I’m aware of the USAF feelings on the A-10. I did a little work on the A-10C test plans before leaving that world. I also spent enough time in the F-111 to be aware of the USAF’s feelings about ANY old plane.
However, I will admit that targeting pods are pretty incredible now, and someone dropping from 30K may well be more accurate than someone trying to drop at 100’. But then, I remember doing 10 deg dives with dumb bombs, and the difficulty of target acquisition.
“But then, I remember doing 10 deg dives with dumb bombs, and the difficulty of target acquisition.”
How many times an A-10 can support the men on the ground compared to the F-35?
An A-10 can deliver the same smart ammunition.
Weapons payload
F-35A/C: 8,100 kg
A-10A: 7,250 kg
Hardpoints:
F-35A/C: 6 + 2 internal bays
A-10: 11
Cannon:
F-35A/C: 25 mm / 180 rounds (3 seconds)
A-10: 30 mm / 1,200 rounds (17 / 34 seconds)
The A10 can deliver about the same weight of bombs and has more hardpoints to deliver smaller ones. The A-10 cannon can deliver 5 to 10 times more rounds.
The next thing is the VTOL F-35B has no internal gun, has less payload, has less range ... and is the dedicated future CAS aircraft for the Marines.
The difference is dumb rounds are about 100 times cheaper compared to smart ammunition not to mention the platform delivering the ammunition.
Dumping the A-10 won’t save a dime.
Pilots must train and you can’t do everything in a simulator.
http://nation.time.com/2013/04/02/costly-flight-hours/
Simulator time is also not quite cheap.