
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.--Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh wants a new manned close air support (CAS) platform when the service can afford it.Welsh said Tuesday, when the resources present themselves, the Air Force "clearly" should acquire a platform that is cheaper to operate, has better weapons capability, is more responsive, can operate in low threat environment and operate successfully. Welsh said the new CAS platform would operate as a "high/low" force mix. Those resources Welsh spoke about might not…