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> This is our ‘high end’ [fighter], we want to make sure we don’t use it all for the low-end fight. What exactly is a "low-end fight" when it comes to the USAF

> This is our ‘high end’ [fighter], we want to make sure we don’t use it all for the low-end fight. What exactly is a "low-end fight" when it comes to the USAF? Seems to me like the real problem is the F-35 was built to be a do-it-all plane when it would make far more sense to have a more varied fleet of more cost-effective, purpose-built aircraft.

mongol 6y ago
I know nothing about this, but could it not be things such as patrolling? Lots of hours in the air with little expectation of combat, but with readiness if need arises?
medium_burrito 6y ago
Low end fight is where we use drones and Super Tucanos (A29) and play "Aces over Afghanistan" (or wherever-Stan we go next). Purpose built aircraft are indeed better, and flexible cheap and reliable aircraft like Tucanos are the ideal solution for many scenarios.
- hef19898 6y ago
  I do remember these discussions around FCAS, the French-German F-22 if you want. The concept called for a Gen 5+ stealth jet and supporting drones. The jet itself should also be a strike bomber. And then the official concept papers say, that these jets in engangement with comparable craft, will end up in close dog fights. Because both sides see each other rather late. In these dog fights, a dedicated air superiority jet will beat a multi-role strike bomber. They also want to have the strike bomber capabiliy covered by the drones. I was basically laughed at when I asked why the manned FCAS element would be anything else than a specialized dog fighter.
exar0815 6y ago
Low end is Air to dirt against shepherds with rusty Kalashnikovs. The best plane for that is the A-10. Interestingly, exactly the plane the Army grunt and brass loves and the Air Force Brass wants to get it killed ASAP.
- onepointsixC 6y ago
  The best plane for that isn't a plane, but a helicopter which has better loitering time. Combine that with the range and speed of the Future Vertical Lift program proposals and there is no need for the A-10 in the future.
NikolaeVarius 6y ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_EMB_314_Super_Tucano#United_States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_EMB_314_Super_Tucano#U...
twic 6y ago
It's a light attack / armed reconnaissance aircraft: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Attack/Armed_Reconnaissance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Attack/Armed_Reconnaissa... The Tucano several other comments have mentioned was a strong contender. The Scorpion also looked pretty great, and went from concept to first flight in just over two years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textron_AirLand_Scorpion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textron_AirLand_Scorpion I don't know why it was disqualified.

mongol 6y ago

I know nothing about this, but could it not be things such as patrolling? Lots of hours in the air with little expectation of combat, but with readiness if need arises?

medium_burrito 6y ago

Low end fight is where we use drones and Super Tucanos (A29) and play "Aces over Afghanistan" (or wherever-Stan we go next). Purpose built aircraft are indeed better, and flexible cheap and reliable aircraft like Tucanos are the ideal solution for many scenarios.

hef19898 6y ago
I do remember these discussions around FCAS, the French-German F-22 if you want. The concept called for a Gen 5+ stealth jet and supporting drones. The jet itself should also be a strike bomber. And then the official concept papers say, that these jets in engangement with comparable craft, will end up in close dog fights. Because both sides see each other rather late. In these dog fights, a dedicated air superiority jet will beat a multi-role strike bomber. They also want to have the strike bomber capabiliy covered by the drones. I was basically laughed at when I asked why the manned FCAS element would be anything else than a specialized dog fighter.

exar0815 6y ago

Low end is Air to dirt against shepherds with rusty Kalashnikovs. The best plane for that is the A-10. Interestingly, exactly the plane the Army grunt and brass loves and the Air Force Brass wants to get it killed ASAP.

onepointsixC 6y ago
The best plane for that isn't a plane, but a helicopter which has better loitering time. Combine that with the range and speed of the Future Vertical Lift program proposals and there is no need for the A-10 in the future.

NikolaeVarius 6y ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_EMB_314_Super_Tucano#United_States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_EMB_314_Super_Tucano#U...

twic 6y ago

It's a light attack / armed reconnaissance aircraft: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Attack/Armed_Reconnaissance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Attack/Armed_Reconnaissa... The Tucano several other comments have mentioned was a strong contender. The Scorpion also looked pretty great, and went from concept to first flight in just over two years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textron_AirLand_Scorpion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textron_AirLand_Scorpion I don't know why it was disqualified.