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Originally Posted by Sadistic-Savior";p="
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.
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Nope, you're not. It's been a known problem for decades. Doesn't mean it's easy to solve.
Three major issues:
1. Frequencies. The Air Force operates on different radio frequencies than the ground-pounders both because they have different communication needs and to avoid stepping on each other's transmissions. So to communicate with the Air Force, somebody on the ground needs a special radio.
2. Authorization and training. Calling in an air strike is not something you want every Snuffy in the line to be able to do. And it takes training -- in operating the laser, in the proper radio procedure, etc.
3. Interservice rivalry. Pilots don't like being ordered around by grunts, who they view as more than willing to see a plane shot down if it means less risk for those on the ground. Grunts tend to trust artillery more than planes, because planes are flown by scaredy-cat prima-donnas with itchy trigger fingers.
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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.
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Maybe they can. But multirole aircraft like the JSF tend to do a lot of things pretty well, while speciality craft like the A-10 do one thing very, very well. From a logistics point of view, things like the JSF make sense. From a ground effects point of view, it's less clear.