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In a CAS role the F-35 would use JDAMs rather than guns. The A-10 is the only US fixed wing aircraft still using guns in CAS.
by MrMember 12y ago
In a CAS role the F-35 would use JDAMs rather than guns. The A-10 is the only US fixed wing aircraft still using guns in CAS.
- gaius 12y agoHow many of them does it carry? Also, AC-130.
- MrMember 12y agoThe CAS loadouts currently used by F-16s and F/A-18s will fit onto the F-35. >Also, AC-130 Noted, though I was thinking of aircraft that have to put themselves in danger to make low and slow strafing runs.
- tsotha 12y agoThe go-to weapon now for CAS is the SDB, which is 250 pounds. In theory the F-35 can carry 32 of them. 48 if they tweak the bomb racks. Guided missiles are much more efficient than guns on a pound-for-pound basis, particularly for an anti-armor role. DU is heavy.
- techdragon 12y agoHeavy, scary and extremely effective at making most people run the hell away from anywhere it's hitting the ground
- tsotha 12y agoFor six seconds, sure. Makes no sense.
- chiph 12y agoThe A-10 can fire danger-close with the GAU-8. A JDAM has a large blast radius - not sure troops in contact would want one used near them.