A-29 Super Tucano: The Powerhouse Replacement for the A-10 Warthog?

[rangerrebew]

National Interest
 
A-29 Super Tucano: The Powerhouse Replacement for the A-10 Warthog?
Story by Harrison Kass • 17h •


Summary and Key Points: The A-29 Super Tucano is considered a possible replacement for the A-10 Warthog due to its low cost and weapon versatility.
 
-However, designed as a trainer and for counter-insurgency operations, the A-29 lacks the A-10's hallmark features, such as the massive gatling gun and rugged design.

-Despite its high survivability and use by multiple air forces, the A-29 is unlikely to fully replace the revered A-10 in close air support roles.
 
A-29 Super Tucano: A Viable Replacement for the A-10 Warthog?
 
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/a-29-super-tucano-the-powerhouse-replacement-for-the-a-10-warthog/ar-BB1oF7jO?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=ebf5d97ce6c243f7aeef5a8c7067efb5&ei=24

[rangerrebew]

It seems to me the military has become super cost conscious since Uncle Joe decided to foster parent the rest of the world, like they have money being diverted to other places.

[PeteS in CA]

The A-29 has been in consideration to some degree since ~2009, and some have been bought, under the designation A-29, for testing. That's about it.

Various nations with small regional air forces have used the Super Tucano for light attack use. Among those was Afghanistan, whose A-29s were captured by the Taliban (whether any are still operational, ).

[Hoodat]

The A-29 has been in consideration to some degree since ~2009, and some have been bought, under the designation A-29, for testing. That's about it.

Various nations with small regional air forces have used the Super Tucano for light attack use. Among those was Afghanistan, whose A-29s were captured by the Taliban handed over to the Taliban as a free gift by Joe Biden.

There, fixed it.

[GtHawk]

Simple question, if this is going to replace the Warthog is there any comparable protection for the pilot built into it or is just good luck Sam hope the ground forces shooting at you miss?

[PeteS in CA]

Simple question, if this is going to replace the Warthog is there any comparable protection for the pilot built into it or is just good luck Sam hope the ground forces shooting at you miss?

While there probably is some protection for the pilot, the A-29 is a light attack plane, so the protection is probably less. The A-29 is also ~70 mph slower, so its time of exposure to AA would be longer. The A-29 carries less weight and types of munitions. The engine placement of the A-10 minimizes the exposure angles to the engines for AA fire, while the A-29's single engine is its nose. The A-29 does have a HUD with a 2-pane combiner, as does the A-10. However, the A-10 Projection Unit also includes a back-up to allow the pilot to deliver his "eggs" if main power to the displays system goes out. I wonder if the A-29 has a similar back-up targeting system. The A-10 PU also has a night filter to reduce visibility from the PU of the plane at night. Is it obvious that I used to test and align A-10 PUs and learned somewhat about the plane while at a former employer?

The A-10 was designed in the early 1970s, but it's still very robust, probably more so than the A-29.

[GtHawk]

While there probably is some protection for the pilot, the A-29 is a light attack plane, so the protection is probably less. The A-29 is also ~70 mph slower, so its time of exposure to AA would be longer. The A-29 carries less weight and types of munitions. The engine placement of the A-10 minimizes the exposure angles to the engines for AA fire, while the A-29's single engine is its nose. The A-29 does have a HUD with a 2-pane combiner, as does the A-10. However, the A-10 Projection Unit also includes a back-up to allow the pilot to deliver his "eggs" if main power to the displays system goes out. I wonder if the A-29 has a similar back-up targeting system. The A-10 PU also has a night filter to reduce visibility from the PU of the plane at night. Is it obvious that I used to test and align A-10 PUs and learned somewhat about the plane while at a former employer?

The A-10 was designed in the early 1970s, but it's still very robust, probably more so than the A-29.

So short answer is that in no measurable way can the Tucano replace the Warthog in it's most important role of ground support for soldiers?