"Douglas Eagleson" wrote in message
oups.com...

KDR wrote:
Has any air force ever tried or practiced providing a consistent CAP
over a fleet by air-to-air refueling? I am wondering whether or not RAF
Tornado F3 units had ever done that.

I am an avocate of adding afterburners to the A-10 for just this
reason. A long duration of coverage is the defensive role.

A/B seldom improves on-station time. It improves speed (somewhat depending
upon the aircraft), acceleration, sustained maneuverability, climb
capability and ceiling. (Did I miss anything Ed?)

A five hour rotation is possible for the Warthog upgraded. A radar
targeted front cannon is real cool.

The gun is fixed. Radar would assist in determining a range solution.

Mach 1.5 is possible even for the odd shape. And this is enough for
coverage air to air fighting. A short evasive is the basic missile
defense.

The wing of the warthog has minimal (likely no) supersonic capability and
the odd shape and engine placement don't help either. I don't think it
could bludgeon through the number downhill with the F-22's thrust, much less
so with any realistic replacement for the current engines.

R / John