Clark Griswold
Supreme User
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Joined
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Nice My main quibble and the point(s) BURT made well in his article in support of the Rhino was the expeditionary capability inherent in it vs the -35 for a replacement if the AF wants to preserve the Attack community which I obviously support Changing the argument or adding to it should be the need for an AF expeditionary strike fighter focusing on the attack mission set. A force forward based to redeploy quickly to complicate enemy targeting and survive, to interoperate with the main branch leading the PACOM theater seamlessly, etc… Saving the Hog would be great but ultimately the mission and operational conditions have moved on and in particular the tyranny of distance necessitates new iron.
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Might already be operational https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-and-us-modified-f-35-jets-enable-iran-attack-without-refuelling-sources-say
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Wanna focus on that point, as with -47, range is key. Our recent experience with Iranian TBMs, drones, etc… I think reinforces that operating outside of the threat rings or with enough setback for warning/defense is paramount. That IMO drives a growth in size and logistical footprint (maybe) of any platform, so be it. With that in mind, I think that drives you back to the advanced rhino with CFTs and other updates, signature reductions, etc… If king for a day, rework the already strong wing and expand idea of enclosed weapons pods, fixing the 4 degree canting placement for drag reduction.
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https://www.twz.com/a-10-pilots-compelling-case-for-replacing-warthogs-with-super-hornets I found BURT’s argument persuasive and before I had read it I thought the Rhino was probably the right aircraft for the AF’s attack mission set with self escort capes. Just my two cents but I think a carrier suitable jet would have the trade space in weight / structural strength for mods to optimize for Attack while retaining true self defense capabilities. Delete or mod carrier landing gear, wing folding, etc… and methinks you could get more gas, armor, redundant or extra systems, etc…. also, with the original baseline Rhino being a carrier based fighter, it probably would be well suited for land based ACE expeditionary ops with mods, already has an APU for instance and has demonstrated road based dispersal ops.
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Interesting read https://theaviationist.com/2026/08/12/brrrrt-acts-plan-to-save-the-a-10s/ Just buy Superhornets and replace the venerable Hawg
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https://theaviationist.com/2026/08/04/exclusive-the-usaf-t-1a-jayhawk-poses-for-its-final-air-to-air-photo-shoot/
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They (the left, globalists, etc…) either don’t care, don’t think it’ll backfire or are so stupid they think they can play with fire and not get burned. I’ve followed it a bit today, of the 60k that crossed about 48k have returned to Morocco but it’s still a mess and very tense. Borders and enforcement allow for stability and control, with that you can make rational, moral policies consistent with the right combination of self determination and reasonable humanity towards foreigners. Choir preaching but needs to be said apparently as the leaders of Spain are determined to test that hot stove theory yet again.
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Commute worthy read Our Generals Are Not Even Good at Tactics: A Hard-Hitting...Until we do, our generals will continue to fail us — not because they lack technology or tactical drills, but because the system that produces them was designed for a different war and century.Not 100% on board with the author’s assertions on the current state of the GO ranks / Officer selection and career path planning, he’s probably 2/3rds right but worthy points.
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Super Typhoon https://www.twz.com/air/germany-unveils-latest-tranche-4-eurofighter
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Maybe… https://theaviationist.com/2026/07/16/first-customer-next-gen-catalina-flying-boat/
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Ultimate TMAAT vignette…
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Rog, just another idea from moi, I’m not adamant about it per se but in this particular case I see a reason for it. I argue for it as I see it along with a revitalized training fleet as part of what I call strong pilot culture. Just from the outside, it seems to be eroding a bit.
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I’m sure they would have an ADSC from UPT, as to UPT I believe it’s a one shot deal in the AF at least for performance problems if removed from training
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I see the justification for a stand alone program as these cso/wso’s are being recruited specifically for the -21, UPT is already very busy and this program would help justify a companion trainer program for that platform. I imagine the recruitment for this will be as you said high speed low drag guys and an opportunity to go to an elite assignment with a unique training pipeline will only increase the pool of applicants, giving them the picks of the litter. There’s a cohort of guys / gals that for whatever reason didn’t get a pilot slot at their commissioning source but went wherever, this second shot with a direct path to the -21 I think would motivate a lot of people to work hard, compete and bring a strong candidate to them.
