Really what the A10 needs is newer engines and sensors. The engines are an old design, and parts are expensive. If they could use something from a newer plane, that would be a huge lifespan extension.<p>A10s do have glass cockpits now, but the main thing they lack is FLIR. The apache longbow is a deadly night hunter for this reason. If the a10 could be fitted with decent thermal, hyperspectral, or camera systems it would be the deadliest ground attack aircraft in the US Arsenal.<p>Everyone likes the dog on the F-35, but it is important aircraft. The thing that sets it apart is it sensor array. There is no other attack fighter like it, even the F-22.<p>My final thought is that the Air Force should hand off close air support to another branch of the military, or create a separate branch altogether. They hate the job, and it&#x27;s not sexy in the Air Force to be a close air support pilot.