“I’m not so sure the A-10 would be “toast” as you say. However, I would very much like to see what could be built on a clean sheet of paper with the lessons learned from the A-10. Otherwise, the A-10 is a flying tank that has great loiter time, firepower and survivability for its pilot and itself. Still...I bet we could do even better! A faster A-10?”
Imagine yourself in a low, slow A-10 coming in for a strafing run...then four shoulder launched AA missiles are streaking in from all around you.
It’ll be a nice memorial service.
The current solution is a minimum altitude of 10,000 ft. The other option, 25 feet off the deck, is practical for helicopters but not for jets.
Even 70 ton ACTUAL tanks are vulnerable to shoulder launched missiles. There is no such thing as a “flying tank”. There are somewhat more durable airplanes.
Read the reports from those who ask for CAS or want an FAC on station. Bombing from 10,000' isn't what they are asking for. They seem to like having the A-10 around.
The only thing A-10 seems to lack is speed. One thing it does have is a proven track record of doing the job and getting its pilot back home.