[Yo-Yo]

Do you think that on average an AV-8B or an F/A-18C is a more effective close air support platform than an A-10C?

[tanknetter]

Do you think that on average an AV-8B or an F/A-18C is a more effective close air support platform than an A-10C?

From an airframe perspective, it depends on the combat and threat environment, doesn't it? If you need to work a CAS scenario where only a CVN or LHA/LHD can get aircraft close enough to the battle, then yes ... and AV-8B or F/A-18 IS going to be more effective. Because the A-10C won't be able to get there.

From an aircrew perspective, Marine fixed-wing air lives and breathes CAS. It's a fully integrated part of their organizational culture, to the point where (iirc) EVERY Marine fighter/attack pilot first serves as a Platoon Leader. I have nothing but respect for the A-10 guys, but the Marines make a hell of a good argument that their pilots know the CAS mission better because their pilots are first trained as the folks who will be calling in the CAS mission.

[quadrant]

I’m not any expert on CAS, but my guess is the A-10 (in any variant) if only because the plane is more survivable and carries a bigger payload. The only drawback I can see with the A-10 is that the plane is not carrier compatible.