Military Aircraft that have been hard to replace

[michaelmaltby]

"... I don't think we'll ever see another aircraft quite like the A-10."
I share your admiration but the battlefield will be the test of your proposition.

 

[swampyankee]

Yeah I forgot about the Yankee model. Point still remains, a much more capable aircraft is available to replace it if the USMC chose to. It would not be hard to replace.

The largest user of the Huey, the US Army already replaced the Huey...

I may be slightly prejudiced here — I did aero at Sikorsky — but the Blackhawk is only faster, more crashworthy, longer ranged, quieter, and with a better payload than the Huey. The UTTAS program was probably the best aircraft procurement program during the Cold War; Boeing's entry was also a great 'copter.

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

I may be slightly prejudiced here — I did aero at Sikorsky — but the Blackhawk is only faster, more crashworthy, longer ranged, quieter, and with a better payload than the Huey. The UTTAS program was probably the best aircraft procurement program during the Cold War; Boeing's entry was also a great 'copter.

I'm biased as well. I crewed the Blackhawk for 6 years. It is an amazing helicopter.

 

[Glider]

I don't think that anyone has mentioned the F15. The premier fighter from the mid 70's until approx. 2012 when it started to be replaced. Look at it another way, its like dominating the air war over the entire WW2 and Korea in a Sopwith Camel.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Actually the A-10 i a good example. They keep trying to retire it but have to change their minds.