Although the A-10 is pretty slow, no helicopter will ever be able to respond as quickly as it can. Another thing to keep in mind is that although the Apache and other modern attack helicopters have impressive weapons loads, none of them even begin to compare to the massive amount of destruction that an A-10(especially the new upgraded A-10C) can bring down.
I think that the lack of export success for A-10s was probably more of a symptom of the percieved threats when it was offered for sale as opposed any shortcomings on its part. In the late 70s and early 80s, low intensity conflict against adversaries with very little if any airpower was not what people were preparing for. F-16s probably seemed like a better buy to most countries at that time. If the A-10 had been introduced more recently, I bet it would have done pretty damn well in the export market.
I think that the lack of export success for A-10s was probably more of a symptom of the percieved threats when it was offered for sale as opposed any shortcomings on its part. In the late 70s and early 80s, low intensity conflict against adversaries with very little if any airpower was not what people were preparing for. F-16s probably seemed like a better buy to most countries at that time. If the A-10 had been introduced more recently, I bet it would have done pretty damn well in the export market.
Comment