Picky, Picky, Picky. ;^>
OK, fixed wing combat aircraft. Satisfied now, Colnel Billy Mitchell?
Obviously you're right (and more knowledgable about this than I am, though I love the design of the Bronco). Point still stands, though.
I wasn't trying to be picky, just trying clarify things. I agree with your point though on why the AF is probably going with the VSTOL F-35. They hate having an aircraft that has no other role than to support ground-pounders. Even though the pilots that fly it swear by it.
Even so, the Warthog will be around for a while yet. They AF committed to a major upgrade program for them. Besides, before the AF will be allowed to get rid of them, they will have to prove that the F-35 can do what it does as well as the A-10. The Warthog has too strong a following.