It could, and should have carried on with all the ANG units for a few more years at least, it's perfect for the ANG and Reserves as they keep their personnel and the knowledge base to operate the aircraft to its full potential. I guess drones are advancing so much now they will be best for highly contested battle spaces but as yet they can't do CAS like the A-10 can where you need eyes on a moving, close proximity enemy. Hey I'm just a enthusiast and can't pretend to know much but I've talked to many A-10 pilots and spent time on the range with J-ATACS and their argument to keep the aircraft is pretty convincing.
A-10 has considerable operating environment limitations. It's only applicable now to "low and moderately contested airspace." In "highly contested" airspace, A-10 gets smoked. The comparison tests that have been released to the public only compare the two in low and moderately contested airspace. No question, A-10 holds its own and is a far cheaper solution for the police wars of the past 35 years. But, that isn't the defense scenario you plan for the future.
The compromise (traditional US defense policy) has been to go the hi-tech, expensive (per unit) route, with F-35 stretched into multiple roles, as the F-16, F-18 and F-15 were eventually (all fighters, that added bomb truck variants). At least F-35 was designed as an attack plane from the beginning.
Most of the problem with CAS hasn't been the weapons themselves but the traditional 'difficulties' with command & control system coordination between services (both technical and institutional cooperation). You can argue that having a dedicated USAF CAS aircraft like A-10 "forced" better cooperation and integration.
I grew up near the A-10 factory and love the design as an aircraft, but, its usefulness is becoming narrow. People have a hard time getting their heads around F-35. It's (mostly) an invisible attack aircraft. And, that MFer kills in ways you didn't know you could die.
Totally agree, but I'd argue conflicts that the A-10 would still be viable for won't go away, look at how Iran's air defense systems were rendered useless by the IDF in a few short days, if it were to escalate into a ground war like Iraq then the A-10 would have a field day. I guess the air force have decided they can't afford the luxury of a dedicated CAS force but the Hog is bought and paid for, with a few good years ahead and compared to the operating costs of the F-35 (and mission readiness!) it's a bargain.
But there you go, it's a decision they've made weighing up all the pros and cons I'm sure. Lets hope they don't regret it one day if N. Korea crosses the border for example.
The F-35 is a great airplane but is dogged by software issues and the AF have cut the buy next year in half to use the funds to fix the upgrades first, along with cutting 21 F-15Es and 62 F-16s they're asking for trouble down the line.
Through a series of events that are too convoluted to bore you with, looks like Mike B and I will be flying new Mavic 4 Pro's starting tomorrow. Evaluations to follow. I want to put mine under a glass case, but Mike is shaming me into putting it to work.......
JWilsonphoto wrote:
Through a series of events that are too convoluted to bore you with, looks like Mike B and I will be flying new Mavic 4 Pro's starting tomorrow. Evaluations to follow. I want to put mine under a glass case, but Mike is shaming me into putting it to work.......
Oh nice Jim, it's next on my list. Been flying my 3 almost every weekend.
Be curious to see how the camera and quality is and the distance you get with it.
Been mileage testing as well between the mini 4 pro and the mavic 3 pro.
DJI store in NY had some a few weeks ago I almost bought one but waiting for more reviews to come out and get some good feedback. You and Mike will be perfect for that. Good luck and have fun.
I am 75% sure I will go to photograph the DC 4th of July fireworks from Virginia site. I just read that the "Midnight Hammer" team (F-22, F-35 and B2) will have a flyover, this was just announced yesterday. I haven't been able to find the time of the flyover yet.
Some shots of the B-2s I took over the last 15 years. I have seen it 5 or 6 times. It gave me goosebumps every time. Hard to believe this is 40-year old technology.
NIKON D810150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3 lens600mmf/8.01/1500s280 ISO+0.5 EV
NIKON D500150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3 lens480mmf/7.11/1600s1100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON D500150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3 lens220mmf/5.31/1600s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-1FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens441mmf/7.11/2500s320 ISO+1.3 EV
ILCE-1FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens600mmf/6.31/4000s500 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-1FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens600mmf/6.31/5000s500 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-1FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens600mmf/6.31/2000s500 ISO+1.0 EV
ILCE-7RM4FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens315mmf/6.31/1600s125 ISO0.0 EV
Canon EOS 5D Mark IIIEF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens400mmf/7.11/640s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON D500150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3 lens360mmf/6.01/1250s100 ISO-0.3 EV
Danpbphoto wrote:
Stunning photography as always Douglas!
Hope the weather is great and the timing is right for you to "catch" the flyover!
Enjoy!
Dan
Uh oh Douglas....a Nikon??
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Ttown Aubie wrote:
Superb work Douglas!
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KevinJacksonUK wrote:
Great B-2 shots!
Thank you all gentlemen!
Dan, I started to shoot DSLR, I started with Canon. I had various Rebel bodies, 7D, 5RII and 5RIII. When Nikon came out with the 36 MP D800, a lot of people praised its dynamic range vs. Canon's. I sold my Canon stuff to move to Nikon. It wasn't hard since I didn't have that many lenses back then. I had various Nikon full frame bodies and the APS-C D500. I started to move to Sony mirrorless about 12 or 13 years ago. The Nikon D500 was the last Nikon body I sold before I was 100% in Sony. Then about 18 months ago I dipped my toe back into Nikon because of their 600 f4 with the built-in TC. It's such a great feature but I am too old to learn to shoot two systems so I sold my Nikon Z9, Z8, 800mm PF and the 600mm f4 TC. Now I have a Sony A1 and an A1II. A couple months ago I bought a used Canon R5 to convert into an infrared camera. I only have a Canon EF 16-35 f4 and an RF 20mm for infrared photograph. So I am kind of in Canon water too.
JWilsonphoto wrote:
Through a series of events that are too convoluted to bore you with, looks like Mike B and I will be flying new Mavic 4 Pro's starting tomorrow. Evaluations to follow. I want to put mine under a glass case, but Mike is shaming me into putting it to work.......
It’s a sad state of affairs when Jim and I get the same toy (tool) and both of us have been too busy to explore it’s full potential. Jim is off jet skiing in Florida so FedEx is keeping his safe. We both opted for the Creator bundle knowing in a couple months they’ll have paid for themselves. I’ve had it in the air once here at the house and already excited to see what I can produce with it. PM me if you are looking to buy and I’ll give insight into how and where to get unobtainium here in the US. Jim acts timid around the drones but has actually become quite fearless and you see some of the work he is producing.
On the A10 subject some of you may remember I had the privilege years ago of working on a remote project in Alaska where we had A10’s doing live fire four days a week. Very impressive to watch. Makes you tremble when the Gatling gun goes off. On a side note, they shoot spent uranium ammo which really messes you up when scanned at the airport. I tested positive for explosives and almost missed my flight from Portland back to Fairbanks.
Douglas L wrote:
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Thank you all gentlemen!
Dan, I started to shoot DSLR, I started with Canon. I had various Rebel bodies, 7D, 5RII and 5RIII. When Nikon came out with the 36 MP D800, a lot of people praised its dynamic range vs. Canon's. I sold my Canon stuff to move to Nikon. It wasn't hard since I didn't have that many lenses back then. I had various Nikon full frame bodies and the APS-C D500. I started to move to Sony mirrorless about 12 or 13 years ago. The Nikon D500 was the last Nikon body I sold before I was 100% in Sony. Then about 18 months ago I dipped my toe back into Nikon because of their 600 f4 with the built-in TC. It's such a great feature but I am too old to learn to shoot two systems so I sold my Nikon Z9, Z8, 800mm PF and the 600mm f4 TC. Now I have a Sony A1 and an A1II. A couple months ago I bought a used Canon R5 to convert into an infrared camera. I only have a Canon EF 16-35 f4 and an RF 20mm for infrared photograph. So I am kind of in Canon water too....Show more →
The "Canon water is warm" brother! Welcome to the "pool"!
Have fun tomorrow!!
Dan
MBrewington wrote:
It’s a sad state of affairs when Jim and I get the same toy (tool) and both of us have been too busy to explore it’s full potential. Jim is off jet skiing in Florida so FedEx is keeping his safe. We both opted for the Creator bundle knowing in a couple months they’ll have paid for themselves. I’ve had it in the air once here at the house and already excited to see what I can produce with it. PM me if you are looking to buy and I’ll give insight into how and where to get unobtainium here in the US. Jim acts timid around the drones but has actually become quite fearless and you see some of the work he is producing.
On the A10 subject some of you may remember I had the privilege years ago of working on a remote project in Alaska where we had A10’s doing live fire four days a week. Very impressive to watch. Makes you tremble when the Gatling gun goes off. On a side note, they shoot spent uranium ammo which really messes you up when scanned at the airport. I tested positive for explosives and almost missed my flight from Portland back to Fairbanks. ...Show more →
"MB"..I believe I spoke to the fact that in Maryland , Aberdeen Proving Grounds in NE Maryland has a "live fire" range for tanks, "dustbusters", artillery and some slower moving jets as the A10. Years ago I was on the dirt road and I hear the growl of a "gattling gun", crested the hill and by gosh there were 2 A10's shredding the "dummies" on the range!
Impressive to say the least!
Now I expect to be seeing some great images from your experiences with your new toy Mike!
Dan
Oh man! I didn't get serious with airshows before the Tomcats stopped flying here,. I have never seen one in the air, may have to go to Iran to see one if they had any left. I knew a Taiwanese guy who went to Iran for an airshow last year, he got some shots of the F-14s.
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Danpbphoto wrote:
The "Canon water is warm" brother! Welcome to the "pool"!
Have fun tomorrow!!
Dan
Thank you Dan! I still can't find the time for the flyover in DC. I will probably arrive at the Netherlands Carrion location before 4:00PM to take up a spot for the fireworks. Hope the flyover will be after 4:00.
Douglas L wrote:
Oh man! I didn't get serious with airshows before the Tomcats stopped flying here,. I have never seen on in the air, may have to go to Iran to see one if they had any left. I knew a Taiwanese guy who went to Iran for an airshow last year, he got some shots of the F-14s.
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Thank you Dan! I still can't find the time for the flyover in DC. I will probably arrive at the Netherlands Carrion location before 4:00PM to take up a spot for the fireworks. Hope the flyover will be after 4:00.
Thank you so much Dan!!! Hmmm... If they are flying over Arlington towards DC, the Netherlands Carrion will be the wrong spot then! I need to rethink this, maybe I will skip the DC fireworks this year and head over the Ft. Mchenry. Or, if it's allowed, I will stand on the Arlington Memory Bridge to shoot the flyover, then head back to the Netherlands Carrion to shoot the fireworks!
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