bribe to whomever it is necessary to remove this plane from service.

[Left shot]

Maybe I, but I don't understand how the F-35 replace the A-10