Originally Posted by
Finnpog
If the plan is for F-35 style CAS to orbit at height and plink with precision guided munitions, then Reaper must surely by a better alternative for delivering effect on target.
It is already an alternative to traditional CAS. There aren't infinite Reapers in service, however. My experience with armed UAV/RPV's is that they are a low density, high demand asset. A disadvantage of Reaper and other RPV's now in service is how freaking slow they are.
No dash speed.
The fast jets can get to more places in a given time segment.
That X plane the Navy has been working on lately would seem to overcome that limitation if it ever goes IOC.