Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!cbnews!cbnews!military
From: henry@zoo.toronto.edu (Henry Spencer)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: A10s used to rescue down pilots
Message-ID: <1991Jan27.095911.21956@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 27 Jan 91 09:59:11 GMT
References: <1991Jan24.043443.25667@cbnews.att.com> <1991Jan25.025858.7930@cbnews.att.com>
Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker)
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
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Approved: military@att.att.com



From: henry@zoo.toronto.edu (Henry Spencer)
>From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)
>  ... The A1E Skyraiders
>  (Sandy) were ideal for this mission - lots of loiter time, lots of 
>  ordnance, and lots of old pilots flying them ...
>  A-10s would seem to be ideally suited for supporting SAR missions - slow,
>  lots of loiter time - good mix of ordnance.  

Indeed, the A-10 evolved out of a requirement that was originally conceived
of as sort of a twin-turboprop Skyraider.  Two engines for resistance to
battle damage, and turboprops for the same reason (turbine engines are much
more durable than piston engines) plus compatibility with jet fuel.  Turned
out that high-bypass turbofans looked better than turboprops in the end.
-- 
If the Space Shuttle was the answer,   | Henry Spencer at U of Toronto Zoology
what was the question?                 |  henry@zoo.toronto.edu   utzoo!henry