Friday, May 1, 2015

The U.S. Air Force's A-10 Will Fly Another Year

An A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft pulls up sharply out of a low-level strafing run during a combat search and rescue demonstration at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Oct. 4. The digitally upgraded A-10 is equipped with satellite-guided precision weaponry and advanced communications data links for transferring information with ground-based warfighters.(Photo: Tech Sgt. Parker Gyokeres/Air Force)


The House Armed Services Committee voted early Thursday morning to keep the A-10 attack jet flying another year, as the panel marked up its 2016 defense policy bill.

An amendment, proposed by Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), would prohibit the Air Force from taking any moves to retire the plane, something it has been trying to do for several years under budget constraints.

The amendment passed by voice vote after emotional debate by members of the committee, particularly military veterans on the panel, who argued for and against keeping the plane, which is designed to support ground troops in battle.

Update #2: House panel blocks A-10 retirement -- Air Force Times
WNU Editor: The plane definitely has its supporters.

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