Originally Posted by
George K Lee
Nothing is that simple.
Indeed. However, it is fair to say that no manned asset is going to be doing CAS in a sophisticated air-defense environment (even a Pantsyr-type threat) until the defenses have been taken down, and that (so far) fixed-wing platforms with DIRCM have been able to defeat MANPADS at ranges that are compatible with their sensors and weapons. This of course is irrespective of RCS.
A-10 max speed: 381 kt
F-35 max speed: 1,058 kt
Is there a prize?
Yes. A conical hat and a stool in the corner. If the base is not close to the target (in airpower terms - under 200 nm), an F-35 will scream in at Mach 1.6 and say "sorry chaps, need to refuel, good luck, bye". As will pretty much any FJ at max speed. I think you know that.
Conversely, where the A-10 outpoints FJs is persistence over the target, or in the area. I don't see the 30-mm. as being vital in the era of PGMs or in the coming era of guided tube rounds; but the Hog will have its uses in a small-arms-and-MANPADS environment until another CAS platform comes along. By the way, small gunships and light attackers have their uses too - turboprops and DIRCM make a tough target for MANPADS.
But what you do need for CAS, in addition to a diverse PGM magazine, is multi-band EO/IR targeting and a Rover-equivalent video link. So let's continue this discussion when the F-35 has these things, which on current plans may start to happen in 2023.
Wear the hat, take the stool and do try not to woffle on.
Horses for courses sums it up.