Super Tucano. Two .50 cal machine guns and 3300 lbs on 5 hardpoints. 800 mile range.
Skyraider. Four 20mm cannons, 8000 pounds on 15 hardpoints, 1300 mile range.
Not even close to a substitute.
And for extra fun, the good ol’ Warthog. A 30mm gun from hell, 16,000 lbs on 11 hardpoints, and super long legs and loiter. With refueling, it can get ridiculous.
The obvious conclusion, the government does not care about effective CAS.
“With refueling, it can get ridiculous”
ROFL! I’d love to see that in the official specs!
Specifications:
Range: With refueling, it can get ridiculous.