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Mission and flight conditions will define allot.
With the A10 having the Short Field Capability (below 8000Ft RWY length) and or a mission where Ingress and egress speed needs to be on the higher end of its ability. The last thing you would want to do is Weigh the aircraft down. When for example playing rope a Dope with a Triple A or SAM site. Other examples would be Airfield altitude above sea level and temps.
Mission and logistics determines allot more than per say the capability of the aircraft. Each mission is planned with the terrain, weather, distance, enemy locations and weapons systems we expect to encounter in mind, and tailored to give us the maximum advantage and flexibility in determining the route and the type of flight. NOE is very intense and wears a pilot out much faster than typical straight and level flight, so we would save it for when it was necessary. this goes for the aircraft fatigue as well.
In the 15E world we have a good Weight Lifting capability, but you need some runway Length to do it safely, Sometimes you cant have both (full Fuel or Full Bombs) and a tanker needs to be close by so that you can top off your tanks before heading to the battle space.
When you start aski8ng aircraft to fly higher and essential out of the norm of its Cold war traditional operating envelope, you have drag and density issues to deal with to avoid surface threats etc.
personally id rather have the aircraft meet its full potential and utilise more aircraft with a lighter load.
It doesnt help having the max load and being asked to do something that puts the aircrew and aircraft at risk.
No aircraft flies at max capacity during combat.
"The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies, to chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth, to see their near and dear bathed in tears, to ride their horses and sleep on the white bellies of their wives and daughters."
-Genghis Khan
Edited by - thebigthug on Apr 27 2005 07:04 AM
_________________ \"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. \"
George S. Patton
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