"The roles are identical. Both aircraft provide Close Air Support. However,
the capabilities of an attack helicopter are different."

In what way?

"Hiding for example. A helicopter hides by hovering low behind some trees, or
by actuall landing in an open field. The A-10, since it must keep moving,
would hide by flying low behind a ridge or hill. Helicopters are not as
survivable as the A-10. One or two hits on a helicopter will generally
cripple it, whereas the A-10 was designed to take hits. In Viet Nam, aircraft
were hit quite a bit, so survivability was an important factor. Also, the
A-10 can carry more ordnance. Helicopters carry about 2,000 lbs. The A-10
can carry 15,000 lbs."

The F16 is a ground attack aircraft, what's the difference between the A-10's
role and the F16's role?

"The F16 is a fast aircraft. It is used for deep interdiction strikes into
enemy territory -- taking out a bridge behind enemy lines, for example. It
can get in, strike, and get out. The A-10 can fly much slower than the F16.
This is essential for Close Air Support. A-10 pilots can operate in a dynamic
environment, where targets are moving rapidly and are well camouflaged. An
A-10 pilot can spot a ground unit, identify it, wheel about, and destroy it.
An F16 wouldn't even know it was there.

What would a typical mission consist of?

"In an actual war, say in Central Europe, an A-10 pilot would go out and fly
low to a contact point. At the contact point,the pilot would talk to a ground
commander, who might say 'Four enemy tanks were spotted in the open moving
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