Let's Go! Aerospace — Fall 2024 OCT | NOV | DEC Edition | Page 17

Get ready to experience the jaw-dropping firepower of the A-10 Warthog in action !
The slow speed combined with the A-10 ’ s tendency to fly close to the ground makes it an easier target for direct enemy fire . If it wasn ’ t that sheltered , it wouldn ’ t be functional or safe enough for combat use .
Sadly , the A-10 ’ s time seeing combat is nearing an end , with the U . S . military retiring the warplane to accommodate the more advanced threats we might see nowadays .
The A-10 ’ s slow movement speed and high maintenance cost have made it hard to argue it ’ s the best choice in this generation , especially considering it takes a long time to reach targets . Even with the bittersweet retirement of such a well-known jet , we can still look forward to what ’ s expected to come . So far , it ’ s rumored ( but not confirmed ) that Embraer ’ s EMB 314 Super Tucanos will begin to replace the A-10 fleets , since they have a more modern design that
could still perform the jobs needed in a more advanced battlefield .
Don ’ t worry , if you are hoping for a chance to see these A-10s , there are still places you can do so . This year is the last year that the demo team is performing , but that doesn ’ t mean that this is the end . The A-10s are expected to be in service until around 2030 , and after that , there are many aerospace museums or shows where you could see these planes .
FALL 2024 — ISSUE NO . 08 17