The United States began the replacement of attack aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt II

The U.S. Congress officially launched the process of replacing the legendary assault aircraft a-10 warthog. According to the magazine popular mechanics, the legislators voted for the first tranche of $400 million for the purchase of new light aircraft support in the framework of the oa-x. Today, the U.S. Air force have only one aircraft in direct support of infantry – a-10 thunderbolt, also known as the "Warthog" (warthog).

These aircraft have repeatedly extended the term of military service, and some of them will remain part of the U.S. Air force until 2022. Since equivalent replacement well-armored and well-armed attack aircraft a-10 was not developed, instead the us department of defense is planning to adopt a light strike aircraft. Attack aircraft a-10 thunderbolt ii. At the "Position" of the aircraft combat support of the U.S. Air force claimed four of the machine: the textron scorpion, embraer a-29 super tucano, air tractor at-802l longsword and beechcraft at-6 wolverine.

The us air force has already conducted the first phase of testing of these aircraft in august this year and even proposed in the experimental procedure to engage the beechcraft at-6 wolverine and embraer a-29 super tucano in real combat conditions. Just for the U.S. Air force plans to buy around 300 light aircraft worth up to $1. 2 billion. Light attack aircraft textron scorpion. The military department has yet to determine the final contender for the purchase. The purchase of new aircraft due to be held next year as the first phase of funding will start in the 2018 financial year.

In the us air force indicate that the new aircraft will allow you to effectively use aircraft in conflicts of low intensity with minimal costs. So, if an hour flight of the f-35 is estimated at $42 000, for the textron scorpion, this amount will be only $3000, reports "Warspot".