Its nasty, has implications that will affect US manufacturing (if the Brazilian plane is chosen) and has put the USAF in the uncomfortable position of having a contest that will be questioned no matter which airplane is chosen.
Why not simply pull A-10's out of mothballs, refurbish them and have them perform this mission? In its most basic form its not that much more sophisticated than the two contentders, is more robust, faster, can carry a heavier weapons load and if properly configured can have a similar time on station.
Additionally its designed for rough field use, its combat proven and should be more survivable than either of the other planes.
This is really a no brainer and would save money, help industry by tossing a bone to the refurb work (or if kept in house by the USAF, save money) and is an effective solution.
Quite honestly the A-10 is the airplane that the US Navy should have chosen for Imminent Fury. I can only wonder if the reason why it wasn't was due to a bit of interservice politics and perhaps a desire by SOCOM for a unique airplane?
Whatever the reason the plane to pick for the Light Air Support Mission is a plane the USAF already has---in abundance. The A-10. And if SOCOM decides that they need some in house attack planes and perhaps escorts for their helicopters then the A-10 should top that list too. Use what we have. That's the beginning of defense reform.
