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Originally Posted by Sadistic-Savior";p="
We are discussing close quarters combat, arnt we? If so, that would mean we already have troops on the ground (Infantry, tanks, or both) that can paint a target in the way you describe. Why cant they do that?
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Unless things have changed since I was in (always a possibility), it's a communications and equipment issue.
Your average grunt on the ground does not have the training, equipment or radio frequencies to call in ground support like that. It usually takes a FAC (forward air controller) of some sort, usually Air Force or special forces, who has the right kind of marking laser and the ability (and authority) to communicate with the A-10 or its controllers.
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I know for sure that missiles have been used to destroy tanks. That seems pretty precise to me.
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Yes. The problem isn't hitting a dot; it's knowing which dot to hit. And in the case of rugged terrain, it's seeing the dot from the air.
The engine exhaust flows over the rear of the plane, reducing and spreading the heat signature. And the plane is tough enough that a single hit, or even multiple hits, usually won't bring it down. It can fly with one engine out and one wing almost entirely torn off.
A-10s provide precision, on-call ground support that JSFs are unlikely to be able to match, either because the JSFs run out of munitions faster, or run out of fuel faster, or are unable to hit as close to friendly forces.
But I know more about A-10s than the JSF. So I could be wrong.