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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 that the F-22 can network with other F-22s or with AWACs...how difficult could it be for ground troops (especially tanks) to tap into that network and provide targeting data? I cant be the first one to have considered that.
Targeting lasers are not expensive or bulky. Communication with AWACs could be done real-time.
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Yes. The problem isn't hitting a dot; it's knowing which dot to hit.
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Multiple sources would reduce that variable. If 4 tanks are targeting the same target from different angles that reduces the "which dot to hit" variable.
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And in the case of rugged terrain, it's seeing the dot from the air.
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If the A10 could see it, why couldnt the guided missile see it? GPS could be used to enhance that data as well...the weapon would not necessarily have to rely only just the laser.
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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
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Which is why I said "assuming they are well equipped" in my initial quote.
If they are flying from carriers or nearby bases, those variables are reduced or removed.
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But I know more about A-10s than the JSF. So I could be wrong.
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JSFs were not designed for ground support roles as far as I know. But I dont see why they would not be capable of filling those roles. The fact that they can also be used for air superiority makes them far more versitile than the A10 IMO. They can do the A10's job a lot better than the A10 can do their job.
The JSF should be able to do whatever the F117 can do as far as ground support. The F117 should be able to accomplish all the same things I just described.