The Air Force has chosen three aircraft designs that might replace the A-10 Warthog. The Air Force hopes the OA-X program will lead to smaller, lighter airplanes. Plane capable of providing air support in low-threat conflicts.
All three Aircraft will fly this Summer at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
WHat is OA-X, or “Observation, Attack, concept?
The OA-X, or “Observation, Attack, concept,” envisions a small, nimble airplane that can carry a large payload of sensors and weapons.
Flown by a pilot and copilot/observer, the small plane could carry out strike and close air support missions in support of ground troops.
OA-X is seen as half of a two airplane solution for eventually replacing the A-10 Thunderbolt. OA-X is a smaller, cheaper plane that would thrive where the air defense threat is limited to shoulder-fired missiles and machine guns.
Following are the Three-Light Attack Planes that Might Replace A-10 Warthog
1) AT-6 Wolverine
The Wolverine is a descendant of the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, a trainer used by the Air Force and Navy. The two-person Wolverine features new engines delivering nearly 50 percent more horsepower, a glass cockpit, 7 wing hardpoints for weapons and sensors, color and IR cameras, a laser designator, laser illuminator, and laser rangefinder.
2) A-29 Super Tucano
The A-29 Super Tucano is a Brazilian-designed aircraft. Designed by Embraer. Like the AT-6, the Super Tucano is also a two-seat turboprop aircraft, and aviation authority Robert Dorr posted a detailed comparison of the two planes last year.
3) Textron Scorpion
The third contestant is the Scorpion. A self-funded project from Textron AirLand, the Scorpion is the only jet in the competition. The aircraft has six external hardpoints and an internal payload bay, with a total weight capacity in fuel, weapons, and sensors of close to 10,000 pounds. The Scorpion is also affordable, costing only $3,000 an hour to fly.
Let’s See which aircraft Airforce will buy to replace legend A-10
