The venerable A-10 has formed the backbone of USAF CAS operations for over four decades, and Congress, in a recent vote of confidence, wants to extend its life expectancy by at least another four years. Which leads to the question: what will eventually replace the Warthog when the coffers run dry? Minnesota start-up, Stavatti, thinks it has the answer, with its low maintenance Machete ground attack aircraft. Offered up in two versions – the SM-28 would be propeller-driven while the SM-29 would boast a single jet engine – the Machete would, according to designers, still be wrapped around the GAU-8 30-millimeter Gatling gun, which spits out a stream of uranium depleted slugs to destroy ground targets, along with multiple hard points enabling it to carry all sorts of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. For more information on this potential A-10 replacement, take a stroll over to this site: https://warisboring.com/this-weird-little-company-wants-to-build-the-next-a-10-bdfc0bda2b15#.cnvnsudak
Anatomy of War
Anatomy of War: Military Aircraft Markings
Every so often we come across some helpful information on the web that might be of use to both historians and collectors alike as they delve ever deeper into our hobby. One such topic is military aircraft markings, always a fascinating segment of the air war over Europe and how it evolved over the course of time. The Calgary Mosquito Society recently posted an intriguing video on YouTube that discusses some of the markings and insignia used by both the Allies and Axis powers on different parts of their aircraft. Enjoy!