US Air Force A-10s, a B-52, and Predator UAVs helped provide close air support to coalition forces engaged by enemy forces in the vicinity of Orgun-E, Afghanistan, on Dec. 21. The A-10s strafed enemy positions and launched general-purpose 500-pound bombs. The B-52 fired precision-guided munitions. The Predators fired Hellfire missiles.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.