“But what is the deal with the over-priced F-35 that just doesn’t work in many scenarios?”
We don’t know how well it will do, as it’s not yet operational. I’d rather have seen more F-22s bought (and a naval version), especially since they turned out to cost about the same as the F-35 per copy. That said, we’re fully committed to the F-35 at this point. It’s also too bad that the second engine program was cancelled, it was designed for more output.
I’m hopeful that the F-35 will end up being highly effective in the end.
“The above aside, I can’t understand why the A-10 Warthog is going away with its amazing ground support.”
I posted about that on this thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3324556/posts
In short, the A-10 is obsolete and there are better alternatives.
Sorry, didn't want to take the time to search the URL provided for your reply. No air support expert, but I have read many times that the grunts swear by the A-10. Please provide me with "alternatives".
I know about the "Spectre", but it is a slow moving higher altitude gunship for fire-power over a broader range, where the Warthogs can come in fast and low and surgically devastate with their guns. Then again, what do I know? Thanks for any info.