A-10 Warthog: Whats The True Cost Of This Military Beast

The A-10 Warthog, officially known as the Thunderbolt II, is a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft designed to provide close air support (CAS) to ground forces. The A-10 has been a staple of the US military's arsenal since its introduction in the 1970s, but what is the true cost of this military beast?

The A-10 Warthog was designed to be a highly effective and durable aircraft, capable of withstanding significant damage and continuing to fly. Its unique design features, such as its straight wings and high-mounted engines, make it an ideal platform for providing close air support to ground troops. However, the A-10's true cost goes beyond its initial purchase price.

Development and Production Costs

The A-10 Warthog was developed in the 1970s by Fairchild Republic, with the first production contract awarded in 1973. The initial production run of 715 aircraft was completed in 1984, with a total cost of around $2.5 billion. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to around $7 billion in today's dollars.

However, the true cost of the A-10 program extends far beyond the initial production costs. The aircraft has undergone numerous upgrades and modernization programs over the years, including the installation of new avionics, engines, and armament systems. These upgrades have added hundreds of millions of dollars to the overall cost of the program.

Operating and Maintenance Costs

In addition to the initial production and upgrade costs, the A-10 Warthog also has significant operating and maintenance costs. The aircraft requires regular maintenance and repair to ensure its continued airworthiness, which can be a costly endeavor.

According to the US Air Force, the A-10's operating and maintenance costs are around $18,000 per flight hour. This may seem like a relatively low cost compared to other military aircraft, but it adds up quickly when considering the thousands of hours that A-10s fly each year.

Upgrades and Modernization

Despite its age, the A-10 Warthog remains a highly effective and relevant aircraft, thanks in part to numerous upgrades and modernization programs over the years. These upgrades have added new capabilities and technologies to the aircraft, extending its service life and ensuring its continued relevance on the battlefield.

One of the most significant upgrades to the A-10 was the installation of the Precision Engagement (PE) kit, which added advanced targeting and navigation systems to the aircraft. This upgrade allowed the A-10 to engage targets with precision-guided munitions, significantly improving its effectiveness in combat.

Other upgrades have included the installation of new engines, avionics, and communication systems, all of which have contributed to the A-10's continued airworthiness and effectiveness.

A-10 Warthog Upgrade Costs

The cost of upgrading the A-10 Warthog has been significant, with some estimates suggesting that the total cost of the PE kit upgrade alone was around $1 billion. Other upgrades, such as the installation of new engines and avionics, have added tens of millions of dollars to the overall cost of the program.

Retirement and Replacement Costs

Despite its continued relevance, the A-10 Warthog is eventually set to be retired from service, with the US Air Force planning to replace it with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. However, the cost of retiring the A-10 and replacing it with the F-35 will be significant.

The F-35 is a highly advanced and expensive aircraft, with a total program cost estimated to be around $1.5 trillion. While the F-35 will undoubtedly provide significant capabilities and improvements over the A-10, its cost will be a major burden on the US military's budget.

F-35 Replacement Costs

The cost of replacing the A-10 Warthog with the F-35 will be significant, with estimates suggesting that the total cost of the program could be as high as $1.5 trillion. This includes not only the cost of purchasing the aircraft themselves but also the cost of developing and integrating the necessary systems and infrastructure to support the F-35.

Conclusion

The A-10 Warthog is a highly effective and durable aircraft that has played a significant role in the US military's arsenal for decades. However, the true cost of this military beast extends far beyond its initial purchase price, including significant operating and maintenance costs, upgrade and modernization costs, and eventual retirement and replacement costs.

As the US military continues to evolve and modernize, it is essential to consider the true cost of its military programs and to ensure that the resources allocated to these programs are being used effectively and efficiently.