A comparative flyoff between the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-35 Lightning II, focusing on their performance in close air support roles. The 2018 flyoff results, recently released by the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), revealed that the F-35 did not completely outperform the A-10 as expected in various missions. The report raises questions about the Air Force’s plan to retire the A-10s without a direct replacement for its close air support capabilities.
Key Points
- Comparative Flyoff: The 2018 flyoff between the A-10 and F-35 was designed to evaluate their capabilities in close air support, combat search-and-rescue, and forward air controller missions.
- Mixed Results: The POGO report indicated that the F-35 did not dominate all categories, with the A-10 showing particular strengths in certain scenarios, despite the F-35’s advanced technology.
- Challenges in Testing Conditions: The test faced limitations, such as communication system issues, use of inert ordnance, and absence of helicopters and ground troops, which could have impacted the assessment of the aircraft’s full capabilities.
- Air Force’s Retirement Plan for A-10s: The results bring into question the Air Force’s decision to retire the A-10s, as there is no dedicated replacement for the Warthog’s close air support role.
- Concerns for Future Operations: The retirement of the A-10 without a clear replacement for its close air support role raises concerns about the U.S. military’s preparedness for scenarios where such capabilities are crucial.
Source: https://www.sandboxx.us/news/f-35-versus-a-10-showdown-revived-as-new-documents-come-to-light/
