Will Any Aircraft Truly Match The Legacy Of The A-10 Warthog?

The United States Air Force’s (USAF’s) A-10 Warthog, originally intended for one mission – namely Close Air Support – has captured the imagination of Americans. The stories told of providing Close Air Support – and also aiding in forward air control – directing other air-to-ground platforms and certainly rescues of downed aircrew behind enemy lines – make clear the A-10’s ability and desire to get within eyesight of the soldier on the ground have made the A-10 legendary versus other platforms like the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Viper that mostly provide close air support at higher altitudes and train less frequently.