[CMSMC]

One of the big issues I have with the AF over the years is the reluctance of the fighter world to acknowledge the CAS mission. I spent my year in VN with a TACP and have been around many grunts who’ve had CAS save their bacon. The A-10 was built specifically for that mission and does it well. While they are not stealthy and would have to rely on other fighters to get and maintain air superiority there is not another aircraft since the A-1E that can come close to filling that role.

[Snickering Hound]

One of the big issues I have with the AF over the years is the reluctance of the fighter world to acknowledge the CAS mission. I spent my year in VN with a TACP and have been around many grunts who’ve had CAS save their bacon. The A-10 was built specifically for that mission and does it well. While they are not stealthy and would have to rely on other fighters to get and maintain air superiority there is not another aircraft since the A-1E that can come close to filling that role.

Air Force was seriously pushing the F-35 as an A-10 replacement.

No, really...

[TomServo]

Yup - totally agree. No appreciation for the ground pounders.