Which airframe will do better in this CAS faceoff, the A-10 or F-35?

Sadly I voted not with my heart but with the realities of technological advancements. F35 will win. It is a newer frame with better technology. However, I doubt the F35 would have the same success fighting in the same role as the A10 under similar circumstances (altitude, etc.). The A10 was a glutton for punishment. The F35 is likely a lot more fragile.

SPC Matt Johnson - SKYNET hates the A10 too..I wonder why?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT9k7mGze4I

That type of thinking has been done before and the advanced aircraft could not provide the close air support. In Viet Nam the A1E Skyraider, a WWII vintage aircraft was taken out of mothballs as it could fulfill that closes air support mission mission. the faster jets could not. The A1E could also take battle damage and survive thing the advanced aircraft could not. The A1E could come in so close it was often referred to as a Sandy as it came in a treetop levels and below and got right down in the sand. In this picture the A1E is entering with a rescue helicopter that is also inbound to pick up a downed pilot. (notice how close to the ground the A1E is) The A10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) was designed to take over the mission only the A1E could do and was well suited for that. The A10 also could withstand battle damage other aircraft could not, was very maneuverable and designed for close air support. The A10 also has a backup system for every system in the aircraft. The A1E and its replacement to A10 both have a proven track record !

The Skyraider was an awesome airplane, and much bigger in real life than one would imagine. We affectionately called them Spads, and the Navy designation was AD. They were used by USAF, USMC, USN, British Royal Navy, French, South Vietnam, and I'm sure they found service in other countries as well. The engine was an R3350; similarly used in the B29, Constellation, DC-7, and P2 Neptune.

SFC Mark Merino Thank you for your reply.

Capt Jeff S. Thank you for your reply.

Capt Jeff S. But it is so shiny.

Yeah, "Oooooh, shinies!"

Jeff, the Air Force has the most money, hence it has the most lobbyists, driving the politicians to buy and keep weapons systems and planes that even the military says it does not want. It is not rational, as we understand that word in this context-buy the best systems for the cheapest cost possible, using competitive bidding in an honest and transparent purchasing system (get the most bang for your buck)! This is a system that has gotten away from buying the best for the troops and the American Public and has devolved into a form of legal corruption, and a Big Government Welfare System for everyone sucking off the teat of the defense industry. Nothing is as corrupt as the Wasteful Defense Industry. Eisenhower's warning against the Military Industrial Complex is as relevant today as ever, maybe more so, since we are facing an unprecedented number of complex threats and challenges, from terrorists, ISIS, and Russia, and now China. We need now more than ever that our defense money go only to those programs that are truly necessary and effective.

http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~hst306/documents/indust.html