re: #297 Feline Fearless Leader

My question regarding the A-10 is whether the fixed-wing GS plane still requires being built around a 30mm tank-killer cannon. Given the accuracy of JDAM or laser-designator bombs and the widespread availability of MANPAD systems has the support role moved to a higher altitude and thus no longer needs to be centered around the cannon armament?

It’s still one of the premiere GS platforms, but could it be partially redesigned to be even more effective in the current day military environment?

You could make an argument for changing or even deleting the gun armament. However the ability to go low, slow & still be highly survivable is the most important part of the CAS mission and the part that the AF hates the most.

The biggest problem is that appropriate drones will not have the payload capacity in the near term for CAS though we will be able to replace the F16 with air to air drones if we build some now as a stopgap and stop wasting money on the F22/F35 boondoggles. But CAS will still need larger aircraft and the local pilot to move mud appropriately.