[supermanfan]

The above comment is remarkably uninformed, though par for the course on HN.

Loiter time is extremely important for ground support. Otherwise the enemy just waits for the F-35 to fly over.

And reliable means dispatch rate, not losses, especially for tiny fleets (under 200) like the F-22.

[stouset]

This requires the enemy to realize there’s an F-35 even coming. At distances and altitudes an F-35 is going to engage in CAS from, they might as well be invisible.

I’m not saying that loiter time isn’t important. It is. But it’s not as important as arriving sooner, employing more ordnance faster, avoiding killing friendlies, and not getting shot down. All of which the Warthog are objectively terrible at. And if you do need that extra loiter time, there’s always aerial refueling.

[supermanfan]

Again, this is nonsense since the F-35 will never be flown at low altitudes for CAS since the Air Force won't risk their fighter pilots.

Also, aerial refueling can only be done away from the battlefield where the tanker is safe.

[baud147258]

I think the poster above implies that the CAS will be done from high altitude using guided bombs and missiles.

[stouset]

Correct. The irony is that the GP claims I'm uninformed, but is apparently completely unaware that the USAF already has their fighter pilots performing CAS with the F-15E (Strike Eagle) while the Navy does so with the F/A-18E/F (Super Hornet). It's true that the Air Force won't risk their fighter pilots, which is why this happens fast and at high altitude, and this exact same same reasoning is why the Air Force is retiring the A-10C.

Furthermore, if combat is happening in an area too unsafe for tankers to operate nearby, your Warthogs won't be operating there either.

[baud147258]

Thank you. Also thank for all the info you wrote on the CAS A-10 vs F-35 debate here, you changed my mind on that question (for what it's worth, since I have not stake in the matter as I'm not American, my country won't ever buy F-35 and I'm not in the military).

[imtringued]

You don't need to flow low when your bombs are guided, have a 74km standoff range and can follow moving targets.

[DuskStar]

Also, if you need the loiter time AND an A-10 could operate in the area... Might as well just have a MQ-9 Reaper orbit overhead 24/7.

[TallGuyShort]

Not sure if all your time in pretend combat included this detail, but the fast-movers are usually bingo fuel after doing like 1 run.

[kuzehanka]

The only way that would be true is if they dropped tanks. If they had to drop tanks, they were already in a situation where the A-10 would have to turn around and go home without even attempting a run.