What is ground attack aircraft used for?
attack aircraft, also called Ground Attack Aircraft, or Close Support Aircraft, type of military aircraft that supports ground troops by making strafing and low-level bombing attacks on enemy ground forces, tanks and other armoured vehicles, and installations.
What planes do air strikes?
Air strikes are commonly delivered from aircraft such as fighters, bombers, ground attack aircraft, and attack helicopters.
What is CAS military?
Close air support (CAS) is about providing airborne firepower for troops on the ground who may be operating in close proximity to the enemy.
What was the first ground attack aircraft?
British F.E 2b fighter
Appropriately modified, the British F.E 2b fighter became the first ground-attack aircraft, while Germany produced the first purpose built ground attack aircraft in the form of the Junkers J.I; the Sopwith Camel was another successful early platform.
What is the best close air support aircraft?
The best aircraft for CAS in the Air Force is not a multirole fighter. CAS is better pro- vided by a specialized aircraft with a mix of other specialized and multipurpose aircraft to support operations. At present, the best aircraft for CAS is the A-10.
How much does a US airstrike cost?
Each missile costs approximately $1.3m. This range implies that the aircraft may fire its payload while transitioning through friendly airspace, correlating to little or no threat to the aircrew.
What is offensive air support?
All support provided by an air force to the surface and maritime forces to further their actions. It does not include air defense or air cover, but it does include reconnaissance and strike missions. Offensive air support may be preplanned or immediate.
What’s the difference between a fighter jet and an attack jet?
According to the current U.S. designation system, an attack aircraft (A) is designed primarily for air-to-surface (Attack: Aircraft designed to find, attack, and destroy land or sea targets) missions (also known as “attack missions”), while a fighter category F incorporates not only aircraft designed primarily for air- …
Why is the a10 Warthog so popular?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions.
Does the Air Force provide air support?
A major function of the Air Force, which had been created in 1947, was “to furnish close combat and logistical air support to the Army.”